01
Start with the business problem
‘We need a modern website’ describes a preference, not the problem. Explain what is failing today: customers cannot understand the services, the current site looks untrustworthy, enquiries go to the wrong place or the business has no controlled web presence.
A useful goal is observable without promising a result. For example: make the service areas clear, reduce repetitive pre-sale questions, or provide a credible page to send after a sales call.
02
Collect the core facts
- Official business name and contact details
- Services and the differences between them
- Locations or actual service area
- Opening or response hours
- Primary customer groups
- Qualifications, registrations or policies that can be verified
- Current website, Google profile and social links
03
Audit the content you already own
Gather the logo files, colours, fonts, photographs, product or project information, team profiles, testimonials and policy documents you can legally use. Mark anything outdated or awaiting permission.
Do not assume the designer can lift images or copy from another business. Content creation, photography and licensing should be included in the quote when the business cannot supply suitable material.
04
Name the systems and accounts involved
The business should know who owns each account and how access will be granted safely. Avoid sending passwords through casual messages when a platform supports roles or invitations.
- Domain registrar
- Hosting platform
- Business email
- Google Business Profile
- Analytics and Search Console
- Booking or calendar system
- Payment or ecommerce platform
- Customer relationship or enquiry system
05
Prepare the approval process
Choose the person who can make final decisions and define how other feedback reaches them. Several stakeholders can contribute, but one consolidated response prevents a revision round from becoming a collection of conflicting preferences.
Agree on who writes, reviews and legally approves sensitive claims. A designer can improve clarity; the business remains responsible for the accuracy of its services, prices, credentials and regulated information.
Questions
What business owners usually ask
Do I need to write all website copy first?+
Not always. Clarify whether copywriting is included. Even with a writer, the business must supply accurate facts, approvals and subject expertise.
Should I buy the domain before hiring a designer?+
It is sensible to secure the right domain in a business-controlled account. The designer can help with technical setup without becoming the registrant owner.
What if I have no professional photos?+
Discuss photography, licensed stock or a staged launch. Do not present unrelated stock images as your real team, facility or completed work.
How many examples should I send?+
A small set is enough when you explain what you like or dislike about each. References should communicate direction, not instruct the designer to copy another site.