You’re planning a website design (or redesign), and you’re READY to go. You’ve found the perfect designer, you’ve got a folder full of fonts, a Pinterest board for inspo, and a growing excitement about *finally* having a site that feels like you.
But before you get too deep into visuals, we need to talk about something that often gets overlooked: the words.
(Or in other words, the copy.)
Now, you might be thinking, “But why do I need to do both?!” And I get it—you’re already investing a lot in design. But without the strategy, clarity, and voice that great copy brings to the table, even the prettiest website can underperform.
So let’s talk about it 👇
What happens if you only invest in design?
Here’s what I see happen all the time: someone hires a designer, starts dreaming about the visuals, and gets excited about seeing their brand come to life … until it’s time to add the words, that is.
And then? Nothing happens.
Because many designers won’t even begin your project without finalized copy in hand. Why? Because copy determines structure. It impacts layout. It tells them how many sections to build, where the CTAs go, what imagery makes sense, and how the entire site should flow.
So now you’re on the hook for all the content—but you’re unsure what to say, how long it should be, or what really matters.
*Cue panic*
Maybe you dig up some old copy, or try to DIY it late at night, or leave huge chunks blank and hope your designer can “just fill it in.”
But the thing is: that’s not their job. Designers are not copywriters, and they shouldn’t be expected to build strategy around placeholder text.
When you don’t invest in web design and copywriting for your project, your site often ends up feeling a little empty. It’s beautiful, but totally missing the substance that moves people to take action and the SEO that gets you on page 1 of Google.
And this isn’t a designer problem. It’s a process problem. Because design is meant to support and enhance your message, not create it from scratch. So if the copy isn’t clear, confident, or aligned with your goals, even the best design can only do so much.
Which brings us here:
Why you need both web design and copywriting
Here’s the thing: design draws someone in. But copy makes them stay.
So they’re not just complementary; they’re co-dependent. Design gives your brand visual credibility. It creates the initial “okay, this looks legit” moment. But it’s the words that take it further by introducing you, explaining your offers, building trust, and showing your audience what’s possible when they work with you.
So if your design is stunning but your messaging feels vague, outdated, or just not like you anymore? People might admire your site, but they won’t stick around. Not because they’re not interested, but because they’re not sure what they’re looking at or why it matters to them.
But when web design and copywriting are developed side by side? That’s when your site becomes more than just a placeholder. It becomes a powerful, on-brand experience that actually works for your business.
What to do before starting your website design project
If you want your website to do more than just look good in a browser tab—if you want it to bring in the right people, showcase your work clearly, and move visitors toward taking action—you have to start with strategy. Not style.
And that means getting a few foundational pieces in place before you hand things over to your designer.
1. Clarify your core message
Before you get swept up in the visuals (which, yes! are fun and exciting), you need to take a step back and ask yourself some harder questions:
What do I really do? Who am I doing it for? And why does it matter to them?
At the crux of it, it’s about understanding your own business on a deeper level so you can clearly communicate the value you offer. Because if your messaging is fuzzy or half-formed, your website copy will be too. And if your copy is vague or disconnected, your designer will be left trying to build a layout around guesswork instead of strategy.
In short, your message is the foundation of your web design and copywriting. Everything else builds from there.
2. Define the role your website plays in your business
Your website should have a job. Not just a “looking pretty online” kind of job, but a results-driven one.
It could be that you want to book more 1:1 clients. Or you might be interested in selling digital products, growing your email list, or establishing your expertise. (And it can even be all of the above!)
Whatever the case, your site should be built to guide your visitors toward that specific goal. That includes what pages you include, how your navigation is structured, where your calls-to-action show up, and how your content flows from section to section.
If you’re unclear on what you want your site to do, you’re going to end up with a nice-looking portfolio that doesn’t actually get anything done.
So take the time to decide: what’s the primary action I want people to take here? What does “success” look like for this website?
3. Do your SEO research (yes, before you start writing)
Now, I know SEO can feel overwhelming or like something to “deal with later,” but here’s the truth: doing some research before you start writing will make the process easier and more strategic.
Even if your main audience comes from referrals or social media, you still want your website to be optimized for search. Why? Because the right keywords help your content show up in Google, and just as importantly, they help you speak the same language your audience is already using.
Start by identifying a few key terms: think about the services you offer, the location you serve (if relevant), the problems your clients are trying to solve, and the words they’d likely be Googling when they need someone like you.
Then, keep those terms in mind and think about where you want to place them throughout your website for maximum impact.
4. Write your website copy
Now that you’ve laid the groundwork with messaging clarity, goal setting, and SEO strategy, it’s time to actually write the words. This is where your personality, positioning, and voice all come into play (and where your site starts to feel like you!).
Your website copy should do more than explain what you offer. It should connect you with your readers, guide them toward taking the action you want them to take, and make them think, “this is exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
And here’s the part most people don’t realize: copy isn’t just about what you say. It’s about how you say it, and in what order. Great website copy doesn’t just sound good; it’s structured intentionally, with a clear flow from one idea to the next. It anticipates questions, builds trust, and leads your reader toward a next step, whether that’s filling out your contact form or checking out your services.
When you have that copy written and finalized before design begins, your designer can build around it. They’ll know how many sections to include, where to place buttons, what kind of visual hierarchy to create. Without that structure, they’re left making assumptions, and your site ends up looking nice, but not doing much.
If this part feels like a lot, that’s why I’m here (hi 💁🏼♀️). Helping you map your messaging, organize your content, and write every page with purpose is what I do best. You can learn more about my copywriting services here.
5. Then—bring in the design
Once the copy is done, you’re ready for design. This is when your project shifts from “planning” to “coming to life.”
With clear messaging, page goals, SEO direction, and strategic copy in hand, your designer can do what they do best: create a visual experience that enhances everything you’ve written, supports your user journey, and helps your business stand out online.
And if you’re working with me on the copy? You don’t even have to play middleman. I’ll communicate directly with your designer (if you’d like), provide clean copy handoffs, and make sure the whole process feels collaborative and aligned.
Web designers I love to work with
Already have a copywriter (or ready for us to work together?) Perfect. Here are a few designers I absolutely love collaborating with—creatives who value clarity, strategy, and a website that looks as good as it reads:
Laura Gandy – Her work feels like flipping through a vintage-inspired art book: thoughtful, nostalgic, and powerful. She brings heart and empathy to every project, transforming your words into a beautifully structured, emotionally resonant user experience that feels as good as it looks.
Michaela Dunn – She offers clean, modern design with plenty of personality. Michaela creates layouts that feel elevated, intentional, and so easy to navigate. Her process is collaborative, thoughtful, and full of fun little surprises along the way.
Lennox Creative – Chelsea creates thoughtful design for business owners who want to feel supported. Chelsea’s work blends warmth, creativity, and intention (and she has her own website templates too!).
All of these ladies are my friends, but are first and foremost AMAZING designers. They’re the only ones I recommend when you want your web design and copywriting to work together from day one. They’re intentional, collaborative, and genuinely care about helping your brand show up well online.
TLDR; Good design needs good copy to work
At the end of the day, your website isn’t just there to look cute online—it’s meant to do something. Bring in leads. Book clients. Build trust. Sell your offer.
But that only happens when web design and copywriting are strategically aligned.
If you’ve got a website project coming up and need someone to help you say what you really mean (in a way that actually connects), I’d love to support you.
→ Explore my website copy services
→ Book a free discovery call
→ Download my ideal client avatar worksheet
Let’s make something that doesn’t just look pretty, but actually works hard for your business.
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