Starting a new website project is exciting, but diving in without preparation is a recipe for delays, miscommunication, and budget overruns. A great web designer will guide you, but coming to the first meeting prepared will transform the entire process, making it faster, smoother, and more effective.
By thinking through these seven key areas, you'll not only impress your future web partner but also lay the foundation for a website that truly delivers results.
Here is your ultimate checklist.
1. Define Your #1 Goal
Before thinking about colors or fonts, ask yourself: What is the single most important job this website needs to do? Is it to generate sales leads through a contact form? Sell products directly via e-commerce? Build your reputation as an expert through a blog? A clear primary goal will inform every design and development decision.
2. Know Your Audience
Who are you trying to reach? Be specific. "Everyone" is not an audience. Think about your ideal customer: their age, their industry, what problems they face, and what they are looking for on your website. A site designed for a 22-year-old student will look and feel very different from one designed for a 55-year-old corporate director.
3. Gather Your Content
This is the step that delays projects the most. A beautiful website is just an empty shell without content. Start gathering the essentials:
- Logo: A high-resolution version (ideally in vector format like .AI or .EPS).
- Text (Copy): Your company profile, service descriptions, product details, etc.
- Images: Professional photos of your team, products, or workplace. High-quality stock photos can work, but authentic images are always better.
4. List Your "Must-Have" Features
Think about the specific functionality your website needs to achieve its #1 goal. This isn't a wishlist of every cool thing you've ever seen, but the essential tools for your business. Common examples include a contact form, a photo gallery, an online booking system, a blog, or customer testimonials.
5. Find 3 Websites You Love (and Hate)
The fastest way to communicate your aesthetic taste is with examples. Find three websites you love and be ready to explain why. Is it the clean layout, the bold colors, the easy navigation? Equally, find a few sites you dislike. This helps the designer understand your preferences quickly and avoids subjective feedback loops later on.
6. Set a Realistic Budget
A website is not a cost; it's an investment in your business's growth. Be upfront about what you are prepared to invest. A professional designer can offer different solutions to fit different budget ranges. Having a realistic figure in mind (e.g., "$5,000 - $8,000") allows for a much more productive conversation about what can be achieved.
7. Outline Your Brand Message
What makes you different from your competitors? This is your unique value proposition. What is the core message you want every visitor to understand within five seconds of landing on your homepage? Having this clear will be the foundation for compelling headlines and website copy.