The blank page problem: writing every word of your website yourself

Nov 11, 2026 · Taylor

The "Wix gives you the tools. We give you the website." series, part 2 of 6.

Full disclosure: Yes Boss Websites is our own done-for-you service, so we're not neutral. This post describes what doing it yourself involves in general. We don't make claims here about any particular builder's features or prices, so check those on the builder's own website.

Open a website builder and pick a template, and you'll see a nicely designed page full of placeholder text. The design is done. The words are yours to write. For many people, that is the slowest part of the whole job.

Why the words matter

A template shows you where words go, but it can't know what your business does. Visitors come to find out three things quickly: what you do, where you do it, and how to reach you. Business.gov.au tells owners to put the most important information first, and suggests pages such as "about us", contact details or a contact form, descriptions of your services, and frequently asked questions. Each of those needs real writing, and each has to be accurate.

What you'd need to write

For a simple small business site, the list usually looks like this:

• A headline that says what you do and where, in plain words.
• A short intro under it.
• Your services, each with a line or two of description.
• An about section, with a few sentences on who you are.
• Your hours, address and contact details.
• A call to action: "Call us", "Book now" or "Send an enquiry".
• Page titles and descriptions, the short text that can show up in search results.

That's roughly a dozen pieces of text, and each one has to fit the space the template gives it.

Why it's harder than it sounds

• Writing about yourself is awkward. Many people either undersell or overdo it.
• Placeholder text hides the gaps. A template looks finished with sample wording in it, so you don't see how much is missing until you start replacing it.
• Length matters. Text that's too long breaks the layout, and text that's too short leaves holes.
• Mistakes slip in. It's easy to leave a bit of template wording behind, or get a price or hour wrong.

A simple way to start

If you're writing it yourself, this order tends to work:

1. Write one sentence about what you do and who for, as if texting a friend: "I'm a dog groomer in Newtown. I do washes, cuts and nail trims."
2. List your services and a "from" price for each, if you're happy to show prices.
3. Add the practical bits: hours, area, phone and email.
4. Write your about section last. By then you know what to say.
5. Read it aloud. If you stumble, so will a visitor.
6. Ask someone else to read it. They'll spot what you've stopped seeing.

Using a writing tool

Some builders include writing assistants, and you can also use a general writing tool of your own. They can help you get started. You'll still need to check every fact, because they only know what you tell them, and make sure the result sounds like you. The checking is part of the job.

When writing it yourself makes sense

It's a good use of time if you like writing, you want your own voice front and centre, or your business is about your words, such as a blog or a creative project. You know your business better than anyone.

When having it written for you makes sense

If you find the blank page painful, or you'd rather spend the time with customers, having the words written for you can save a lot. With Yes Boss, you describe your business in a sentence or two, and the website's words are written from that. You read it, and you can ask for changes by typing them in, for example "make the tone friendlier" or "add that we're closed on Mondays". Read everything before you publish, whoever wrote it, because you're the one who knows the details.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to write all the text on a template myself?

Templates come with placeholder wording, and you replace it with your own. You can write it yourself, use a writing tool, or have it done for you.

How much text does a small business website need?

Usually a headline, a short intro, your services, an about section, contact details and hours, and a call to action. Keep it short and put the most important information first.

Should I check text a tool wrote for me?

Yes. Check every fact, price and hour before you publish.

Want to see how Yes Boss lines up against the do-it-yourself builders? Read our comparison.

Try Yes Boss free: describe your business in a sentence and see your website in a minute.

Sources

Facts quoted from the pages below, checked 9 November 2026.

• Set up a business website, business.gov.au