Don’t Let Content Be the Reason Your Website Doesn’t Launch on Time

At Digital Relativity, we understand the thrill of a website launch. It’s the culmination of meticulous planning, strategic design and high-performance development. But for many partners, the path to launch can be fraught with unexpected delays. Often, the culprit? Content.

First, let’s review some of the reasons that content could stall your website launch. 

Content As An Afterthought

Content strategy often gets relegated to the back burner in the initial stages of website development. This lack of upfront planning creates a scramble to fill the website’s content needs later.

Costly Shortcuts

Rushing to cut content creation costs can backfire. While it might seem like a quick win in the short term, it often leads to scrambling to fill content needs later. This results in hastily written copy that fails to connect with your target audience, ultimately requiring revisions and delaying your launch. 

The same goes for underestimating the effort required for website copywriting. It’s not just about filling in the blanks. Strategic messaging, user-centric language and SEO optimization all take time and expertise. Cutting corners here can lead to last-minute content creation and missed launch dates.

Content Review Roadblocks

Sometimes, the content review process can hit unforeseen roadblocks. Key decision-makers might be unavailable when their input is critical. Revisions and approvals pile up, pushing back the launch date.

So, how do we break free from this content logjam?

At DR, we believe in a collaborative and proactive approach. Our roadmap to a smooth website launch includes:

Dedicated Project Management 

A dedicated partner-side project manager is key to keeping everyone focused and on track throughout the project, including the content creation timeline. This ensures information flows smoothly, and everyone involved has a clear understanding of their tasks and deadlines. This streamlined workflow keeps the project moving forward efficiently. 

Early Decision-Maker Involvement

Including key decision-makers in the initial scoping process is a game-changer. Their early involvement helps set realistic expectations for content needs and aligns them comfortably within the project’s scope.

Staged Review Process

Regular reviews of wireframes, design and content throughout the project keep everyone on the same page and minimize last-minute surprises. Final decision-makers play a crucial role by reviewing key deliverables at pre-defined stages. This allows for timely feedback and course correction, keeping the launch date on track.

Concurrent Content Creation

Content creation shouldn’t be an afterthought. By working on content development alongside website development, a smoother integration is achieved. This guarantees that both content and design elements are ready to shine on launch day.

Clarity Is King

Moving away from a “we’ll know it when we see it” mentality is crucial. Partners who clearly articulate their content needs from the beginning experience a more efficient process. Providing examples and clear direction allows for the development of content that aligns perfectly with your vision and resonates with your target audience. Struggling with what your content needs might be? DR can provide recommendations for content, ensuring a successful content creation process.

Streamlined Content Approvals

To avoid delays and keep the project on track, key decision-makers should empower the project manager and agency to make informed choices about content within predefined guidelines. This doesn’t remove the final say on major content from the decision-makers. They will still have final approval, but by providing clear direction upfront, they avoid creating bottlenecks with delayed reviews.

Remember, a successful website launch requires a united front. Both the agency and the partner share the common goal of a flawless debut. By prioritizing content planning, fostering open communication and adopting a proactive approach, you can ensure that content becomes a launchpad for success, not a reason for delay.