To do it yourself or to hire someone to do it for you…that is the question all entrepreneurs eventually face. 

As biz owners, we’re wearing all the freaking hats. Between managing social media, writing copy for emails and website content, trying to design things that don’t look absolutely awful, keeping an eye on finances, and figuring out how to market yourself…

It’s a lot. I mean, I got tired just writing that. 

But, it also doesn’t always make sense to hire someone else to do something for you (and I know that might be surprising coming from someone whose job security relies on other people outsourcing). 

The truth is, sometimes DIYing it is the way to go. 

So, if you’ve been asking yourself: “should I hire a copywriter for my website?” this blog post is for you because we’re covering all the things—from what to consider to how to hire a website copywriter. I got you.

1 – How well do you know your ideal client?

Copywriters are magicians when it comes to stringing words together to form compelling sentences that resonate with your dream clients. 

But the second part of the equation depends on you and how well you know your audience. If you don’t have a clear idea of who you’re trying to speak to, there’s not a whole lot a copywriter can do. 

Which means, if you feel shaky about who you want to attract > your best option is to DIY your copy that way you won’t waste money on vague copy and you’ll get to know your ideal client better in the process of writing everything yourself!

If you do know your ideal client well > DFY (done-for-you) copy could be a good bet, keep reading to see what else to consider…

2 – What would you get from doing it yourself?

Writing your own copy, getting to know your own voice, and figuring out how to appeal to your ideal client is so freaking important. After all, it’s not like the only words you have to write are on your website, you’re gonna have to know how to write and explain what you do for everything. 

In emails, in captions, in the spiel you give the guy at the bar when he asks you what you do. 

For business owners who already have a pretty clear idea of what they do and who they serve, spending precious hours writing copy may not feel like a good use of their time or something they can confidently say is within their skillset. If you’re feeling that way > outsourcing is a fabulous option. 

But for newer business owners who need to get the hang of telling others what they do, writing your own copy can be an eye-opening experience that helps you get to know your business better. So, if you feel like you need a personal understanding of what you do and who you serve > use DIYing your own website copy as a deep-dive exercise. 

A few (free!) places you can learn copy fundamentals: 

• My blog (which hopefully, you already guessed)
• Alex Cattoni’s YouTube channel 
• Ashlyn Writes Blog and Resources
• BTL Copy Blog (while you’re at it, sign up for her Tuesday Table of Contents newsletter too)

3 – What’s your budget?

It’s no secret that copywriters are pricey and for good reason. After all, they’re in charge of writing the words that sell courses, build email lists, nurture leads, and turn readers into buyers. They’re also writing the words that will live on for far longer than the time it took to write them. 

Just think about your website copy. Anytime someone goes to visit your website, the words they’re reading leave a direct impression and while I won’t ramble on about all the things that go into website copywriting, know that it requires an intimate understanding of your business, your background, and your audience. So while the high cost makes sense, it doesn’t always make sense to pay that price. 

If you’re just getting started out, dropping a few grand on website copywriting and design before you’ve even had clients, probably doesn’t make the most sense.

If you’re wanting strategy and guidance, you can always look for cheaper ways to work with a copywriter by purchasing a course (I recommend this one), scheduling a strategy session, or paying for a website copy audit after you’ve already written your copy. 

If you’re ready to go all in on your website because investing in copy is the next step you know you need to take, hiring a website copywriter is the way to go. 

4 – What are your expectations?

Your goal should come first, your hire should come second. That way, before you outsource anything, you’ll be clear about what you’re hoping to get out of it. So what’s your purpose?

If you’re looking to take your brand to the next level or in a new direction and want expert-level messaging, hire a copywriter. 

If you have traffic, but your leads aren’t converting and you’re not sure why nor do you want to take the time to figure it out, hire a website copywriter. 

If you hate writing about yourself and you know the only way it will actually get done is by hiring someone else, hire a website copywriter. 

If you want your website copy to take you from 1K to 10K months…take a look at your foundation. 

Copywriting is a fabulous tool that can convey the brilliance of a business or an offer, but no amount of good copy will fix a bad offer or a shaky foundation. It’s not a band-aid solution.

5 – Who’s right for you?

If you read through everything and came to the conclusion that hiring a professional was the right move for you, now it’s time to figure out who. 

For this, you’ll want to do some research. 

You’ll want to consider:

• What’s their experience?
  • If experience is important to you, you’ll want to take a look at their portfolio and see if you like the work they’ve done as well as learn about the results they’ve gotten for other clients. 

• How much do they charge?
  • Copywriters’ prices vary based on their experience so be realistic about how much you’re willing to pay. The range for website copywriters usually falls within $1,000-6,000K+ for a 5-page website.

• What’s their expertise?
  • Do you want someone who knows everything about SEO? Someone who writes websites only for coaches? Someone whose work emphasizes your fabulous personality? 

• What’s their vibe?
  • Not only will you be paying this person a good amount, but you’re also choosing them to represent your voice which means you want to click with them. This doesn’t mean you have to pick a copywriter who writes like you want to sound (it’s our job to sound like you), but it does mean you should pick someone whose personality you enjoy enough to collaborate with.

The bottom line

You definitely don’t have to hire a website copywriter and it’s absolutely possible to write your website copy all on your own (and do a great job at it). BUT, if you don’t want to and are ready to invest then go find your copywriting person! Copywriting is 100% a worthwhile investment to make once you’re ready and they are SO many wildly talented copywriters out there. (And if you’ll allow me the humble brag, I happen to be one of them, so if you vibe with me, let’s chat ; )