Which should come first: website design or content?

At Root Studio, we see it from both sides and the answer isn’t as black and white as you might think.

Let’s dive into why both approaches have their merits, the benefits of working with a creative team on content and why taking the time to get both design and content right is always a worthwhile investment.

Designing a website without content

Starting a website design without content may sound counterproductive but there are a few benefits to this approach. Experienced designers are often capable of predicting what type of content will be needed on certain types of page based on the website’s purpose and the user’s likely journey. From experience we understand how much copy will likely be required and where images, interactions and call-to-actions are likely to be most appropriate.

This ability to visualise helps speed up the web design process especially when a scheduled is tight and deadlines are looming. A good designer can map out a page's structure, plan for content chunks and leave appropriate space for different elements - even without detailed text to hand.

There’s also the added benefit of flexibility. Design without content leaves room for iteration allowing you to adjust the layout based on how the content evolves.

But (and here’s the catch) while this can work in some cases, it’s never a perfect substitute for having real, considered content from the start. It’s like designing a house without knowing how many rooms you’ll need - you can make an educated guess but you might end up needing an extension or knocking down some walls once the final plans come in.

Why content matters early on

On the flip side, there’s a lot to be said for creating your content before the design process kicks off. Your content is the story, the message, the reason users are visiting your website in the first place. Without it you’re left designing an empty shell.

Content dictates layout choices, the structure of the page and how different elements should interact with each other.

For clients however, it’s easy to see why this feels like a challenge. Writing content for a page you haven’t seen yet? That’s no small feat. Imagining what that page will look like and how your words will fit within the design often feels like a designer’s skillset - not something everyone can visualise effectively. That’s where working closely with a creative team comes into play.

The advantages of producing content with your creative team

At Root Studio, we’ve seen first-hand how powerful collaboration between design and content can be. When we work with clients on content strategy, structure planning and even the creation of the content itself, the entire process becomes smoother and the finished article becomes richer and more persuasive. We’re able to guide the content creation ensuring it’s engaging, written with purpose and structured to suit certain user behaviours.

When designers and content creators collaborate from the get-go, the result is a website that not only looks great and performs well but also communicates effectively too. The content feels tailored to the layout and the layout supports the content’s message.

This is where preparatory tasks like user journey mapping come into play as well. By understanding the journey your audience takes through your website, we can structure the content to meet their needs and guide them towards a specific action. Whether it’s buying a product, signing up for a service or simply learning more about your brand, mapping the journey ensures your content and design work together seamlessly to improve the user experience.

Why rushing isn’t the answer and shouldn't be the excuse

We get it - deadlines loom and sometimes you are under pressure to get a website live fast but rushing through the design or content process can lead to problems down the road. You might end up with a website that looks great but doesn’t actually speak to your audience or you might find yourself cramming content into a design that wasn’t built to accommodate it. Neither scenario leads to an effective website and you'll see a weaker ROI.

Taking the time to plan your content and ensuring it’s tackling the right subject matter is crucial. This means giving yourself space to review, refine and rethink your approach if necessary. It’s also worth considering the power of user research - understanding what your users need and want can help shape both your content and design to better meet their expectations.

In the grand scheme of things, it’s more important to get your website right than to get it done quickly. After all, your website is one of your brand’s most important assets - it deserves the time and attention required to make it truly effective.

How we can help

At Root Studio, we offer more than just website design. We’re here to support you through the entire process - from user journey mapping and content structure planning to creating a content strategy that fits your brand’s voice. Whether you’re starting with design or content, our team knows how to bring both elements together in a way that creates a cohesive and engaging experience for your users.

We’ve seen time and again that the best results come from collaboration. When you combine your industry knowledge with our creative expertise, we can produce something that truly resonates with your audience.

In conclusion: a balance of both is best

So, which comes first - the design or the content? The truth is, they’re both vital and the most successful websites come from an approach that balances both. Whether you start with one or the other depends on your project but taking the time to plan each carefully and working with an experienced creative team will always pay off.

If you need help planning your website’s content or are looking for a new design - get in touch. Let’s work together to create a website that not only looks incredible but also tells your story in the most impactful way possible.