Prepare the Copy Before the Design Starts
Design becomes harder when the main message is still changing. A layout built around placeholder text can look convincing while hiding missing information or unrealistic space requirements. Preparing the copy first does not remove collaboration with the designer; it gives that collaboration a clearer starting point.
Write the message in plain language
Describe what the piece is for, who will read it and what they need to do next. Write a headline that communicates one main idea, followed by the information needed to understand it. Remove repeated claims before deciding where text will fit. If the message cannot be explained without several unrelated points, consider whether the material should be split into separate pieces.
Mark the hierarchy and uncertain content
Identify the title, supporting explanation, details and action. Highlight information that has not been approved, such as a date, price or contact name. Give those items an owner and a deadline. Avoid making a designer infer importance from paragraph length. A brief sentence can be the key message, while a long paragraph may only be supporting context.
Test the copy in the intended setting
For an illustrative service flyer, read the headline alone, then the headline and opening paragraph, then the whole page. Each level should make sense. Check whether the action tells readers where to go and what information to provide. When the designer raises a space problem, edit the wording together instead of shrinking all the text.
- Approve names, dates and contact details before layout sign-off.
- Supply both language versions when the piece is bilingual.
- Keep source references beside figures that need checking.
- Record which copy is final and which is still provisional.
Take it into your working day
Prepared copy gives design a clear structure and reduces the risk of polishing an attractive page that says the wrong thing.