Updated April 2023

Creating a compelling and functional website is more than just a visual exercise. If you're about to hire a website designer or considering a DIY website approach, it's tempting to focus on the surface features like whether or not you want a rotating banner at the top. And while your website should make you happy, there are far more important considerations – like user experience (UX).

And one of the best ways to improve UX is to design with content in mind.

Content-first design is a user-centered approach that focuses on delivering the right content to the right people at the right time. In other words, it puts the needs of your users first.

There are countless benefits to designing with content in mind, but here are seven of the most important ways it can improve your user's experience.

Makes Navigation Easier

One of the most critical aspects of user experience is navigation. Users will quickly become frustrated and leave if a website is challenging to navigate. Content-first design helps to prevent this by putting content front and center. 

By planning a content-first design with professionals at boldist.co or similar web design experts, you can better understand how users will interact with the site and what kind of navigation will be most effective. This small but meaningful step results in a website that is easy to use and navigate, making for a better overall experience for the user.

Encourages Engagement

Another important aspect of UX design is engagement; after all, how good is a beautiful website or app if no one uses it? A site that is difficult to use or frustrates users will not likely retain them for very long. 

Content-first design helps encourage engagement by making sure that users can quickly find what they need and easily navigate your site and/or app. By starting with the content, you can help keep users engaged with your site and encourage them to keep coming back. Measuring and analyzing mobile app engagement metrics can also provide valuable insights into user behavior and areas for improvement in the UX design.

Urges Social Sharing

Content-first design also improves user experience by urging social sharing. Good content is shareable content. If users find your content helpful, informative, or entertaining, they'll be much more likely to share it with their friends and followers. 

And the more people see your content, the more likely you are to increase traffic to your site. Again, this improves the user experience because more people see your brand and what you offer. 

Increases Brand Awareness

Content-first design helps increase brand awareness by starting with content that allows you to take a more strategic approach to present information on your website. For example, you can control the tone and voice of your website by carefully crafting the text to reflect your brand identity. 

You can also use images and videos to reinforce your brand message further. When done right, content-first design can create a cohesive and memorable user experience that will leave users with a positive impression of your brand.

Reduces Cognitive Load

Cognitive load is the mental effort required to process and understand information. A website with too much information can overwhelm users and cause them to leave. Content-first design helps reduce cognitive load by only including the most essential information on the site. 

By starting with the content, you can determine what is most important and ensure that it is front and center. In addition, it helps reduce the mental effort required to process and understand your site, resulting in a better overall experience.

Ensures Consistency Across Platforms

One of the most significant benefits of content-first design is that it ensures consistency across all platforms. No matter how users access your site—whether through a desktop computer, a mobile device, or a tablet—they'll always see the same content in the same order. 

That's because content-first design starts with developing the actual content (text, images, videos, etc.) before deciding on a layout or design. Once you finalize the content, then the task of designing the website around that content can begin. 

This approach contrasts traditional design methods, which often start with creating a layout or template and then filling it with content. 

Improves Usability

One of the main goals of good UX design is to ensure users can easily find the information they need on your site. A content-first approach can help by making your site's most important content front and center. 

For example, suppose you have a home page with three sections: an introduction, a list of features, and a call-to-action (CTA). A traditional approach would be to put the introduction at the top of the page, followed by the list of features and a CTA at the bottom. 

However, if you use a content-first approach, you would put the CTA at the top of the page since it's probably the most critical element for users. So instead of having to scroll down to find it, users will see it right away when they land on your home page. In addition, it increases the likelihood that they'll take action (i.e., click on the CTA). If you want to implement a content-first approach and improve your website's UX design, you can learn more about how working with a reputable design agency can provide the expertise and guidance needed to create a seamless user experience that resonates with your target audience and drives results."

Final Thoughts

Content-first design is a UX approach that starts with developing the content before moving on to the design. If you’re in the early process of creating a website or thinking about a website redesign, ensure this content-first approach is on your radar. It’s easy to get caught up in the design process and easily overlook how your content will impact the visitor’s experience and conversions.

Be sure to check out the blog archives for more articles about website design, and let us know your thoughts on a content-first approach.

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