What Comes First: Website Design or Website Copy?
You’re all set for a brand-new website — cue the excitement.
Then your brain throws you this curveball:
“Do I sort the website design first, or the website copy?”
It’s a question that stumps a lot of business owners. And the short answer?
Copy first. (Almost) always.
Here’s why:
Let’s get one thing straight: your website isn’t a mood board.
It’s a sales tool. A 24/7 “hey, look at me, love me, buy from me” machine.
And the thing that fuels that machine? Words.
Now, don’t get me wrong — I love a good-looking site as much as the next person. But it’s 2025 bby, and we’ve moved beyond pretty.
When you work with a copywriter who actually understands customer journeys, user experience, and conversion strategy.
… (which… hi, should be all of us), we’re not just writing the words.
We’re building you a wireframe — the flow your designer can flesh out. And a copy wireframe? Makes life a whole lot easier for your website designer.
Website copy first makes website designers happy.
We map the flow.
We create calls-to-action that guide people exactly where you want them to go.
We write headlines that grab attention and body copy that keeps it.
And while we’re doing all that, we’re giving your designer a clear framework:
Where the hero section needs a bold, roomy headline.
Where they can go wild with imagery.
Where that big, juicy “buy now” or “pick me” button should live.
It’s basically doing part of their job for them. They might even send us a thank-you bottle of wine. (Note to website designers: still waiting.)
Of course, if you’ve got the budget & timeline, bringing your copywriter & designer on at the same time is the gold standard.
That’s when we riff off each other’s ideas, catch problems before they happen, and make sure every click, scroll, and button press is working towards the same goal: connection and conversion.
But if you have to choose? Copy first. Every time.
Of course, some copywriters who don’t go deep into customer journeys, user experience, or conversion strategy can still be brilliant creative wordsmiths.
They might be more than happy to work with whatever flow the designer hands them — and for some projects, that works just fine.
But here’s my concern: your website isn’t just a pretty online brochure. It’s a sales tool.
Skip the strategic layer and you could miss out on the kinda copy that has people falling head over heels in love with you.
And once they love you?
They’ll buy from you.
Again. And again. And again.
Hey cutie - I’m Pip, the creative and strategic website copywriter over here at Articulate Communications.
I’ve been told once or twice: I’ve got a way with words. And I sure as sugar know how to help you find your voice, share your stories, connect with your people, and sell while you sleep (or sip 2pm chilli coconut margs in the sunshine).
It’s my job to help you finally move from *meh* to memorable brand. And I do that with a saucy little blend of creative and strategic copywriting.
Wanna see what this looks like for you? Holla at me.