{"id":3913,"date":"2019-02-09T12:12:46","date_gmt":"2019-02-09T17:12:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wproadmaps.com\/?p=3913"},"modified":"2019-02-09T12:25:03","modified_gmt":"2019-02-09T17:25:03","slug":"get-content-from-the-client-on-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wproadmaps.com\/get-content-from-the-client-on-time\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Best Practices Successful WordPress Providers Use to Get Content from the Client on Time"},"content":{"rendered":"

All you have to do is pose a question in a WordPress Facebook group<\/a> or other WordPress-focused forum regarding getting content from the client. Chances are you will get a litany of responses that clearly indicate this a large and common problem for both WordPress agencies and independent consultants.<\/p>\n

The answer to this problem can be simple but most WordPress practitioners aren\u2019t willing to take the time necessary to employ these 4 best practices.<\/p>\n

1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Use a Repeatable Process for Estimating Content Needs\"man<\/h3>\n

You need a repeatable process that you can refine over time so that you improve your estimating skills regarding the content needs for a project. For example, I have created the WP Roadmaps Website Content Catalog and Estimating Tool (spreadsheet) that takes your imported site map pages and allows you to quickly determine a rough order of magnitude for the proposal (among other calculations). This will be available along with the Content Collection Roadmap that I am expecting to release in the next week or so.<\/p>\n

When you break down the content needs like this, and share it with the client, it has a huge impact on their decision whether to try and craft the content themselves, hire you to do it, or take on a third party solution. Repetitively using the same process means you will become more and more precise in your estimating over time and can use this also as a selling point.<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Set Client Expectations Regarding Content Early and Consistently<\/h3>\n

\"\"If you haven\u2019t adopted a content-first design approach (and mindset), you are probably doing your client a disservice. But that is another topic for another article.<\/p>\n

Regardless of when you are dealing with content-related activities, content should be highlighted in all meetings with the client as well as your project-defining documents (proposal, statement of work, etc.). When you consistently (and gently) remind the client of their role in content activities and the potential impact of delays (make it scary), the client is more likely to complete their activities as agreed.<\/p>\n

Here is a list of the many places you have the opportunity to set the proper content-related expectations for the client. The Content Collection Roadmap will include more specific instructions and example language for each of these.<\/p>\n