Website redesign in the works? Talk content early
Find out when content strategy and writing should take place in your website redesign to reach your goals.
Key takeaways:
- When creating a new website, it’s important to consider what words and information will appear on it right from the start.
- The words you choose are important because they help people understand what your website is about and find what they need.
- Thinking about what you want to say on your website early can help you save time and money later.
- It’s a good idea to involve everyone who will help make the website right from the beginning.
- Thinking about what you want to say early on can help you tell a better story and make your website more interesting for visitors.
Author: Colleen Massa
Last updated: 04/10/24
Learn why you should prioritize content strategy and writing in your website redesign process
Is your healthcare organization considering a website redesign? Don’t overlook the importance of content strategy and writing in your design process. It’s crucial to involve content experts early to ensure your new website resonates with visitors and meets your goals.
Website redesign: Why content matters
An outdated website can be a thorn in your brand’s side. They can be hard to navigate, riddled with old information and imagery and frustrating to users within your organization and your external audience. When your website doesn’t match your brand’s evolution, you know it’s time to call in the design team.
However, a design-led approach often leaves web content development to the end of the redesign process. You might find yourself trying to shoehorn your brand’s content into a design during the final stages of your build rather than developing content that meets your users’ needs and serves your marketing goals.
Thinking about content earlier in the process provides the following benefits:
- Create a better user experience by contributing the right information and words to your site’s structure and design.
- Deepen the quality of your content by taking advantage of your content partner’s niche expertise.
- Save time and budget by reducing revisions, rework and stress.
User experience: Only as good as your word
Words have power. Design, including the form and function of your website, is undeniably important. But content is why people visit your site, and your audience uses words to find your site.
New standards
The words you choose now have more power than ever. As many healthcare sites pare back their number of pages and words on each page, every header, short paragraph, bullet point and call to action is a chance to work your content strategy.
Additionally, with the rise of voice search and voice technology, the words you put on the page could be the only element shaping a user’s experience.
Clever website content
Choosing the right words requires thinking about your users’ needs, search engine optimization (SEO) and marketing goals. If you don’t consider these factors early in your process, it can be harder to “fix” in later design stages.
For example, having an SEO strategy mapped out from the beginning will dictate some words and phrases you’ll need to include. It will also help to create your site’s structure. If you can identify your web content development elements upfront, you’ll have more room to play in the creative process. You can then become a storyteller and connect with consumers on a deeper level as you share what truly sets you apart.
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Getting everyone to the table
Each project is unique, and there’s no perfect web content creation formula that will work for every site build. But it’s always worth getting all partners involved early in the process, including the following teams:
- Design
- UX
- SEO
- Content
Not everyone needs to attend every meeting. However, kicking off consultative relationships will lead to better communication and a site that delivers more than just the sum of its parts.
Inspired design
Discussing web in concert with design can feel unfamiliar at first, especially for teams used to responding first to visual mockups. But you don’t want to spend too much time building an aesthetically pleasing mockup and then have to rework it later to fit your content.
The right content partner will help you iron out issues before design and find opportunities to add value. Instead of placeholder copy, giving designers content can inspire their design and ensure visually appealing results. That’s when the magic can happen.
A smoother build
Stress as you build your site is avoidable. Pulling your website content development forward helps make sure you avoid the following outcomes:
- Burning your timeline
- Running out of budget
- Becoming overwhelmed by content needs at the tail end of your project
A stronger foundation
Thinking about your content earlier creates a strong foundation for site governance. Establishing web standards and editorial guidelines protects your site and brand going forward. And a strong content foundation can allow more flexibility to update or adapt your site to changing web trends. It’s never too early to start the content conversation. Collaborating more in the initial design phases leads to more manageable and compelling websites. If you can, take the time upfront to find your words — and use them well.
Find a content partner to work with you from the start
WG Content team of healthcare experts can help you develop website content that resonates with consumers. Contact us to learn how we can help you reach your digital marketing goals.
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