What to prepare before a new website project
A short checklist of what to gather before you talk to a web designer, so the project starts faster and the site does what you need.
A new website goes faster and turns out better when a few things are ready before the first call. None of this needs to be perfect. Rough notes are fine, and a good studio will help you fill the gaps.
1. What the website needs to do
Start with the goal, not the pages. Do you want more phone calls? Online bookings? Fewer of the same questions in your inbox? Write down the one or two things that would make the site worth it.
This shapes everything else: which pages you need, what goes at the top of the homepage, and which buttons matter most.
2. Who it's for
Describe your best customers in a few sentences. Where are they? What do they usually ask before they buy? What makes them choose you over someone else?
The answers often become the most useful words on the site.
3. What you already have
Make a list of what exists today:
- your domain name, and who it's registered with
- your current website, if you have one, and what you like or dislike about it
- your logo, brand colours and any fonts you use
- photos of your work, your team or your space
- reviews or testimonials you're happy to share
If you're not sure who controls your domain or hosting, find out now. It's the most common thing that slows a launch down.
4. Sites you like
Pick two or three websites you like, even from other industries, and note what you like about each one. "Easy to find the phone number" is just as useful as "nice colours".
5. Content, roughly
You don't need finished copy. Bullet points about your services, prices or packages (if you share them), service areas and common questions are enough to start. It's much easier to shape real notes than to write from nothing.
6. Timing and budget
Have a rough idea of when you'd like to launch and what you're comfortable spending. It helps the studio suggest the right scope, instead of guessing.
Bring it to the first call
With these notes ready, a first call can focus on your business instead of logistics. If you'd like to talk through yours, get in touch.