Checklist: What you really need before working with a web designer
Now we’re gonna break down how to know if you’re ready to hire a web designer—plus, I’ll share what you don’t need to stress about before working with us.
So - here’s the good news: it’s probably simpler than you think.
But there are six essential elements that’ll make all the difference between a website project that sets your business up for long-term success and one that you’ll find yourself redoing every year.
Let’s start by busting a few myths about what you DON’T need to have ready:
#1 - You dont necessarily have to have Professional Branding to get a professional website
If you have a polished logo and branding already ready to go, great! But if not, don’t sweat it.
When I design a site, I work with what you have and create something professional & cohesive, even if you don’t have a custom logo or full branding suite.
#2 - You dont have to already be paying for A website subscription
We’ll pick the right platform for your needs together if you haven’t already decided, and you don’t need to purchase it before you start.
#3 - It’s okay if you don’t have copy that’s 100% written before you hire a designer
If you’re staring at a blank Google Doc thinking, 'I have no idea what to write,' you’re not alone. Thats why we offer conversion copy outlines as an option, to guide you through the process of writing your content for each page.
That said, by the time your design project officially starts, you will need your copy written & ready to go—but we’ll make sure you’re prepared to get there.
Now let’s talk about the 6 things you actually DO need before starting a website project:
1. Your Offers.
I do recommend having enough experience to know your core services - the ones that light you up and that you want to be known for. Your offers don’t have to be set in stone forever, but having a solid idea of what you're focusing on helps me design your site in a way that highlights your strengths, and saves you from having to completely restructure your site later.
2. clarity about Your Ideal Clients.
…And I don't mean some vague idea of "couples with good budgets." I mean really understanding who you love working with and why they love working with you. Remember this isn’t about appealing to everyone—it’s about connecting with your people.
3. A Basic Brand Direction.
Like I said before, you don’t need to let not having professional branding hold you back. But having a Pinterest board for inspiration or a even a handful of adjectives can really help guide the look and feel of your site. Like, are you bold and playful? Minimal and modern? Just remember to balance your personal preferences with what will resonate with your ideal clients.
Now, it’s important to mention if you are planning to get a professional rebrand soon, you’ll want to do that first to avoid having to redo the web design later.
4. a custom Domain Name that you own.
This is like your business’s address online, so it’s one of the first things you’ll wanna lock down. Make it simple, memorable, and reflective of your business. And if you’re not sure where to start, I personally recommend checking out Hover domains (affiliate).
5. One decision-maker for the project.
Strong visuals are a non-negotiable for making your site look polished and professional. Whether it’s photos of your work, yourself, your team, your clients, or when all else fails: stock photos; you’ll need a collection of at least 25-100 images that reflect the quality of your business.
And just like with branding, if you’re planning a photoshoot, try to get it done before your website project starts so we can design around those visuals.
6. A sole point of contact.
Last but not least: If you're working with a team or a partner, I always recommend designating just one person as the decision-maker for your website project. It should be somebody who knows the business inside and out and is clear on the project goals.
This is because too many people giving feedback can cause delays or make the final design feel inconsistent, so having just one main point of contact makes the whole process a lot smoother.
These six elements are the pieces we’ll use to create something that truly reflects you and works for your business.
So to recap: that’s your offers, your ideal clients, your brand direction, your domain, your images, and your primary decision maker.
And don't worry - once you decide to move forward, we'll walk you through exactly how to organize everything in our shared Google Drive folder before we start designing.
Here’s the bottom line: You don’t need to have it all figured out before you start. But generally having a clear understanding of your business will make the outcome so much more rewarding.
But hey, if you’re still unsure whether the timing’s right, or if you need help deciding what your next step should be, just fill out our client application. I’ll send you a personalized video letting you know exactly what you need (and what you don’t need) to get started.
See you in the next episode, where we’ll break down the different levels of website services—from DIY to custom—and I’ll help you figure out which one’s the best fit for your business right now. :)
