Author: Nola Young
Content is an important consideration for anyone preparing a business Web site. Primary content comes from two sources. It can be pulled form current printed materials you already have – brochures, catalogues, pamphlets, company records and advertising and marketing campaigns are excellent sources – or it can be created from scratch.
As a starting point, study any materials you already have. Then ask yourself the following questions:
- What are your primary goals for the site?
- Will using my current printed materials address those goals? If so, how can they be adapted for my site?
- What other materials exists that can be collected and used?
- There will undoubtedly be some need to generate written content for the site. Whether that involves creating entire pages of information, or simply an introductory paragraph and comments to help your site flow better, choose your words for the site carefully.
- After all, word for word, it’s your message.
Quick tips
- Do some research for ideas. What do your competitors say on their sites? What do you like about their sites? What don’t you like? Pick out the key words that relate to your product or service and search the Web for information on that subject. For example, if you sell elevators, key the word “elevator” into a search engine and see what you
- Can your Web-site designer help you produce content for your site? It’s important that your designer possess not only graphic-design and programming abilities, but have the ability to produce written text for your site, especially if you don’t have any existing materials to draw from.
- Last, but not least, focus your writing on what the customer will gain by visiting your Web site. Remember, if there is nothing in it for customers, they won’t re- visit your
Nola Young is the president of KW Digital Solutions. Send your comments or questions by email or call 519-741-7641.