What I Need From You Before I Can Design Your Website
Preparing for a website design project is one of the most important steps in creating a website you'll love. The more prepared you are before we begin, the smoother the process will be and the faster we can launch your new website. Here's everything I need from you before I can design your website.
Why Preparation Matters
One of the biggest reasons website projects get delayed isn't the design itself.
It's waiting on content.
Missing photos.
Half-finished copy.
Last-minute decisions.
That's why I like to gather everything before your project officially begins.
When we have all the pieces in place, I can spend your design week focused on creating a strategic website instead of chasing down missing information.
It also makes the entire experience less stressful for both of us!
Your Website Copy
One of the biggest things I'll need is your website copy.
That includes the words for pages like
Home
About
Services
Contact
FAQ
Any additional pages included in your project
Your website copy doesn't have to be perfect, but it should be finalized before we begin.
Having your messaging complete allows me to design each page around your content instead of trying to make the content fit the design.
Your Branding
Your branding helps create a consistent experience across your website.
Before we start, I'll need your
Logo files
Brand colors
Fonts
Brand guidelines, if you have them
If you don't have formal brand guidelines, don't worry! As long as you have your logo and the basic elements of your visual identity, we're in great shape.
Professional Photos
High-quality images make a huge difference.
They help build trust, showcase your personality, and make your website feel polished.
Depending on your business, this might include
Brand photos or headshots
Product images
Portfolio images
Styled stock photos
Lifestyle photography
If you don't have professional photos yet, I highly recommend investing in them before your website launch.
Testimonials
Social proof is one of the easiest ways to build credibility.
If you've worked with happy clients, I'd love to include their feedback throughout your website.
Gather testimonials that highlight
The problem your client had
The experience of working with you
The results they achieved
Specific testimonials are almost always more powerful than general compliments.
Your Services
Before we begin, it's important to have your offers clearly defined.
That includes
Your services
What's included
Your process
Pricing, if you choose to display it
Any packages or add-ons
If you're still changing your offers every week, it may be worth waiting until they're more established.
Your website should reflect the business you're building today.
Website Inspiration
I also love seeing websites that inspire you.
This isn't so I can copy them.
It's simply a great way to understand what you're drawn to.
Maybe you love
A clean layout
Bold typography
Minimal design
Colorful branding
Lots of white space
Creative page layouts
Sharing a few examples helps me better understand your style while creating something that's uniquely yours.
Your Domain and Website Access
If you already have a website, I'll also need access to a few things.
Depending on your project, that may include
Your Squarespace account
Domain registrar
Email marketing platform
Google Analytics
Google Search Console
Other integrations we'll be connecting
Don't worry if you're not sure where everything is.
I'll let you know exactly what I need before your project begins.
Clear Goals for Your Website
One question I always ask clients is
What do you want your website to do?
Maybe your goal is to
Book more inquiries
Raise your prices
Attract higher-end clients
Build credibility
Grow your email list
Increase organic traffic through blogging
Knowing your goals helps shape every design decision we make.
Because a successful website isn't just beautiful.
It's built with purpose.
Communication During Your Project
Website in a Week moves quickly.
To keep everything on schedule, I'll need timely communication throughout your design week.
That means
Responding to questions
Reviewing your website when requested
Sending feedback within the agreed timeline
Approving the final design before launch
The faster we communicate, the smoother your project will be.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I don't have everything ready?
No problem! We'll simply wait to schedule your project until your content and materials are complete. Having everything prepared beforehand helps your website launch on time and keeps the process as smooth as possible.
Do I need professional branding before hiring a web designer?
Not always, but it definitely helps. A logo, color palette, and fonts create a cohesive look and make your website feel more polished. If you don't have branding yet, we can talk about the best next step before your project begins.
Can you write my website copy for me?
Copywriting isn’t included, so you'll want to have your website copy finalized before your design week begins. I can also provide a DIY copywriting guide to help you write your own copy before the design week.
What if I don't have professional photos?
You can use high-quality images you already have, but professional brand photography is one of the best investments you can make. Great photos build trust and elevate the overall look of your website.
How long should I spend preparing?
It varies from business to business. Some clients gather everything in a couple of weeks, while others take a little longer. I'd rather you take the time to prepare than rush through the process.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for your website project might not be the most exciting part of the process, but it's one of the most important.
The more prepared you are before we begin, the smoother your project will be and the stronger your finished website will become.
My goal is to make the entire experience as simple and stress-free as possible while creating a website that reflects your business, supports your marketing, and helps you attract more of the right clients.
If you're ready to start planning your Squarespace website, I'd love to help with my Squarespace web design services.