One of the biggest stumbling blocks I see when working with clients is the dreaded "content creation" phase. You know your business inside out, but somehow, when it comes to putting that knowledge into words for your website, everything becomes overwhelming. If you've ever stared at a blank document wondering where to start with your website copy, you're definitely not alone.
The good news? There are multiple approaches to creating website content, and finding the right one for you can transform this process from stressful to surprisingly straightforward. Having guided dozens of creative business owners through this process (and even created a comprehensive Website Content Guide to help), I've identified five effective approaches to creating copy that authentically represents your business.
1. The DIY Approach: Writing It Yourself
This is often where most small business owners start, and with good reason. Nobody knows your business quite like you do.
Best for: Those who enjoy writing and have a clear vision of their brand voice.
How to make it work:
Start with a simple content outline for each page
Write conversationally, as if explaining your business to a friend
Focus on benefits to your customer rather than just features
Leave your draft for 24 hours, then return with fresh eyes to edit
Remember, your first draft doesn't need to be perfect. Getting your thoughts down is the hardest part—refinement can come later.
2. AI-Assisted Writing
AI tools have revolutionised content creation, offering a helpful starting point when you're facing a blank page.
Best for: Those who need a jumping-off point or help overcoming writer's block.
How to make it work:
Provide the AI with specific information about your business, audience, and brand voice
Use the generated content as a first draft only
Edit thoroughly to add your unique perspective and personality
Check for accuracy—AI can sometimes make things up!
AI tools work best when you give them clear direction. Think of them as helpful assistants rather than replacements for your unique voice.
3. Hiring a Professional Copywriter
Bringing in a professional can take the pressure off completely while ensuring your website speaks with clarity and purpose.
Best for: Those who want polished, strategic copy without the time investment of creating it themselves.
How to make it work:
Look for copywriters who specialise in your industry
Share examples of writing styles you admire
Provide a thorough brief including your brand voice, audience, and key messages
Budget appropriately—good copy is an investment that pays dividends
A skilled copywriter doesn't just write pretty words; they strategically craft content that guides visitors toward taking action.
4. The Collaborative Workshop Approach
Sometimes, the best content comes from conversation rather than sitting alone with a blinking cursor.
Best for: Those who process thoughts better verbally or want their team involved in the content creation.
How to make it work:
Schedule a dedicated session with key stakeholders
Use prompts and questions to guide discussion
Record the session (with permission) to capture natural language and authentic perspectives
Have someone take notes or transcribe the recording to turn into drafted content
I've found this approach particularly effective for "About" pages, where capturing an authentic voice and story is crucial.
5. The Content Audit & Refresh
If you already have a website or marketing materials, don't start from scratch—build on what you have.
Best for: Businesses undergoing a redesign rather than starting from zero.
How to make it work:
Review all existing content across your digital platforms
Identify what's working well and what needs updating
Repurpose strong content for your new website
Fill gaps with fresh content where needed
This approach saves time while ensuring consistency across all your business communications.
Finding What Works for You
There's no one-size-fits-all approach to creating website copy. Many of my clients use a combination of these methods—perhaps writing some sections themselves, bringing in AI assistance for others, and collaborating with me to refine the overall message and flow.
Whatever approach you choose, remember that your website copy isn't set in stone. The beauty of digital platforms is that they can evolve as your business does. Start with content you're proud to share, then refine as you receive feedback and gain clarity on what resonates with your audience.
The Complete Website Content Guide
If you're feeling overwhelmed by the entire process of preparing website content, I've created something special just for you. My comprehensive "How to Prepare Your Website Content" guide walks you through every step of creating content for your website—from defining your goals and planning your page structure to organising your assets and optimising for search engines.
This 35-page guide includes:
Content planning worksheets
Page-by-page instruction
SEO best practices
Pre-launch checklists
Tips for organising your visual assets
It's the same framework I use with my one-to-one clients, designed to make the content creation process straightforward and stress-free. Check it out ↓
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How to Prepare Your Website Content
£20.00
The complete guide to creating a digital space you're proud of—without the overwhelm.
