A website project goes faster, costs less and turns out better when you plan a few things before talking to a developer. Here's a simple checklist we use with every client.
1. Write down the one main goal
Do you want more phone calls, more form enquiries, online sales or simply credibility when people look you up? The main goal decides what goes on the homepage and which buttons matter most.
2. List the pages you really need
Most small and medium businesses need a Home page, About page, one page per main service, a Contact page and Privacy Policy. Add a blog, portfolio or FAQ only if you'll keep them updated.
3. Gather your content early
- Your logo in high resolution (ideally SVG or a large PNG)
- Service descriptions in your own words
- Real photos of your team, work or premises
- Contact details, business hours and social links
Content is usually the biggest cause of delays, so start collecting it first.
4. Decide who will update the site
If your team will update text or add blog posts, ask for a CMS such as WordPress. If updates are rare, a fast static site can be simpler and cheaper to run.
5. Own your domain and accounts
Register your domain, hosting, Google Business Profile and analytics in your business's name and email. Give your developer access — don't let them own your accounts.
6. Plan for mobile and speed
Many visitors will see your site on a phone first. Ask how the site will be tested on mobile and how images will be optimised for fast loading.
7. Ask about SEO basics
Every page should have a unique title, meta description, clear headings and descriptive URLs. These basics don't guarantee rankings, but skipping them makes it harder to be found.
Want help planning yours? Request a quote and we'll walk you through it.