The StyleSheet » Archive » Using a Copywriter to Create Your Web Content

Using a Copywriter to Create Your Web Content

Posted September 1, 2006 By Caroling Lee |

If you are thinking of redesigning your current site or creating a brand new site, one of your most important considerations will be the content.

“If there is ONE thing I would recommend to anyone starting a Web site design project it would be to get a copywriter. It’s worth it.”

What will you write? What kind of information do you want to offer on the Web site? Who is your target market? Is SEO (Search Engine Optimization) an important consideration?

These are million dollar questions on every Web site project and generating content is THE most difficult aspect. Generally, clients know the most about their own business, but it’s an entirely different case to effectively write about their business for the Web.

More often than not, Web site projects come to a screeching halt as clients struggle with gathering, writing and editing content for their site.

Writing for the Web is a special skill that requires a blend of journalistic style, informational writing, and creativity. Professional Web copywriters are also familiar with how to incorporate keywords and key phrases appropriately to maximize Search Engine Optimization (SEO) results.

If there is ONE thing I would recommend to anyone starting a Web site design project it would be to get a copywriter. It’s worth it.

How Do I Find a Web Copywriter?

Ask for Referrals. Just like any other specialized skill, it’s always good to get a referral from someone that has already worked with a copywriter on another project. Find out if their rates are competitive, what kind of timeframe you can expect, if they have experience writing for the Web and (if Search Engine Optimization is important to you) find out if they have experience with creating keyword-rich content.
Review their Portfolio. Like other Creatives, most writers will have a body of work that you can check out. Read the Web sites that they’ve written copy for and see if they are related to your industry. Writing for an aerospace company is very different from writing for a women’s boutique. However, many writers are very versatile and if you see this quality in their portfolio, chances are they can write for your business as well.
Do an Internet Search. You may find a good resource by doing a simple Internet search. You can narrow your search by region as many copywriters may want to visit your business and interview your staff (this can also be done over the phone).

Remember – users will visit your Web site seeking information, so content is the most important part of it. Providing them with well-written content that is easy-to-read, rich with relevant information and inspires them to act will add to the success of your site.

Return to current issue

Let's get the discussion going. Please comment on this article.