If I had a dollar for every website copy inquiry reading, “I’m under a bit of a time crunch. I only have two weeks before I need to meet with my web designer” (← actual quote)…
…I’d still be writing website copy, but I could buy a lot of avocados. The thing is—that prospect is one of many who booked a website designer before planning copy. If that’s you, you’re not the first. After all, you’re not expected to know these things! That’s my job as a copywriter help you learn and plan ahead for next time.
As a general rule:
Hire a website copywriter at least three months before your copy deadline to avoid sending last-minute inquiries.
And that’s it. Blog post: done.
Kidding!
That’s the gist, but nuances abound. If you’re reading this, you likely have a few questions about when to hire a website copywriter. Consider these four questions—
No. 01: Are you planning a launch or rebrand?
If your website is part of your launch or rebrand, consider hiring a copywriter before design. I collaborate with a lot of web designers who say copy is their biggest blocker.
Copy and brand design (i.e., your logo, color palette, and fonts) can happen in either order, or in tandem. But when it comes to your website, copy always comes first.
You’ve probably heard: Copy informs design.
But what informs copy? Research and strategy do, and those take time to do right.
Research informs the sitemap and information architecture of your copy and design. Copy serves as the signage. It directs the website structure:
- How much space does each headline need?
- Where do the subheadlines fit in?
- How long is each section of body copy?
- Where do the call-to-action buttons go?
The sitemap and copy determine how people will navigate through your website to the point of conversion (such as your contact form or booking link). Without this step, your designer can only estimate what goes where. A website copywriter provides the strategic foundation based on your conversion goals.
Are you planning a website launch or rebrand in the next 3+ months?
✘ No—you don’t need to hire a website copywriter right now*
✔ Yes—continue to question no. 02
*Unless your website copy is converting poorly, in which case a conversion-focused website copywriter can audit and optimize for you.
No. 02: What’s your budget?
A copywriter’s pricing depends on their experience, expertise, demand, business model, and more. In short, the cost varies based on several factors.
As of 2025, website copywriters with proven results charge around $6,500 to $10,000+ for a standard business website, including proper research and strategy.
Side note: I’m always reluctant to define a “standard website” by the number of pages, since a custom website should prioritize a clear user journey over an arbitrary page count. For all intents and purposes, a “standard website” is one with a narrow service and audience focus (compared to one with a complex offer structure and multiple audience segments).
Other factors, like positioning development and search engine optimization (SEO), can increase the cost. CopyHackers has a free quote calculator you can use to get a rough estimate based on your project needs.
You can always find someone to do the work for less, but I don’t recommend it unless they can prove results. Otherwise, you’ll redo your copy within a year or two. I’ve rewritten website copy for plenty of clients who went this route, coming to me with comments like:
- “My current website is a bland one, created by a legal-focused company.”
- “I made the mistake of going with an agency that created a cookie-cutter situation on my website that I’m trying to reconfigure. Copy is a top priority this time.”
- “I spent thousands of dollars on design… I wish I would’ve just spent that money on a copywriter.”
I’m a stickler for efficiency—and a huge proponent of “do it right the first time.” If you can’t invest in copy and design right now, I recommend starting with copy or waiting until you can invest in both.
Do you have the budget to invest in website copywriting services?
✘ No—skip to question no. 04
✔ Yes—continue to question no. 03
No. 03: What’s your timeline?
As a general rule of thumb, you should hire a copywriter at least three months before your copy deadline. Most specialists book out 1-3 months and need 4-6+ weeks to complete a website copy project.
Here’s a sample timeline for a simple website with custom copy and design:
Launch date: April 15
- Website copywriting: 4 weeks
- Website design: 8 weeks
That means you should:
- Hire your website copywriter by November 15
- Start website copy by January 15
- Hire your website designer by December 15
- Start website design by February 15
Your timeline will also depend on the website platform you choose. Custom development on platforms like WordPress or Webflow will typically take longer than building on a no-code platform like Squarespace, Wix, or Showit (my platform of choice—get a month free with my referral link).
Do you have enough time to work with a website copywriter?
✘ No—continue to question no. 04
✔ Yes—you’re ready to hire a copywriter! Check out my website copywriting services.
No. 04: Can you do it yourself?
Sometimes, “now” isn’t the right time to hire a website copywriter. If you want:
a) a more budget-friendly option
b) to work at your own pace
c) to learn how to write copy yourself
If your business is brand new, writing your own copy can also help you gain clarity and confidence in your offers. A lot can change in the first 1-2 years of running a business!
After a few years, you’ll know your audience and offers to a T and hiring a website copywriter is a great investment.
All that said, could you benefit from writing your own copy?
✘ No—explore my done-for-you website copywriting services
✔ Yes—check out my free copywriting guides and resources
So, should you hire a copywriter right now?
In the words of every lawyer, “it depends.” Copywriters do more than “write stuff.” We blend art and science to pitch your value to the right prospects. Think strategy, SEO, sales, and storytelling. If you have the budget, time, and business plan—a copywriter can help you reach the next level.
To recap, now might be the right time to hire a website copywriter if:
- You’re planning a website launch or rebrand in the next 3+ months
- You have a healthy budget to invest in copywriting, done right
- You have 3-5+ months before your website launch date
- You have a clear business plan, target audience, and offers
Sound like you? Get in touch to discuss how we can work together.
