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When Poor Design Gets in the Way of Good Copy

Today’s question is:

How do you work with a designer on a copy project? I recently completed a project and the client’s designer has built the site and now I’m supposed to squeeze the copy in to fit. I didn’t realize this was going to work this way. It doesn’t give me enough time and it doesn’t allow me to do great work either. So what do I do?

I typically write in wireframes, but if I deliver that way, does it make me look like a dickhead? Like I’m trying to compete with them or prove them wrong? By the way, I think they are wrong.

Most copywriting projects need a designer to bring everything to life. And while a great collaboration can result in something truly glorious, the fact is that the copywriter and designer often work in isolation. Which can lead to awkward exchanges and poor project outcomes. Here’s how we work our way around this problem.

In this episode:

  • Why a client is hiring you. 1:30
  • How to bring up design during the discovery call. 2:00
  • What to do if a client puts design before copy. 4:05
  • Start a conversation with the designer. 5.30
  • Don’t be attached to the outcome. 7:20
  • Wireframing is a valuable skill. 8:10

Click here to download a transcript of this episode.

Where to find Amy:

Where to find Kirsty:

Where to submit your questions (anonymous or not!)

About Business Badassery

Amy’s a conversion copywriter, business coach and serial business owner who’s been reading advice columns since she was nine. With decades of business experience, she’s gotten very good at quickly reading situations and coming up with solutions – especially on the fly. You can find her at amyposner.com

Kirsty’s a launch copywriter and ex-psychotherapist, who’s smack bang in the middle of scaling her business with online courses. She’s good at making sense of human tendencies, selling things with words, and only following the work that feels good. You can find her at kirstyfanton.com

“Amy and Kirsty are wonderful, wise and witty!

I already push myself hard enough so I'm not interested in working with coaches that are going to "crack the whip" and "kick my arse".

Kirsty and Amy both have a gently challenging coaching style. I always left sessions feeling validated, smart and capable but with a clear idea of how to make things even betterer.”

Anna Rogan
Creative Copywriter

“Kirsty seems to have this ability to see things that aren't being said. And then she brings them to light in such a nurturing way. 

Amy is direct AND caring all at the same time. It makes it easier for me to get to the point cause I know you'll get to the point when you ask about the things you need more info on.

Together — I love that neither of them hold back when their opinion/suggestion/perspective differs from the other's. It just makes it all so much more valuable. 

Also, they’re both so genuine, warm, smart and hilarious. Those 'good' traits just compound when you put the two of them together, ya know?”

Miish Grixti
Conversion Copywriter

“All I'd ever heard about Amy was that she's a great coach. Welp, she's a great coach. Knows the right questions to ask to get through the bullshit and get to the root issue.

And my sweet, sweet Kirsty. Using all of her best therapy tricks to keep us moving forward. And making us feel loved :)

Together? Stop. So good. I have never felt so supported. 

I think the value in coaching is having someone hold a bigger vision for you than you can see yourself. So having TWO of you hold that for me was extremely motivating.”

Megan Baird
Email Copywriter