Wireframing isn’t required for web copy submission, but it adds value for you and your client when you include it.
Wireframing can be a great way to plan your copywriting projects.
This post will give you 12 tips for using wireframes to make your web projects smoother.
1. Wireframing is actually your last step.
Creating the wireframe is actually the last part of the wireframing process.
Before you build your wireframe, draft your design on paper. You’ll better understand what you want to create and how it should look. And you can make any significant adjustments before you commit your ideas to any wireframing software you may be using.
Once you have a clear idea of the layout and flow of your copywriting project, you can move on to creating the wireframe.
2. High-fidelity vs. low-fidelity
There are two kinds of wireframes ─ high-fidelity and low-fidelity.
High-fidelity wireframes are detailed and more representative of the final working website. Low-fidelity wireframes are basic, focusing on the structure and layout of the project without any design details.
Low-fidelity wireframes are sufficient for copywriters, as they provide the basic outline you need for your project. The additional elements included in high-fidelity wireframes aren’t necessary.
3. Draft your copy in a document, not in the wireframe.
Drafting your copy in a text document before adding it to the wireframe is the easiest way to ensure your work is organized and accurate.
Writing in a Word document allows you to easily make changes and edits without adjusting the wireframe. Additionally, you can review and refine your copy before it’s added to the wireframe.
4. Sketch on paper first.
As touched on briefly in Tip 1, sketch your project on paper before attempting to create it in a wireframe. Paper allows you to quickly visualize the structure and flow of your project and make any necessary adjustments before investing time in the wireframe.
Additionally, you identify any potential issues or areas that need more attention before you create the wireframe.
By sketching on paper, you can save time and energy while ensuring your wireframe meets your client’s needs.
5. Think in flow, not individual pieces.
Focus on the user experience (UX). When building your wireframe, you want the reader to move effortlessly from point to point. Good UX will make it easier for the reader to understand your message.
When it comes to wireframing, user experience should be the deciding factor. It helps create an intuitive journey through the website or down the web page.
When you understand the user’s needs, you create a wireframe that guides them through the website in a logical way. This consideration gives your clients a great-looking website that also converts well.
Additionally, think about how the different pieces of your project will work together. You need to create a cohesive design that moves the reader down the page.
6. Use white space wisely.
One of the cardinal rules of writing landing pages, websites, or white papers is to have lots of white space. White space reduces distractions, so your reader remains focused on the message.
When you’re creating your wireframe, make sure to use white space wisely. White space can break up the text, format the layout, and make your content easier to read.
7. Don’t get caught up in design.
A wireframe is not a full-design project. It’s a black-and-white rendition of the final product. As a copywriter, your only job is to write and arrange the copy on the page for optimal user experience.
Keep the wireframe simple and easy to understand. Focus on the words, so your client’s message is clear and concise. Keep everything black and white. Leave the font choices, colors, styling, and images to the web designer.
8. Don’t wireframe every page on a website.
Not every page you write needs to be wireframed.
Instead, focus on the key pages impacting the user experience. These pages should include the homepage, the About page, and any other pages that contain important information or features.
Focusing on the essential pages saves time and reduces confusion. Too many wireframes can overwhelm the client.
9. Consider a video walkthrough for the client.
Creating a video walkthrough of the wireframe can be an important step.
During the walkthrough, you can explain your copy, show how the content is organized, and demonstrate how different elements interact.
The walkthrough helps clients understand your choices and how those choices affect conversions. These explanations won’t take long on your part and reduce the likelihood of your client requesting edits that reduce the effectiveness of your work.
10. Have the client make edits in the Google or Word doc, not the actual wireframe.
When you deliver your wireframe, include a Google or Word document with a copy of the written text. If your client wants to make copy edits, have them make the suggestions in the accompanying Google or Word document versus changing the wireframe.
This method lets you track all requested changes in one place. It’s more efficient and effective, allowing you to quickly review the changes and ensure they’re accurate and up-to-date.
11. Don’t be precious about your wireframe.
Just as you might need to “kill your darlings” to get the best copy, your wireframe might need some changes, too.
Wireframes are meant to be a starting point for a project, not a finished product. If you’re too attached to your initial design, you may miss opportunities to make changes that improve the end result. Keep an open mind and be willing to adjust your wireframe as needed.
12. Create wireframe templates you can reuse.
Creating wireframe templates you can reuse is a great idea. Templates save you time because you’re not starting from scratch with every project.
For example, most websites, no matter the market, start with a hero image above the fold. Then there’s usually a call-to-action.
You can safely create a wireframe template with those elements. When the time comes, adjust your template based as needed. But having some of the components in place is one less thing you need to consider when starting a new project.
Final Thoughts on Wireframing Tips
Wireframing is a helpful tool for copywriters and can also benefit your clients. Following these tips, your wireframes will help you get the most out of your copywriting projects.
If you have any tricks you use when wireframing, we’d love to know about them. Please share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments section below.
