CONTENT + DESIGN, SO HAPPY TOGETHER

I have been hired to write web content—not filler—but meaningful writing meant for human beings to read, even if it’s created with SEO in mind. I love doing that. I have also been hired to write content for a website that I’m designing, ground up. Super fun. And, sometimes, I’m hired to just write content, but it becomes evident that the client really does need design help, too.

A website is meant to represent you or your organization or business. Words are not enough. Design is not enough. Great content with boring or amateur design makes you look out-of-touch. Too many words on a site is also a killer—nobody is going to read all that. Too much design without strong content will make you look like a scammer. And, in the end, even good design and content won’t be effective if it’s not organized in a way that promotes engagement.

The answer is often offering the right amount of genuine text and adding meaningful design, laid out in a way that guides the viewer. Instead of saying, “welcome to my website,” your website actually becomes welcoming. Instead of posting professional headshots, include great photos of you actually being the professional that you are. Instead of trying to convince people how great you or your organization is, show people. The confidence your site exudes will be contagious.

For an example of all of this, come meet my client, Durham Drum Lessons. On my Portfolio Page, you can see the transformation. The client is an incredible musician and truly powerful mentor and educator, and now his site truly represents who he is and what he has to offer. His site shows that he’s not “a guy” who teaches drum lessons, but “The Guy” for drum lessons. Content and Design working together.