Web content creation is creating content that eventually become web pages.
There are three steps in content creation: 1) writing the content itself, 2) designing the layout and function of the content 3) translating the layout into a technical language so it can be used on the Web.
Mistake #1: Overlooking the importance of step 1: Writing the content itself
The biggest mistake you can make when you set out to create a web presence is to overlook what it is you are are going to say, in writing. Who are you? What is your product or service? How do you work? Etc.
Once you have prepared content, your options for getting that content published on the Web include working with an experienced web designer and/or web developer (sometimes called Web programmer) or learning how to do it yourself.
Working with an experienced Web designer will help you to create an aesthetically pleasing (use of colors, fonts, imagery) website. A good Web designer should have some basic understanding of the concepts of Usability. Usability is the study of how humans interact with Web pages. How easy was it to complete a task? How easy was it for them to find what they were looking for? A web page can be beautiful, but does it serve a purpose? A good Web designer will take into consideration the overall strategy for the webpage and/or website, be familiar with Usability practices and be able to create interesting designs that help connect our product or service with our audience.
Even after your web pages are designed, many times you may work with a developer or programmer. The Web programmer will translate that look and feel, those colors, those images, and how things are laid out on the page, into a technical language so that the web browser can read it and display it. This is where the actual HTML code comes into play. There are many different types programming languages, HTML is the popular backbone for most web pages today.
These two roles, Web Designer and Web Programmer, can be two different people, or they can be one person. It just depends on that individual’s experience.
Pro’s of Hiring A Professional
* Don’t have to learn Web Design or Usability skills.
* Don’t have to learn software or any special programming languages.
Con’s of Hiring A Professional
* It get’s expensive quickly.
* You’ve got to shop & hire a Web Designer and/or Web Programmer
* You have to wait for your Web people to create content changes and implement those changes on your web pages
Pro’s of DIY
* Saves money
* I can create content changes immediately
* My business or personal website can grow with me, as I or my business grows
Con’s of DIY
* Requires time for you to complete your own updates
Bonus resources!
* Are Wimpy Words Costing You Business? YourWebCoaches and Isabel Parlett discuss writing for the web in this free 60-minute audio.
* Writing For The Web: Some basic guidelines by Jakob Nielsen.
* Features vs Benefits - The Showdown - IttyBiz.com (caution... potty mouth ahead)
Mynde's helps people expand themselves or business with an optimystical approach.
She works with people who aren't sure how to do "it" (technology) or have no idea where to start. You learn how to do technology-related "stuff" (like how to build your own website) and get to finally feel smart and empowered so you can grow yourself and your business.
Find out more here: www.MyndeMayfield.com.