September Newsletter: Website Content Strategy and Website Awards
Oct 01, 2024
In this month’s newsletter, I’m sharing some valuable lessons on content strategy, as well as updates from recent projects with a transparent good-news bad-news approach:
Video Timestamps
– 00:00 – 1:28: Intro.
– 1:28 – 5:24: Project Updates
– 5:24 – 11:05: Tutorial
Maintaining Control Over Your Content
One of the key takeaways from this month’s work is the importance of retaining ownership over your content. With the rise of third-party platforms like social media and marketing automation tools, it’s tempting to push everything directly to those channels. However, this approach often results in losing control and flexibility.
That’s why this month’s tutorial focuses on a website-first content strategy, ensuring that all your content lives on your own site before being shared elsewhere. By centralizing your content on your website, you maintain full control, avoiding the risk of platform policies or sudden changes impacting your material.
Why is this important?
– Ownership: Your website is the only platform you fully own, ensuring long-term control.
– Flexibility: You can always switch providers or adjust your strategy without worrying about your content being locked into a specific platform.
– SEO & Traffic: Directing users to your site rather than third-party platforms keeps the traffic in your ecosystem.
Practical tips:
– Create landing pages for forms or campaigns using tools like HubSpot but host them on your site.
– Publish long-form content directly on your website and link out to social media rather than posting entire articles on those platforms.
– Embed videos, tutorials, and other rich content on your website first before cross-posting elsewhere.
Tripleopolis Release: A Success Story
I’m pleased to announce that Tripleopolis, my first match-three puzzle game, is now available on both Apple and Android platforms! Not only has the game itself gained traction, but the micro-site I designed and developed has also garnered recognition. Recently, the site won a Design and Development Award and was named Website of the Day.
This micro-site serves as a hub for information about the game, providing download links and a sneak peek at what makes Tripleopolis unique. I’m incredibly grateful for the support I’ve received throughout the launch and look forward to sharing more about the project soon.
Middlesbrough FC Crest Tender: A Close Finish
While there’s plenty of good news this month, I also wanted to share a learning experience. I recently worked on a tender for redesigning Middlesbrough Football Club’s crest, collaborating with local historian Tosh Warwick. Despite reaching the final round, we didn’t win the tender.
Though the outcome wasn’t as hoped, this collaboration provided invaluable insights into fan engagement and design considerations for a deeply loved local team. I’m looking forward to sharing the pitch designs and presentation soon on my blog and social media.
If you missed the previous newsletter, you can view it here.