Preparing Website Content: A Guide to Gathering Text and Visual Element
Why Website Content Matters
Your website may look stunning, but without compelling content, it won't achieve your business goals. Strong content:
- Communicates your value proposition clearly
- Helps visitors understand how you solve their problems
- Builds trust and credibility with your audience
- Drives conversions and leads
- Improves your search engine visibility
Essential Text Content to Prepare
Homepage Messaging
Your homepage makes a critical first impression. Prepare:
- Main Headline: A clear, compelling statement about what you do (5-10 words)
- Subheading: Elaboration on your main headline (10-15 words)
- Key Benefits: 3-5 core benefits your customers receive (1-2 sentences each)
- Call to Action: What you want visitors to do next ("Schedule a Consultation," "Shop Now," etc.)
- Supporting Copy: Brief descriptions of your services or products
Example Main Headline: "Custom Websites That Generate Real Business Results"
About/Company Information
Your About section builds trust and connection. Prepare:
- Company origin story (when and why you started)
- Mission and values
- What makes your approach unique
- Relevant company achievements or milestones
- Why customers choose you over competitors
Keep this authentic and focused on how your story benefits customers.
Services or Product Descriptions
For each service or product, prepare:
- Clear, benefit-focused name
- Detailed description (200-300 words)
- Key features and benefits
- Pricing information (if applicable)
- Process or what customers can expect
- FAQs specific to each service/product
Pro Tip: Focus on benefits, not just features. Instead of "24/7 customer support" (feature), emphasize "Never worry about technical issues with round-the-clock expert assistance" (benefit).
Team Bios (If Applicable)
For key team members, prepare:
- Professional headshot
- Name and position
- Brief professional background (2-3 sentences)
- Relevant credentials or certifications
- Personal touch that humanizes them
- Contact information (if appropriate)
Contact Information
Gather all relevant contact details:
- Business address(es)
- Phone number(s)
- Email address(es)
- Hours of operation
- Social media profiles
- Preferred contact method
Essential Visual Content to Prepare
Professional Photography
Quality images dramatically improve website engagement. Gather:
- Business location photos (exterior and interior)
- Team photos (group and individual)
- Product images (multiple angles, in-use scenarios)
- Action shots showing your services being performed
- Customer interaction photos
Image Requirements:
- High resolution (at least 1500px wide)
- Well-lit, professionally shot if possible
- Consistent style throughout
- Natural, not overly posed
Videos
Video content significantly increases engagement. Consider preparing:
- Company overview/introduction
- Product demonstrations
- Customer testimonials
- Process explanations
- Virtual tours
Keep videos under 2 minutes for maximum impact, and ensure they include captions or transcripts for accessibility.
Icons and Illustrations
Custom graphics can enhance understanding and visual appeal:
- Process diagrams
- Infographics for statistics or comparisons
- Custom icons for service categories
- Diagrams explaining complex concepts
- Illustrations that reinforce your brand style
Content Creation Options
You have several options for developing your website content:
- DIY Approach: Write and gather all content yourself
- Pros: Cost-effective, maintains your authentic voice
- Cons: Time-consuming, may lack professional polish
- Professional Content Creation: Have our team create content
- Pros: Professional quality, strategic approach, saves time
- Cons: Additional cost ($XX-XXX depending on scope)
- Hybrid Approach: Provide rough drafts we refine
- Pros: Balance of authenticity and professionalism
- Cons: Still requires significant input from you
Content Preparation Timeline
For a smooth website project, aim to have content ready according to this timeline:
- Initial Planning Phase: Homepage messaging, basic company information
- Design Phase: Key imagery that influences design decisions
- Development Phase: Complete service/product descriptions, team bios
- Pre-Launch: Any final content adjustments or updates
Content Organization Tips
When submitting content to our team:
- Create a dedicated folder structure for different content types
- Name files clearly (e.g., "homepage-hero-image.jpg" not "IMG12345.jpg")
- Provide text in editable format (Word, Google Docs)
- Note any placeholder content that needs updating later
- Include image source credits where needed
Next Steps: Content Preparation Checklist
Before our next meeting, please:
- Draft your homepage headline and key messages
- Outline your services/products with key benefits
- Gather existing photos or schedule a photoshoot
- Decide if you need professional content writing assistance
- Compile contact information and social media links
Need help determining what content you need or want professional content creation assistance? Contact us and we'll guide you through the process.
More Time Design & Automation specializes in creating beautiful, functional websites with content that converts visitors into customers.
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