Web Content Monster Devours 6 Clients

FAIR WARNING TO SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS: you will actually have to put real stuff like words and pictures on your site to go along with all the nice web design. Sounds simple, right?

Tell that to 6 of my clients who have gone 'missing' since being asked to provide said content. And I don't mean missing for a few days or weeks. Missing for MONTHS.

Solving the Mystery

What happened to them? They've been swallowed whole by the Web Content Monster -- a beast that begins stalking you when you realize your logo, list of services and contact info doesn't quite make the showstopping web site you were hoping (and maybe paid) for.

Why does it happen? Small business owners have the expert skills to run their small businesses. That skillset may not include copywriting or product photography. Others simply don't have the time. The great idea of an all-informative web site complete with staff bios, photo galleries, monthly articles, polls, resources, etc., now sends them running blindly right into the arms of the beast.

Tips to Avoid the Web Content Monster

• Be realistic about what you have time and skills for. Don't commit to more of a web site than you have time or budget to handle.
• Delegate to a staff member who has more time or contract out the copywriting and photography to a 3rd party.
• Check your existing materials. Brochures, flyers, ads, company manuals, client handouts, press releases, business plans, PowerPoint presentations, even e-mails, can be great sources of content.
• Be fair to your web designer. Don't assume these time-consuming tasks are included in the cost of your web design and then request the services a week before you want to go live with your site.

If you really want an informative site that adds value to consumers and brings you more business, that's great! Just realize it will take time and effort on someone's part to achieve that. Decide who that someone will be, develop a plan of action and stick to it!