Just as you wouldn’t put the electrical wiring into a new house after you’ve plastered, when setting up a new website, plan how the different functions work together before you start. All too often, I’ve seen clients get partway through the process and find they’re stuck with something they wish they could change.

So I’ve compiled a copywriter’s 5 point check list to refer to.

1. Design.
Your web visitor forms an impression in as little as 0.2 seconds, so having a visually attractive website is important. When you choose a designer, consider whether they have the expertise to provide the other services or how they will get along with the rest of your team.

2.  Function
Although I’ve put design first, function is really the top of the tree. Plan ahead here. Ask yourself what your objectives are now and for the  future. Your website will evolve as your company grows, so you ensure that you don’t shut down your options. Spend some time working out a map on paper. You can amend the copy and the SEO elements later especially if you have access to the CMS (see pnt 5), but the design and function are harder to change.

Having said that, decide on the minimum you need to launch the website.  Add bits on later. If you’re too ambitious, your website may never get off the ground. Going back to the house building analogy, you might want to add a conservatory in the future, so planning where the door is going, the TV and electrical cabling and so on, will make the extension simpler and less costly.

3. Copy
Once the visitor had been attracted by the design, it’s the job of copy to keep them and move them along to the next stage. Copywriting is underated. Some people do a great job, but others make basic mistakes, like leaving out contact details.

If you can write the content yourself, that’s great. But please be honest. You’re probably investing quite a lot into the rest of the website, so don’t let yourself down when it comes to the text. Talk to a very approachable copywriter who enjoys working on a multitude of projects.

4. SEO
Search Engine Optimisation. The goal posts for being found on search engines are constantly changing. If your designer is offeringing this service, make sure they are up to date. The techy side of your website should incorporate SEO, but once it’s live, you have to keep it up to maintain high page ranking.

5. Content Management System
or CMS. Once your contracted designer hands over to you, they won’t want to spend time making minor amendments to the text so you need access to change the content and update SEO. I can’t emphasise enough; include the CMS as part of your initial brief, as it’s complicated and expensive adding it on later.

Happy web developing!