Using plants as a metaphor for the stuff living on your site, let’s go over the basics of how to turn an overgrown mess into a beautiful, sustainable garden.
Pick a focus area
Find a place that means something to you and the people that come by. This is usually your front lawn (homepage), but doesn’t have to be. Focus on that area; it will teach you the basics without being overwhelming. The page you choose should be something you can get excited about improving over time.
Clean up what you have before piling on more
Be familiar with what you’ve got before making any big decisions. Get in there, dedicate some time, and get some dirt under your nails. When you find some weeds or decaying clutter, edit, edit, edit. Don’t be shy.
Keep up with the upkeep
Make sure the amount of content on your site is manageable. Set a schedule for reviewing, editing, deleting, and adding new things. Avoid overgrowth and overcomplicating it.
Know when to call the professionals
Some jobs are too big for one person. Just like an estate needs a landscape architect and a dedicated groundskeeper, your site may need an information architect or a content strategist. If you’re drowning in labyrinthine content, be sure to consult the professionals.
On that consumption thing
When it comes to content, “cultivation” interests me more than “consumption.” Curiosity does not equal hunger. I want to learn.
Tell me what you know. Show me something new or interesting. That’s how you get me involved.
I feel this could apply to creative briefs.