Where To Get Your Website Content
If you’re looking to launch a new company website or start over with your existing website, you’re likely thinking about the variety of website content that you will need and where you will get that website content from. How will you get what you don’t already have? Where will you get the items that your team can’t create in-house? For that matter, what DO you even need? Website development is a serious undertaking and it’s important to make sure you know what you will need to have upfront. It’s an added bonus if you come to the table already knowing how many pages you have or need and what they are. If not, this is typically included in the discovery or strategy phase.
Brand Messaging
This is one of the key elements that you need to have before you even start designing your website. Know the problems that you solve for your customer, the pain points you address, and what they can expect to see if they work with you. It also helps to know the tone of voice you want to speak in and keywords that identify with your audience. Having these items already drafted will streamline the copy process later on.
Brand Elements
Website developers and designers need to have access to all of your brand elements in order to properly design. Brand elements include but are not limited to a high-resolution image of your logo, a brand guide that outlines your brand colors and fonts, any additional watermarks or sub-icons, and the ways in which your logos should be placed. Having everything in one folder or one place to share is ideal!
Wireframe
Depending on who you’re working with, the wireframe and copy process may be alternated or done unilaterally. A wireframe is the rough draft of the architecture behind your website that helps your designer know the proper format and coding to include on the backend. A wireframe includes imagery, copy, and a basic design layout. It makes the design process extremely easy because your designer has a visual plan rather than just doing guesswork.
Copy
As mentioned above, the copy and wireframe process may be alternated or done unilaterally. If you’re building copy around the wireframe, it can help you know where copy is needed and how long it can be. If it’s done in the other order you can simply build the copy in the way that you need to and build your wireframe around that. There is no wrong way to go about it but knowing which part comes first in your process is helpful. This ensures that when the copy is being built, it’s done properly and according to the larger plan. Make sure when you’re writing your copy that you’re not self-serving or selling. The purpose of website copy is to educate, inform, and engage your potential customers and clients.
Images
Imagery can be one of the most challenging parts of a website. One of the key things to decide is whether you will be utilizing stock imagery or custom imagery from a photographer. It’s also important to decide what types of imagery you need such as lifestyle, product shots, or generic branding images. If you decide to use custom imagery and work with a professional photographer, they may want to see the wireframe and help work with you on the best types of imagery to capture based on where it will be placed on your website.
Graphics
Graphics can oftentimes be overlooked in a website but they’re a great way to add a touch of customization without a ton of extra coding or development. Graphics can be created to take basic copy or information and transform it into something more eye-catching and engaging and then included in your website similar to how an image would be. We especially like graphics for data-driven or numerical information.
CTA’s (Call To Action)
What action do you want the visitor to take? Do you have one primary CTA or multiple? How often will these be integrated? Oftentimes, the CTA’s are included in the wireframe but if not, make sure they get coded in to redirect to the intended location. For instance, “Learn More” can redirect to a landing page or the about page whereas “Submit An Inquiry” can redirect to your contact page or a landing page with a form.
Complimentary Resources
Last but not least, what, if any, complementary resources do you plan to include? Typically speaking this is something that gets sent or downloaded after the visitor shares their email or a piece of information about themselves.
BONUS: While not core items, these additional items are all extremely important. Don’t forget to include or integrate them!
Past and present clients and/or their logos
Previous work examples
Existing social content
FAQ’s
It probably seems like a lot and if you’re feeling overwhelmed, fear not because the right content and website development team will cover everything for you. Whether you’re in the beginning stages of researching your website development and redesign or simply looking to audit your current website we can help. To learn more about our services and schedule a discovery call with our team, submit an inquiry through our website today!