project planning • 02 Aug 2023
Five things you need to organise before starting a website project
Your website can be a powerful marketing tool that can help you reach a wider audience, generate leads and sales, and build your brand. Before you get started on working with a web designer or developer (such as me!), there are a few things you’ll need to have ready first.
Your goals
What are your overall goals for your website? Do you want to increase brand awareness, drive traffic to your physical business premises, or generate leads and sales? Knowing your overall goals will help to determine which features and functionality need to be included on your website.
Your target audience
Who is your target audience? When you know who you’re talking to, it’s easier to craft messaging that resonates. Who are you selling your product or service to? What are their demographics? What problems do they need solving? Knowing your target audience will help your designer create the design and overall user experience that speaks to them and drives conversions.
Your competitor’s sites
What do your competitors websites look like? What features do they have? Knowing what’s out there will help your designer ensure your website stands out from the crowd and gives you an edge over the competition! Understanding what your competition is doing well and what could be improved can help you with finding your unique voice and improve your online presence.
Examples of websites you like
Having some examples of websites that you like are a must have. Getting specific on why you also like a website is really helpful rather than just saying you like a site because it’s ‘pretty’. Do you feel an emotional connection to a particular design? Do you feel the navigation is clear and easy to follow? Does the typography communicate the personality of the brand really well? Some examples of what you DON’T like are equally as helpful, so your designer knows exactly what to steer clear from.
Branding materials
If you have any existing branding materials such as a logo, colour palette or business card, this is a must for your designer! Having these materials on hand will help to ensure that your website is on brand and consistent with the rest of your marketing material. No logo? No problem. Many designers may offer a brand package to go alongside your web project as an additional extra.
So there you have it, five things your designer will need from you before starting your website project! It seems like a little bit of work, but by having this information up front you’ll be able to hit the ground running.
Interested in working with me on a website project? Get in touch with me to book in your free consultation!