It’s easy to be swayed by what seem like exciting new approaches and ideologies.

Ideas like "Mobile First" force us to confront challenges for customers that are mobilized—rethinking reading behaviours and simplifying design. And more recently, “Content First” ensures we prioritize what we’re saying and why we’re saying it.

These are both great approaches, but they only truly work when they support two broader statements: “Humans First” and “Web Second”.

A Humans First approach asks two vital questions: “What do people care about?" and “What do I have to offer?” and finds that connection point in the answers. It means staying true to a greater purpose for your existence, and aligning any choices you make for the web with  those "why” answers. It brings serious clarity to your business needs.

When you look at problems from a Humans First perspective, it’s easier to answer questions like: “Does our brand inconsistently portray who we are or understate the value we offer?” “Does our product solve real needs or is it time to evolve to ensure we have something valuable to offer?” or “Does our messaging consistently reinforce why we exist to all customers?”

In other words “Why would anyone care?”

With answers to those questions, tackling “Web Second” is straightforward. It’s a matter of bringing those areas of purpose to life online, staying grounded in tactics that are consistent and content that tells your real story.

This may mean different approaches at different times. It may mean mobilizing, it may not.  It may mean socializing, it may not. Web Second means being willing to shift, prioritize, and sometimes saying “no”. It means any approach to web needs to be held loosely, with a willingness to evolve and apply insights at just the right time.

By starting from a humancentric (Humans First) and holistic web (Web Second) approach, you can embrace new methodologies and technologies while remaining grounded in unchanging priorities—nimbly integrating new ideas as opposed to a whole new approach.

For more on putting humans first, read our Humanize the Web Manifesto.