So you need to bring your website copy up to date with the rest of your brand. Typically offered at a much lower price point than full web copy, a website copy audit can look like an inexpensive solution to stale messaging. How exactly do you know whether you should invest in all new web copy or get an audit instead?

We’re all about nuance at Brandcendent, and the truth is that it depends on you and your circumstances. This blog post will help you figure out whether a web copy audit or full web copy rewrite is the best path to revamping your website.

• What is a website copy audit?
• How much does a website copy audit cost?
• Should I get a web copy audit?
• When should I get new web copy?
• How can Brandcendent support you?

What is a website copy audit?

Before we jump into it, let’s look at what a website copy audit actually is. Some website copywriters offer an audit as a step down from investing in all new web copy. The goal of a copy audit is to tell you what could be improved in your website’s copy and specific steps that you can implement. Often the audits include:

• Copy revision suggestions, including notes on taglines and voice
• SEO strategy suggestions
• A video review
• Email support

The idea is to give you some clear direction on how you can overhaul your copy and messaging yourself. Be ready to get very hands-on once you receive your audit.

How much does a website copy audit cost?

Website copy audits range in price anywhere from $250 to $1,000 (or, who knows, probably more). Compare that to the cost of new web copy at $1,000 to $7,000+. The chart below breaks down the cost of a web copy audit vs the cost of all new web copy at Brandcendent.

Generally, full website copy is a higher-touch experience than a web copy audit as well. You can expect more touch points and more intensive conversations with your copywriter.

Should I get a web copy audit?

A website copy audit is ideal for people who like a super hands-on, DIY approach. It gives you a lot of control over the direction your messaging takes. You also will be the one who ultimately determines whether and how your brand messaging and copy actually gets revised. 

With that in mind, a website copy audit could work for you if: 

• you have more time than money.
• you feel pretty confident about your messaging but want to refine it a bit.
• you’re good at taking a few suggestions and applying them to a whole body of work, in this case your website copy.
• you feel confident you’ll start and finish a project like overhauling web copy independently. (Not all of our brains make this easy.) 

If this sounds like you, you’ll love Brandcendent’s Engage Copy Audit. You get all the support you need to boost your visibility and create messaging that connects. Sign up here to get your Engage Copy Audit for $347.

When should I get new web copy?

As much as it can feel good for some people to take the reins on a project like this, other people get overwhelmed. There are lots of reasons why a website copy audit might not feel like enough support. Plus there’s no shame in getting expert help on something that’s this important for your business.

I recommend investing in new website copy if: 

• you want to start from scratch with your messaging and brand voice.
• you have more money than time.
• you want a pro to help you differentiate yourself.
• you struggle with writing and don’t feel confident about implementing feedback on your entire site.
• you don’t feel confident you’ll finish a project like this independently.

If this resonates more with you, explore Brandcendent’s 2-Week Web Copy service.

How can Brandcendent support you?

It’s a lot to sit with, but it really comes down to knowing yourself and your business’s capacity. Listen to your gut. If it says “DIY! DIY!” schedule that copy audit.

If mind churning at the thought of doing a big revision, it might be time to invest in new website copy. Either way, you’ll spend some time being really intentional about your brand and messaging, which is always a good thing.

Want to work with Brandcendent to freshen up your copy or give it a whole new look? We’ve worked with dozens of brands to create unique messaging that connects. Reach out to us here.