26.02.2024
The benefits of a "content first" strategy for Website Design
There is no doubt in our mind that in the ever-evolving landscape of digital presence, creating a website that not only captures attention but also engages and retains visitors is crucial. One approach that has gained significant traction in recent years and has been adopted at Silverless HQ is the “Content-First” strategy in web design. It’s no secret that high-quality content contributes to improved organic traffic and an enhanced online presence, but SEO is not the only reason to put your content first. Here’s why…
The Content-First strategy advocates for placing content creation and organisation at the forefront of the design process, which is why when you begin a website at Silverless you will be invited to a Content Workshop. This ensures that we understand who the website is for, what the key messages are and crucially, what we want visitors to do when they get there. It also allows discussions to be had about the role client’s want Silverless to play in the content creation process and makes sure roles and responsibilities are clear. Some clients prefer to write text and provide images themselves but others like to access our copywriting, photography and/or illustration services.
Wherever the responsibility sits on any given project, the workshop ensures that there is a shared understanding that content serves as the essence of any website, fulfilling users’ specific needs, whether for information, commerce, or entertainment. By giving precedence to content, our designers can ensure that the core message remains clear and impactful, developing user-centric designs that focus on visitors needs rather than mere visual aesthetics. Understanding the narrative of the content upfront also allows designers to integrate visuals and design elements that enhance that user journey, ultimately creating a stronger connection between the brand and the audience.
The Content-First strategy not only benefits the creative output it also streamlines the design process as a whole, with a clearer understanding of a site’s structure and functionality from the outset, we minimise the likelihood of revisions during later stages, which can become costly, both in terms of budget and schedule.
In short, by prioritising content creation and organisation, our designers can create websites that not only look appealing but also deliver value, meet user needs, and achieve business goals. View some recent web projects here.