You don’t need much to start a website project. But a little preparation makes the first conversation faster, keeps the quote accurate, and saves a round or two of back-and-forth later. Here’s what’s worth gathering before you reach out.
Key takeaways
- Know what you want the site to do, not just how you want it to look.
- Gather what already exists: your current site, logo, photos, and login details.
- Write down deadlines and anything that’s non-negotiable.
1. Decide what the site needs to do
Start with the job, not the design. Most small-business sites exist to get one of a few things to happen:
- A phone call or text
- A booked appointment
- A quote request
- A visit to the shop
Pick the one that matters most. Every page should make that next step obvious, so it’s the most useful thing a designer can know about your business.
2. Collect what you already have
Even if you’re starting fresh, existing material helps:
- Your current website, if you have one, and what you like or dislike about it
- Your logo in the best format you can find
- Photos of your work, your team, or your space. Real photos beat stock photos almost every time.
- Reviews or testimonials you’d be proud to show
3. Find your logins
Projects stall more often on lost passwords than on design decisions. Before you start, find out who controls:
- Your domain name (where you bought it, and whose account it’s in)
- Your current hosting, if any
- Your Google Business Profile
- Any email that runs on your domain
If you can’t find something, that’s fine. Knowing it’s missing up front is what matters.
4. Write down your deadlines
If there’s a date the site needs to be live, such as a grand opening, a busy season, or a trade show, say so at the start. It shapes the plan.
5. Look at a few sites you like
Two or three examples go a long way. They don’t need to be in your industry. Note what you like about each one: the layout, the photos, how easy it is to find a phone number.
Ready when you are
None of this has to be perfect. A rough idea of what you want the site to do, plus whatever you already have, is plenty for a first conversation. When you’re ready, tell us about your business.