I'm sorry but I have to ask this stupid question...

Mark Waterford · 03-13-2009, 12:47 AM

Hi everyone, I'm Mark

Now I know all about writing copy. The actual writing process that is...

But what I don't know is all the technical stuff that goes on behind the scenes. I have looked everywhere and can't find one place that describes that stuff.

So my stupid questions are as follows:

In what programs do you write the copy? Is it dreamweaver? Do I need to use photoshop for anything?

And once I have written the copy for my client, how do I go about giving it to him? Do I give him the html script?

And when I write a sales page for a client, do I write only the words? Or am I expected to also put the pics and testimonials and special offers and boxes in the places they are supposed to be on the website?

I'm sorry for asking such utterly stupid questions, but I just can't seem to find the answers anywhere. Anyone who would take the time to answer these for me would be much appreciated.

Thank you so very much in advance.

This has been a Mark Waterford post.

Collette · 03-13-2009, 01:11 AM

Hi Mark -
I use Word for all my drafts. I deliver the copy to the client in Word.doc, pdf, HTML, or text file, as appropriate.

Most of my clients want Word.doc, so they can track changes, etc. If I'm delivering copy to their web designer, I ask. Most designers do NOT want you to use Word to write HTML (it does a crappy job), and will just take a Word.doc or a plain text file. Most of them don't really want you to write the HTML, either, because they know they'll probably have to go over it line by line and fix the code. It's never been a problem.

If I'm offering layout suggestions, I'll often do the layout format in Word, and send an additional unformatted version of the copy for editing approval.

I indicate font type, colors, and sizes. And, if I'm not doing a visual layout, I indicate where testimonials and graphics go. If I don't have the graphic, I suggest the image (e.g. "picture of smiling man here"). Ditto for things like [large red order button], [email sign up form here: firstname/email], and so on.

I make it clear to my prospects that I am NOT a web designer or coder. I have excellent professionals I can refer them to, and I often end up coordinating the project for them. In truth, it's not worth my time to spend hours sweating over the parts of a project that I don't do well. I outsource whatever I'm not good at, and you should too.

This has NEVER been a problem. Just make sure that the people in your network work to a high professional standard, and it will never be a problem for you, either.

I am familar with both Photoshop and Dreamweaver, but I don't own either.

03-13-2009, 12:47 AM	#1
Mark Waterford Warrior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 1 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I'm sorry but I have to ask this stupid question... Hi everyone, I'm Mark Now I know all about writing copy. The actual writing process that is... But what I don't know is all the technical stuff that goes on behind the scenes. I have looked everywhere and can't find one place that describes that stuff. So my stupid questions are as follows: In what programs do you write the copy? Is it dreamweaver? Do I need to use photoshop for anything? And once I have written the copy for my client, how do I go about giving it to him? Do I give him the html script? And when I write a sales page for a client, do I write only the words? Or am I expected to also put the pics and testimonials and special offers and boxes in the places they are supposed to be on the website? I'm sorry for asking such utterly stupid questions, but I just can't seem to find the answers anywhere. Anyone who would take the time to answer these for me would be much appreciated. Thank you so very much in advance. This has been a Mark Waterford post.

03-13-2009, 01:11 AM	#2
Collette Advanced Warrior War Room Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: alicubi super pluvia Posts: 780 Thanks: 236 Thanked 511 Times in 259 Posts	Re: I'm sorry but I have to ask this stupid question... Hi Mark - I use Word for all my drafts. I deliver the copy to the client in Word.doc, pdf, HTML, or text file, as appropriate. Most of my clients want Word.doc, so they can track changes, etc. If I'm delivering copy to their web designer, I ask. Most designers do NOT want you to use Word to write HTML (it does a crappy job), and will just take a Word.doc or a plain text file. Most of them don't really want you to write the HTML, either, because they know they'll probably have to go over it line by line and fix the code. It's never been a problem. If I'm offering layout suggestions, I'll often do the layout format in Word, and send an additional unformatted version of the copy for editing approval. I indicate font type, colors, and sizes. And, if I'm not doing a visual layout, I indicate where testimonials and graphics go. If I don't have the graphic, I suggest the image (e.g. "picture of smiling man here"). Ditto for things like [large red order button], [email sign up form here: firstname/email], and so on. I make it clear to my prospects that I am NOT a web designer or coder. I have excellent professionals I can refer them to, and I often end up coordinating the project for them. In truth, it's not worth my time to spend hours sweating over the parts of a project that I don't do well. I outsource whatever I'm not good at, and you should too. This has NEVER been a problem. Just make sure that the people in your network work to a high professional standard, and it will never be a problem for you, either. I am familar with both Photoshop and Dreamweaver, but I don't own either.