Should good communications rely solely on good looks? We think not. We’ll tell you why the most logical, cost-effective and impactful way to reach audiences is to take a copy-first approach.
We all know the phrase ‘dress to impress’. But is the same true when it comes to communication? To persuade, connect and impress, is it enough to just dress-up your message with eye-catching design?
While design delivers a great first impression, there’s more to successful communications than dressing it up. Just think: a salad isn’t a bowl of dressing. The dressing makes a better salad, but alone, it won’t fill you up.
Copy and design need to work together. But, we recommend a content-first approach. Here’s why:
It’s logical
DIY projects prove the logic in measuring twice, cutting once. Similarly, you'll need an idea of your copy length before you start working on your design. A good copywriter can help you determine how much you should say. After that’s locked-in, deciding on visual aspects such as layout, format and images become much easier for you and your designer.
It guarantees results
Nothing moves people as language does. Let words set the tone and motivate your audience to take action. Then, a good designer can come in to tie it all together with beautiful visuals that complement and emphasise those power-words.
It’s cost-effective
Not everyone can write well, so invest in quality copywriting. Senior writers typically hit the mark on the first go, saving you time and money on revisions. On top of that, having your copy finalised first means fewer design changes. After all, you don’t want to pay extra because your designer has to fix stray typos and spelling errors along the way.
An acclaimed web designer once said, “design in the absence of content is not design; it’s decoration.” Don’t just decorate—take the logical, cost-effective approach that guarantees your communication hits the mark. By following great copy with beautiful design, you’ll impress your audience and enhance your brand reputation.
About Victoria
Victoria believes that great communication has the power to change the world. She's passionate about helping organisations to lift their profiles, inspire action and achieve remarkable results by crafting and delivering their stories and messages in a clear, compelling and persuasive way. If you've got a question about how to produce high-quality communication plans or content, you can contact Victoria here or connect with her on LinkedIn.