When you hire a web developer, the last thing you’re probably thinking about is content.

The problem is, content is part of the development process and without it, your developer may have to settle for filler lorem ipsum text and blank image blocks. This only delays your final launch.

The best time to prepare your content is when you first start searching for a web developer. The sooner it’s done, the sooner your developer can add it to your site so you’ll see how the final product looks before launch time comes.

Work With Your Developer

The first step is to talk to your developer. This is a vital part of any web development process as you explain the purpose of your site, what features you want and of course, what the developer needs from you. Describe the pages you want and how you envision the content for each page.

Your developer can then create wireframes to show you how content will appear, showing you what types of content and how much of it is needed for each page. Think of the site architecture and wireframes as your site’s blueprint. While the final site might change slightly, this serves as you and your web developer’s initial guide.

Set Deadlines For Content

You don’t have to prepare all your content at one time. Talk to your developer to work out a content timeline. For instance, maybe your developer needs the content for the Homepage and header first, but doesn’t need the About Us content until a week later. Each type of content, including text and images, should have their own deadline. Establish this in advance so you and your developer are on the same schedule and no one’s left waiting.

Refer to your blueprint along the way to avoid missing any pages. If you discover you need additional pages as you prepare your content, contact your developer to let them know.

Upload To WordPress

Now that you have a guide and deadlines, it’s time to provide the content to your web developer. One method, especially for WordPress sites, is to upload content into a temporary WordPress site. Your developer can then move the content to your main site as they finish each section of the site. Your developer may add all the pages required and all you have to do is add in the content.

Send Via Email

Another method is email. You prepare your content and images in a Word document and email it to your developer. It’s important to label each type of content clearly so the developer knows where it goes. Lay out the content in your document as it would appear on the website. For instance, if your homepage has 10 blocks of text, use a table layout and enter each section of text in a different block.

Use Google Docs

If you’re not comfortable using WordPress yet, you can collaborate and prepare content by using Google Docs or a similar service. Your web developer can provide a list of the pages and sections of content necessary. You create all the applicable documents and your developer can upload them to your site. If any changes need to be made, all you have to do is edit the specific document and your developer can make the change.

Hire Someone

The final option is to hire someone to handle all your content creation. You’ll still need to work with your developer to establish your desired pages and content areas. Some developers may even recommend copywriters and graphic designers to handle your text and visuals.

This approach is ideal if you’re not sure what to add or don’t have enough time to craft the content yourself. The people you hire can deliver it directly to you or the developer. For instance, if using WordPress or Google Docs, the content could be uploaded and you’d be notified. Once you’ve approved it, you could mark the content as Finalized, signaling the developer that it’s ready.

Conclusion

Content shouldn’t be a last minute thought. In fact, 76% of users said a well organized site that makes it easy to find what they need is more important than a beautiful design. Plus, content is what helps you drive new traffic to your site. Give your developer the power to make your site even better by preparing your content early in the development process.

Ready to talk with a developer about your new site? Contact StuartMedia today to start planning and to start prepping your content.

Image: Mårten Björk