Ready to finally get your website content sorted?
If you've ever found yourself:
Staring at a blank page, wondering what to write for your website
Feeling overwhelmed by all the different elements you need to prepare
Worrying that you'll miss something important in your website content
Struggling to organise your thoughts and materials in a logical way
Wanting a professional online presence but not knowing where to start
Then this guide was created specifically for you.
Introducing the Website Content Planner
A comprehensive, step-by-step guide that transforms the daunting task of preparing website content into a manageable, even enjoyable process.
£20 (approx $26) - Instant digital download
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What's Inside:
A complete roadmap for creating website content that works
This isn't just another generic template. The Website Content Planner walks you through a proven process I've refined over years of creating websites for small businesses and creative entrepreneurs.
You'll learn how to:
Define clear goals for your website that align with your business objectives
Plan an intuitive site structure that guides visitors exactly where you want them to go
Craft compelling copy that speaks directly to your ideal clients
Prepare and organise your assets
Understand the essential legal requirements for your website (with recommendations from Mela Studio's Good Links resource)
Optimise your content for better search visibility and user experience
Why this guide works
As a Squarespace specialist who's helped countless small businesses create websites they're proud of, I've seen firsthand what makes the difference between a website that truly works for your business and one that just... exists.
The difference isn't fancy technology or complicated design elements—it's thoughtful, strategic content preparation.
This guide combines technical expertise with a creative approach, breaking down complex concepts into approachable, actionable steps. It's the same process I use with my full-service clients, now available as a self-guided resource at a fraction of the cost.
Who this guide is perfect for:
Small business owners who want a professional website without the agency price tag
Creative entrepreneurs looking to showcase their work in the best possible light
DIYers who prefer to handle their own website content but need expert guidance
Anyone working with a web designer who wants to be well-prepared and save time (and money!)
Those refreshing an existing website who want to improve their content strategy
What you'll accomplish:
By the time you complete this guide, you'll have:
Clear website goals that align with your business objectives
A logical site structure that guides visitors through your content
Compelling copy for each page of your website
Organised visual assets ready for implementation
Complete SEO preparation for better visibility
All necessary legal elements to protect your business
A comprehensive content folder that makes building your site a breeze
All organised in a way that makes the actual website creation process smooth and efficient—whether you're building it yourself or working with a designer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is this different from other website guides? Most guides focus only on the technical aspects of building a website. This planner specifically addresses the content preparation process—the part that typically causes the most stress and delays. It's based on real-world experience with small businesses and creative entrepreneurs.
I'm not a writer. Will this still help me? Absolutely! The guide includes prompts, examples, and frameworks specifically designed to help those who don't consider themselves writers. You'll be surprised by how much easier writing becomes when you have the right structure.
How long will it take me to work through this guide? That depends on your pace and how much content you already have prepared. Most people can complete the exercises over 1-2 weeks, working a few hours at a time. The beauty is that you can work at your own pace.
Is this specific to Squarespace or can I use it for any platform? While I specialise in Squarespace, this content planner is platform-agnostic. The principles and processes apply to any website platform you choose to use.
What format does the guide come in? The Website Content Planner is a downloadable, fillable PDF that you can either complete digitally or print out to work on by hand.
Do you offer refunds? No, due to the digital nature of this product, I don't offer refunds. However, if you have any questions about whether this guide is right for you before purchasing, please get in touch and I'll be happy to help.
About Mela Studio
Hi, I'm Angharad
I help small businesses and creative entrepreneurs create beautiful, functional websites they're proud to share—without the overwhelm.
After leaving the BBC in 2015, I started building websites for other independent business owners who were struggling with overwhelming tech requirements or paying high costs to agencies for websites they couldn't manage themselves.
Today, I love working with interesting, creative people to transform their digital spaces into platforms that truly represent their work and save them time in the long run.
The Website Content Planner brings together my years of experience and passion for making web design accessible and stress-free so you can create a digital space that does the talking for you.