You've hired a web developer, signed the contract, and you're excited. Then they ask: "Can you send us your content?" And suddenly, your project stalls.
Content—the text, images, and information on your website—is often the biggest bottleneck in web development. Here's how to prepare it properly.
Why Content Matters So Much
Design can't happen in a vacuum. The layout, typography, and visual hierarchy depend on knowing what content will actually appear on each page.
"Lorem ipsum" placeholder text leads to designs that don't work with real content.
What Content You Need
Text Content
Homepage:
- Headline and tagline
- Brief company introduction
- Overview of services
- Key selling points
- Call-to-action text
About Page:
- Company story
- Mission/values
- Team bios
- Company history highlights
Services/Products:
- Service descriptions
- Features and benefits
- Pricing (if applicable)
- Process explanation
Contact Page:
- Contact information
- Business hours
- Address and directions
Visual Content
- Logo files (vector format preferred)
- Team photos
- Office/location photos
- Product photos
- Project photos/portfolio images
- Client logos (with permission)
Supporting Materials
- Testimonials from clients
- Case study information
- Frequently asked questions
- Certifications or awards
How to Organize Your Content
Step 1: Create a Content Inventory
List every page your site will have. For each page, note what content is needed.
Step 2: Use a Shared Document
Create a Google Doc or similar for each page. This allows for easy collaboration and commenting.
Step 3: Label Files Clearly
Instead of "IMG_4582.jpg," use "team-photo-john-smith.jpg"
Step 4: Organize in Folders
Create folders by page or section: Homepage, About, Services, etc.
Content Tips for Non-Writers
Start with the essentials
What do visitors absolutely need to know? Start there.
Write like you talk
Read it aloud. If it sounds stiff, rewrite it.
Focus on customer benefits
Not "We have 20 years of experience" but "Your project benefits from 20 years of expertise"
Keep it concise
People scan websites. Short paragraphs. Clear headings.
Include specific details
Vague statements are forgettable. Specifics build trust.
Image Guidelines
- Minimum resolution: 1920px wide for full-width images
- Format: JPG for photos, PNG for logos/graphics
- Quality: Original high-resolution files, not screenshots
- Style: Consistent lighting and style across images
When to Hire a Copywriter
Consider professional copywriting if:
- Writing doesn't come naturally
- You're too busy to write well
- SEO is important
- You need a polished, professional voice
- Content is conversion-critical
Good copy is an investment. Poor copy undermines great design.
Timeline Tips
- Start gathering content as soon as you start planning your site
- Don't wait for development to begin
- Build in buffer time—content always takes longer than expected
- Get feedback before finalizing
Our Approach
At GMT, we provide content guidance and templates to make this process easier. We can also connect you with copywriters if needed.
The best projects are ones where content is ready when development begins. Let's make your project one of those.