Why A Content-First Approach To Web Design Will Save You Time And Money

Let’s face it, designing a website before locking down the content is like putting up wallpaper before building the walls. You can do it, but it’s going to get messy (and expensive). A content-first web design approach turns the process around and gets it right from the start. 

Instead of forcing content into pre-built templates, it puts your message and purpose at the centre of the experience. And when content and design work together, your site becomes more than just a digital presence; it becomes a sales tool, a brand ambassador, and a lead magnet. 

At Make Me Local, we believe a website should do the talking for your business, 24/7. That’s why we build every website around great content, crafted for real people and real results. 

Call us on 0800 772 0022 or email hello@makemelocal.com to get started. 

 

 

Why Is Content-First Web Design So Important?

A strong website isn’t built from colours and code, it’s built from stories, answers, and clear communication. A content-first web design approach ensures your key messages lead the way, guiding every design and functionality decision. 

It allows you to: 

• Craft a seamless user journey 
• Build a site around what your audience needs 
• Improve your SEO performance from the ground up 
• Avoid costly reworks during development 

Design is what draws visitors in. Content is what keeps them engaged and makes them act. 

 

Content-First Audit Checklist

Before jumping into design, start with this essential audit: 

• Do you know who your ideal customer is? 
• What problems do they have that your business solves? 
• What actions should they take on your site? 
• Do you have a content plan for key pages like Home, Services, About, and Contact? 
• Are there any external feeds (e.g. reviews, blogs, social media) that need to be included? 

This audit helps ensure your content isn’t just an afterthought; it’s your website’s foundation. 

 

Building A Content Framework Template

Once you’ve nailed down your audit, the next step is creating a content marketing framework. Think of this as the master plan for every page. 

Your framework should include: 

• Key messages for each section or page 
• Page goals (e.g. lead capture, information, click-throughs) 
• Placement for images, calls to action, testimonials, and videos 
• SEO requirements like keywords and meta tags 
• Functional elements like forms, buttons, or maps 

This gives your web team clarity from day one and avoids surprises halfway through the build. 

 

Creating Constraints

A design without content constraints often looks great but fails to perform. 

Knowing your content upfront keeps your web design practical and user-focused. It sets real-world limits based on actual business needs, like: 

• How many services need a spotlight 
• Whether you need room for case studies or FAQs 
• How your contact form should function 

Clear constraints also avoid retrofitting your copy into awkward spaces or redesigning layouts at the last minute. 

 

Getting The Content Right

You could have the most stunning website ever built, but if the content misses the mark, visitors won’t stick around. 

Your content needs to be: 

• Relevant and easy to read 
• Clear about what your business offers 
• Optimised for search engines 
• Written for your audience, not your competitors 

Great content is what drives conversions. At Make Me Local, we work closely with businesses to create custom-written copy that reflects their brand voice and speaks directly to their ideal customers. 

 

Using AI Tools In Content-First Design

AI tools are helpful assistants, but not replacements. They can summarise, inspire, and even help outline content ideas. But without a human touch, the result often lacks clarity, tone, and strategy. 

We use AI to assist the creative process, not own it. Our expert copywriters take over to ensure your website content sounds professional, natural, and aligns with your business objectives. 

 

Progressive Enhancement For Accessible Content

A content-first website is more than mobile-friendly; it’s accessible. 

With a progressive enhancement strategy, your core content is always available, even on older devices or slower connections. Features like alt text for images, keyboard navigation, and readable fonts ensure your site is inclusive and user-friendly for everyone. 

This isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s good business practice and supports your site’s SEO as well. 

 

Content-First Vs Design-First: Pros & Cons

Approach	Pros	Cons
Content-First	Strong narrative, better SEO, fewer revisions	Requires early planning and collaboration
Design-First	Faster mock-ups, branding-led visuals	Content doesn’t always fit; more redesigns are needed

At Make Me Local, we’ve seen that content-first always wins in the long run. It’s how we build websites that work as hard as you do. 

 

Is Your Site Working As Hard As It Can For You?

Your website should be your digital front door, not a dusty signpost. 

Ask yourself: 

• Does my site answer my customers’ top questions? 
• Is the message clear and easy to understand? 
• Does each page guide users to act? 
• Was it built around content or squeezed into a template? 

If the answer’s “no” or “not sure,” then a rethink may be due. And that rethink starts with content. 

 

Time To Act

Ready to build a website that reflects your brand and delivers real results? 

At Make Me Local, we create custom, content-led websites designed to attract, engage, and convert. From planning your content strategy to designing and launching your site, our team is with you every step of the way. 

Call us on 0800 772 0022 or hello@makemelocal.com, we’d love to hear from you.