How To Prepare Your Content For Your Web Designer

By Ginger Geracitano
Posted Thursday, September 30, 2004

Taking the following steps will ensure that your web site's design is handled in the most professional, timely manner.

1) Most web designers do not include writing your web site's copy as a part of their service. This is considered part of your 'content' and must be provided to them in a final format.

Final format means "copy and paste" ready. Do not count on your designer to proof read your content. Although some will do this for you as a courtesy, it is usually a service that they charge for.

If you aren't sure how to go about writing your web site's textual content, you'll need to consider hiring a copywriter. This is the best solution, considering that web designers do not normally specialize in both skills.

2) Know in advance, and communicate to your designer, any special needs you may have. If you need your web site to preform a specific function, tell them *before* they start working.

Special needs may include the following; separate page designs for different sections of your site, private member's areas that require password protection, and installation of payment vendor shopping carts or payment processor links.

These are all things that are not considered 'standard' in most web site designs, and will usually cost you extra, so be sure to discuss the *FULL* scope of your site with your designer before work begins.

3) Prepare photographs for use. Make sure you supply your designer with their preferred format, and be prepared to prove that you own the copyright to any and all art or imaging you are supplying.

You'll probably be asked to sign a contract stating that you DO own the copyright to all materials submitted for use. ASK your designer what format they require photographs and images to be. Know in advance that any *clean up* of your submitted materials usually carries an additional fee with it.

These are two simple ways to help your designer create the site you want. The most important choice you make in the entire process, is the designer themselves. Make sure you choose a designer that has YOUR best interest at heart, and will work with you to provide services for ALL aspects of your web site's design.

About The Author:
Ginger Geracitano offers her experience as a Web Designer and Business & Marketing Coach through her weekly E-Zine, The Portal To Success. Subscribers receive tips, strategies, and her product reviews every Friday.
(http://theportaltosuccess.com)
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