---
title: VCEDC Content Workflow — Word Docs Per Page
type: article
created: '2026-04-05'
updated: '2026-04-05'
source_docs:
- raw/2025-10-30-vcedc-website-meeting-98145876.md
tags:
- vcedc
- content-strategy
- website
- wordpress
- workflow
layer: 2
client_source: null
industry_context: null
transferable: true
---

# VCEDC Content Workflow — Word Docs Per Page

## Overview

During the October 2025 staging review, AAG and VCEDC aligned on a structured content workflow to move the website build forward. The core problem: copy had been pulled from various sources, was often duplicated or outdated, and didn't clearly answer the question visitors most needed answered — *"What do you do?"*

The solution is a page-by-page Word document workflow that gives VCEDC a clear, bounded task (rewrite copy) while giving the developer a single source of truth for implementation.

**Related meeting:** [[meetings/2025-10-30-vcedc-website-staging-review]]
**Client:** [[clients/vcedc/index]]

---

## The Workflow

### AAG's Role
1. Create one Word document per website page.
2. Populate each doc with the current placeholder/draft copy from the staging site.
3. Include placeholder links for every button and CTA, with a best-guess destination (e.g., Contact Us, Start a Business page). VCEDC can override these.
4. Deliver all docs to Kathy and Tracey by **EOD November 1**.

### VCEDC's Role (Kathy)
1. Open the Word doc alongside the staging site in a browser.
2. Rewrite copy directly in the doc, using the live layout as a visual guide to match content length and placement to the design.
3. Return completed docs to AAG for implementation.

### Why This Approach
- Avoids confusion from scattered feedback across Miro, email, and verbal notes.
- Lets Kathy write *to* the layout rather than submitting freeform copy that may not fit.
- Creates a single handoff artifact the developer can implement without interpretation.

---

## Core Content Goal

> *"When I get phone calls, it's 'I went to your website but I don't know what you guys do.' My goal is to make sure that if someone's going to our website, we're answering that question — so they pick up the phone, call me, send me an email, fill out our contact form."*
> — Kathy Schmitz

Every page should be evaluated against two questions before launch:
- Does this page clearly explain what VCEDC does?
- Does it give the visitor an obvious next action (call, email, contact form)?

---

## Homepage Simplification Decision

During the review, a redundant section — *"Your Key to Vilas County Growth"* — was identified as duplicating copy already present higher on the page. Decision: **remove it entirely.** The homepage should retain:

- Hero banner (with replacement high-res image)
- Primary value statement: *"Grow your business with Vilas County EDC — Love Where You Live"*
- Core service snippets linking to interior pages
- Business success stories section

The removed section had no distinct CTA destination and added length without adding clarity.

---

## Known Copy & Content Issues (as of Oct 2025)

| Page | Issue | Owner |
|---|---|---|
| Homepage | Pixelated hero banner image | AAG (replace) |
| Homepage | Footer gradient too dark | AAG (lighten per Jim's feedback) |
| Homepage | "Your Key to Vilas County Growth" section — redundant | AAG (remove) |
| Navigation | "Business Expansion" should read "Business Success" | AAG |
| About / Leadership | Jim Tuckwell listed as Board Chair — will be outdated post-launch | Update after new chair confirmed |
| About / Leadership | Roger's profile photo is low-res / unacceptable | VCEDC (provide professional photo) |
| Broadband page | Missing Incredible Bank grantor logo | AAG (add) |
| Events page | Missing Associated Bank grantor logo; ConvertKit logo showing erroneously | AAG (add/remove) |
| Donate page | Stripe plugin not yet integrated | AAG (implement) |

---

## Leadership Content Notes

- **Jim Tuckwell** content (Board Chair references, WXPR/Channel 12 interviews) should remain through end of year, then be replaced with the incoming chair's content as new interviews are recorded.
- **Roger** (staff profile): awaiting a professional, high-resolution photo. Low-res submissions received to date are not acceptable for the site.

---

## Related Decisions from This Meeting

- [[knowledge/website/vcedc-video-hosting-strategy]] — YouTube embed approach, SiteCast discontinuation
- [[knowledge/website/vcedc-events-past-programs-page]] — Upcoming vs. past events page structure, "Past Programs" page creation

---

## Action Items from This Workflow Decision

- [ ] **Melissa (AAG):** Send page-by-page Word docs with proposed CTA links to Kathy & Tracey by EOD Nov 1
- [ ] **Kathy (VCEDC):** Rewrite all website copy in the provided Word documents
- [ ] **Kathy (VCEDC):** Provide Roger's professional photo
- [ ] **Melissa (AAG):** Implement all staging fixes noted in the table above