Plan and Research before Working with a Web Designer

Many times I have been approached by clients to discuss designing a website, and find the client has no idea of what they want or need. Here’s a few tips on research you might do and information to have before meeting  and working with a web designer.

What is the goal of the website?
Will you be selling products on the website, or will it be a static site, providing information?
If you want to update the site frequently for event or sales promotions, you may need a site that you can edit yourself. Knowing the goal of your site will determine the platform used, what features are required, and the budget.

What pages do you need in your website?
Typical websites feature a home page, about, contact. Other pages might be products or services offered, FAQ, a blog, or photo gallery. Realizing the scope of the website will allow the designer to prepare a more accurate proposal and schedule of the work provided.

Have samples of websites you like, or don’t like.
Be prepared to discuss this with the designer. Knowing your aesthetic will help in creating your website. Be specific about what does or does not appeal to you.

What resources can you provide?
Let the designer know if you have photography you want to incorporate in the site, and provide the images for evaluation. Who is writing the content for the site? Let the designer know if these are services you will need. The designer may provide this service or have a partnership with photographers, videographers, and copywriters.

Know what the designer can do.
Look at the designer’s website and see if it’s an aesthetic you’d like to explore for your website. Are there samples of other websites created by the designer?  Do you like how it functions? Is it easy to navigate? A site may look great but not function well. When meeting with the designer, ask about how he / she works, the design process, and what you can expect.

Have a budget in mind.
The general public might not know what the a website design costs, and what is involved in the process. If you have a number in mind, the designer can tell you what your options are within the budget range. Also discuss the price of a domain, hosting, ongoing maintenance, marketing, stock imagery, fonts and any subcontracted services necessary for the project.

Doing the research will not only help you realize what you expect from your new website, it will help in starting the conversation with a potential designer and working together to achieve your goals.
Are you ready to start planning your website? Contact Resolution Creative for a free consultation.