Four must-have roles for a great website

Last week, I spoke to two businesses with new websites in the works.

When I asked them for more detail, they both told me about the web development companies they had hired.

I waited to hear who else was involved.

Crickets. 🦗🦗🦗

One confided that they used ChatGPT to write the website copy. 🤯 (I know, not shocking to you, perhaps, but it is to me.)

I'm not surprised. I frequently encounter businesses and organizations who think that they can hire a web developer and be done with it.

The truth is, a web developer is the first step, but it shouldn't be the only one.

If you want a website that actually drives engagement and revenue, you'll need to identify professionals for the following four roles:

• Web developer

• Copywriter/strategist

• SEO expert

• Designer

If you're lucky, you can sometimes find companies or people who have one or more of these skills, but I have yet to find anyone who does all of them.

Here's a quick summary of each distinct role and its importance.

1️⃣ Web developer: A skilled web developer lays the groundwork, creating a reliable, seamless platform that works behind the scenes. This technical foundation ensures your site loads quickly, stays secure, and adapts smoothly to any device.

2️⃣ Copywriter/strategist: Clear, strategic messaging shapes how your organization is seen. A copywriter with a strategist’s mindset crafts words that speak directly to your audience’s needs and values, turning your vision into compelling calls to action.

3️⃣ SEO expert: An SEO expert helps your site get found. Through smart optimization, your content rises in search results, making it easier for supporters, clients, or donors to discover what you offer.

4️⃣ Designer: Design is the final touch that brings everything together. A thoughtful designer creates a welcoming, accessible experience, using layout, color, and imagery to guide visitors and build trust.

Each of these has a critical role to play in the overall success of your website.

When technical know-how, strong messaging, visibility, and visual appeal work together, your website becomes a powerful tool for engagement and revenue generation.

In short, don't stop at a web developer!