How to Prepare Your Content Before Building a Website
When you’re about to build or redesign a website, having your content ready is not just helpful—it’s critical. Beautiful design can’t shine without strong content underneath. In this article, we’ll walk you through every step to prepare your content before building a website—ensuring a smooth build, strong SEO, and messaging that converts.
1. Define Your Website’s Core Goals
Start with your “why.” What do you want this website to achieve?
- Increase sales or lead generation
- Present your portfolio or work
- Educate users through blog content
- Build brand credibility
Clear goals will shape your content structure and tone. For instance, if your goal is lead generation, you’ll need compelling headlines, CTAs, and trust elements like testimonials.
2. Inventory & Audit Existing Content
Before you write new content, gather what already exists:
- Create a spreadsheet of existing pages and assets
- Identify gaps, outdated info, or low-performing pages
- Decide what to keep, update, or discard
This audit protects your SEO equity and prevents content duplication.
3. Build Your Content Outline and Structure
a. Plan Your Sitemap
Draft a sitemap that reflects your goals:
- ✅ Home
- ✅ About (link to About Us)
- ✅ Services (link to studio-services)
- ✅ Portfolio (link to works)
- ✅ Blog
- ✅ Contact (link to contacts)
b. Assign Content Types
For each page, specify:
- Length (short intro vs. detailed page)
- Media types (images, videos, infographics)
- SEO needs (target keywords, meta tags)
- CTAs and lead magnets
4. Define Keywords and SEO Strategy
Before writing, select keywords for each page:
- Use keyword tools to find terms with low competition and relevant search volume
- Assign one primary keyword and 2–3 related phrases per page
- Create SEO title and meta description drafts now so writers can stay on target
This groundwork ensures your content supports ranking goals from day one.
5. Gather Media and Visual Assets
High-quality visuals elevate content and support SEO:
- Download brand-approved logos, icons, and graphics
- Source or shoot imagery that fits your brand tone
- Prepare image briefs: format, size, alt-text guidelines
Tip: using a consistent visual style enhances trust and professionalism.
6. Write Clear, Scannable Copy
Content will live on your future site, so draft it now:
- Start with compelling headlines
- Use short paragraphs and bullet points
- Include subheads (H2, H3) for structure
- Write in a friendly, human tone—just like this piece
Ensure every page has a key takeaway and CTA that aligns with your overall goals.
7. Set Up Tracking & Conversion Plans
Before launch, plan for data collection:
- Choose analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics)
- Define conversion goals: contact form, CTA click, funnel start
- Prepare thank-you pages and tracking pixels
Having this ready enables you to measure and optimize post-launch.
📋 Content Preparation Checklist (Table)
Step | Description |
|---|---|
Define Goals | What should your site achieve? |
Audit Existing Content | Inventory, update, discard |
Plan Sitemap & Page Types | Structure your future site |
Assign Keywords | Allocate SEO targets per page |
Draft Titles + Descriptions | SEO-ready meta titles and descriptions |
Write Page Content & CTAs | Draft copy with clear action prompts |
Collect Visual Assets | Images, logos, media files with alt-text guidelines |
Prepare Tracking Scripts | Analytics, pixels, thank-you pages |
Review & Get Feedback | Share drafts with stakeholders |
8. Collaborate and Iterate
When drafting is done, get feedback:
- Share outlines and drafts with team or stakeholders
- Use Google Docs or Notion to collect comments
- Revise based on tone, accuracy, and alignment with goals
Getting buy-in before design saves time later.
9. Handoff to Design & Development
With content invited and optimized:
- Send organized content folder (docs, images, analytics plan) to your team
- Schedule a walkthrough meeting to clarify goals, CTAs, and structure
- Ensure everyone understands the sitemap, visual guidelines, and next steps
This ensures a clean transition and avoids miscommunication later.
👀 FAQs: Prepping Content for a Website
Q1: How long does content prep take?
Typically 1–3 weeks, depending on site size and team availability.
Q2: Can I wait for the site to be ready before writing?
It’s harder. Writing early ensures design supports content, not the other way around.
Q3: What if I don’t have a blog yet?
Plan the blog structure and a few cornerstone articles to ensure the site is built with content in mind.
Q4: How many images per page?
At least 3–5 visuals per main page—hero banner, in-line visuals, and supporting graphics.
Q5: Do I need SEO early on?
Yes. Keyword alignment early ensures better visibility and structural guidance for writers.
✅ Final Takeaways
Preparing content ahead saves time, reduces errors, and ensures your website reflects your brand, engages users, and supports SEO goals. With this approach, your site will launch faster and perform from day one.
🚀 Ready to Build a Website That Works?
Well-prepared content is the foundation—but you still need expert execution. If you’re looking for a team that combines UX, SEO, design, and development to build a powerful, content-driven website, contact us today.
Let’s turn your content vision into a high-converting, beautiful site that stands the test of time.