So, how exactly do I go about doing this, generally on all of my templates I just put some text at the bottom saying Copyright (symbol) Dylan Andrews and my website. But that's not actually copywriting is it? What legal procedures must I go through?
I'd suggest going with a professional if you want to be safe. They will write those aspects of your site that will keep you out of trouble.
Well... copywriting has absolutely nothing to do with copyright. Ask in the legal issues forum where this belongs. This area is for discussing writing issues, not intellectual property issues.
Check with an attorney. I use (C) in my software products. Copyright/Trademark/Patent lawyers are some of the biggest $$$ guys though. David
For all intents and purposes any creative work (websites, and website content included) are automatically copyrighted when they are created. You can add a copyright notice to your site, but it isn't required. To officially register a copyright you'll have to contact your country's copyright office to find out the correct procedure. For the US you will have to have an officially registered copyright if you want to sue someone for damages that results from copyright infringement. Check their How to register page to see what needs to be done.