You know that Tim Gunn saying… “Make it work!”? Yeah, that should not apply to creating a website. Unfortunately, it does for a lot of people.
When I first started creating websites I was trying to fit squares into round holes, no doubt. The beginning of the process was choosing a WordPress theme (template) or creating a design. Then the client would create their content based on the chosen design. I really didn’t see the error of my ways for a while. And, there is something wrong with it. WAY wrong.
If I’ve learned anything from making websites, it’s that most people think about the actual content (what will be on their website) AFTER they have already hired a web designer.
Bad idea, man. Why? Well…
Imagine you have a plate that has a bunch of different sections, you look at it and think… oooh this plate is SO pretty, simple, modern, cool and I love the colors. Ok, now, what’s the perfect foods that will match the plate and fit into these sections? And wham. You end up with what you can make fit into those sections, a TV dinner.
But, this is your website. Why on earth would you want the TV dinner version of a website?! Oh, that’s right, you wouldn’t.
Is there really any way to create the perfect website for your biz if you do not know what’s going to go on it? Absolutely not.
Just like you do not create your meals to fit into perfect squares, you cannot create really good content to fill perfect little spaces.
Typically (in my experience) creating the content after the design makes the website creation more stressful, frustrating and A LOT longer than necessary.
On the flip side, if you have your pages decided and written (even if it’s just a good start) and the images or at least an idea of the type of images you want to use… the web design process goes faster, feels easy for you and the designer and (bonus!) the web designer can do what he/she does best: take your content and strengthen it’s impact and effectiveness with the best design for your content.
This leaves both parties happier and the process much, much more enjoyable. 🙂
Rachel – Yup, exactly. As a content creator, my website projects run so much smoother when the client hires me before (or at the same time as) their web designer, not after.
Yes! Yes! Yes, Ana! I always encourage my client’s to hire a copywriter if they haven’t yet. It’s amazing how much easier it is to design with awesome, full copy. Thanks for your comment. 🙂