Meryl's Notes Blog
Things wordy, geeky, and webbyRemember the Content!
Friday, August 4th, 2006 at 7:31 AM | 3 commentsI couldn’t resist the headline as my son just returned from a mini-vacation in San Antonio with Grandma and Grandpa (You know, “Remember the Alamo!”?). Back on topic. Nick of Blue Flavor and Digital Web Magazine wrote about content, which seems to have gone from King to court jester. I was supposed to be working longer hours than usual in July to do the content part for a client undergoing a web site makeover.
The whole project moved forward… except the content. The project manager and I did our jobs by staying in touch with the client and communicating the need for the content so we could get going with it. The project is almost done, but the content remains a blip on the radar with a big RED dot indicating “Jeopardy!”
My site ain’t fancy, but it’s been lucky to receive strong search engine ratings because of its 6+ years of of fresh content. As I tweaked the content, I’ve noticed jumps in emails for quotes. It wasn’t because people suddenly heard about my business, but rather because I tweaked a sentence that had a better call to action.
Freelance writers are worth their words in gold. Just see the comments and links from Freelance Writer Rates. We CAN make a difference to a business’ bottom line.
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3 comments
Found this today:
http://www.e-consultancy.com/news-blog/361492/web-launch-delays-blamed-on-lack-of-content.html
It’s a press release, but I think it gets the point across.
Well, here’s a conversation I had with a client yesterday that might make you feel a little better. After the initial discussion of how we can help them (with all of the designer speak to impress), they asked me…
“So what do we do now? Do you need me to give you content? Doesn’t content drive design?”
My answer…”Yes, I need content before I start and no, content doesn’t drive design just like design doesn’t drive content.” Then I went into my standard long, drawn-out speech about how design, content, usability, etc. all work together to drive the message.
At least we know that content and design is the most important and the least important thing to a client. I’m waiting patiently for the day when all of it is the most important. And waiting, and waiting, and waiting…
Comment #2 Update:
I was driving home when I realized that the above reference to my long, drawn-out speech was mistakenly backwards. Unlike my previous statement, the message drives and is supported by the content and the design.
So, there you go. A minor correction from a designer who just couldn’t let it go.
And, as always, a great post.
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