# Content or design first? A practical workflow for planning a website

- Link: https://codexcollective.co.uk/blog/the-design-content-paradox-a-chicken-and-egg-situation/
- Published: 2023-09-16T14:55:26+01:00
- Author: Codex Collective

Content and design depend on each other, but they do not need to wait for each other
indefinitely. Start with the audience, tasks and message hierarchy, then develop
layouts using representative content. That gives both disciplines something concrete
to test.

## Agree what the page needs to achieve

Describe who arrives, what they need to understand and the useful next action. A
service page should explain the offer, suitability, evidence and next step. A resource
page may have a different purpose.

Use this brief to judge both wording and layout. Attractive decoration cannot repair
a missing answer.

## Inventory and assign the content

List the pages and content types, then identify what already exists, what needs 
rewriting and who approves it. Confirm responsibility for images, project evidence
and specialist claims.

Use a simple content schedule with an owner, draft date and approval state. A task
labelled content supplied is ambiguous if nobody has checked whether it fits the
page.

## Design with representative information

 * Use realistic headings, paragraph lengths and calls to action.
 * Include difficult examples such as long service names and missing images.
 * Review the mobile reading order and navigation.
 * Test how evidence, FAQs and contact routes fit the journey.

Representative content need not be final copy. It needs to expose the structure 
and constraints that placeholder text conceals.

## Iterate content and components together

When the layout reveals repetition, shorten or restructure the message. When the
content reveals a missing relationship, change the component rather than forcing
the information into an unsuitable box.

Keep reusable patterns focused on actual publishing needs. Document which controls
editors can change and how new requirements are requested.

## Approve a usable page, not two separate files

Review the page in context with links, forms, responsive behaviour and actual copy.
Confirm that the important claims have evidence and the next action works.

Explore our [SEO copywriting guide](https://codexcollective.co.uk/blog/seo-copywriting-website-content/)
for stronger service content, or [Web Design & Development](https://codexcollective.co.uk/web-design-development/)
for a connected planning and delivery process.