When Your Web Design Client Fails to Deliver Content

So you or your agency builds WordPress websites. That’s awesome. Thanks for being part of the economic ecosystem that has built over 43% of the web!

If you’re like most agencies, you run into ta common issue with clients. Mainly, the client hasn’t delivered content. Build it and they will come doesn’t really work when the client no copy to offer. This isn’t a design problem or a WordPress problem. This is a project management problem.

So how do you get the content? There are a few ways to go about this:

• Obtain the content first
• Include copywriting as part of your website build
• Put the project on backlog until you get copy

Obtain Content First

Many WordPress agencies choose to design with content in mind. This requires content to be provided from the client before wireframes or site structure can begin. To help with this process be clear in your client meeting. Include content scraping in your discovery phase.

Encourage content delivery with a client checklist. You may want to do this regardless. If the site is being redesigned, the checklist will help your client prepare server and DNS access. They may not even know what those are. It’s okay. You do. That’s why they hired you.

Include Copywriting in Projects

Either hire a copywriter or partner with one. Offer to write the page content as part of the website build. This way, you have the content, it will be written well, and you will eliminate waiting on the client.

Note that writing for websites is completely different than essays in school or journalistic articles. Look for a copywriter who has experience. Building that relationship will help you both build your freelance and agency businesses.

Backlog the Project

In your scope of work, give milestone deadlines to your client. If they are past due and don’t respond in five days, for example, simply email them and let them know their project will be backlogged. You’ll want this language or clause in your scope/contract so they know what to expect.

Many agencies, who also bill upon milestones or set up progress payments, also have a fee in order to put the project back in production. Simply remind your client what you are missing and that they can send it to you with a payment of $250 to put the project back on the schedule. Once those items are complete, readjust the deliverable schedule.

Educate the Client and Empower Yourself

Whichever method you choose, effectively setting the client expectations and proper project management skills are great ways to empower yourself as a developer and designer. When you are empowered, you have clarity and a more productive workflow, not to mention a healthier attitude.

Bridget Willard

Bridget Willard is a marketing consultant who brings her teaching and accounting background together to help small businesses. She began her marketing career in construction, then worked in franchise development, nonprofits, and tech. She is especially known for her brand building for Riggins Construction, GiveWP, and the Make WordPress Marketing Team.

Bridget co-hosts WPblab with Jason Tucker — a podcast and live YouTube show on the WPwatercooler network. Besides speaking at WordCamps near and far, Bridget was a organizer for Los Angeles for a few years and Orange County since 2017.

Check out her site at bridgetwillard.com.