So you’re getting ready for your website design project but you want to know how to prepare to work with a web designer? How can you make sure you get the most out of your investment and guarantee it goes well first time? This article will break down each of the steps so you can wow your web designer and go into your project fully prepared.

1. Understand the Support You Need

First and foremost, you need to think about the level of support you need. There are lots of things to consider but don’t worry, simply getting on the phone with your web designer can help clear this up for you. For example, you may need support with any of the following:

• Copywriting

• Branding

• Automations

• Email Marketing

• Brand Photography

• Whole redesign vs a few tweaks

• Search engine optimisation

For example, do you have your branding in place already, or are you in need of a new logo or total refresh? In which case, you may want to consider working with a branding professional.

Do you have a website that you want totally redesigning, tweaking or are you totally starting from scratch? This will determine the kind of package you should pick.

Are you confident in writing copy for your website? Aka the text and headings. If you’re like me and stare at a blank page wondering what the heck you’re going to write, you may want to consider hiring someone to write your website copy for you.

Consider if there are any processes in your business that could be streamlined or simplified with your website. This is definitely something to discuss with your web designer as you’d be surprised how much time your website could save you.

Is there a particular website platform you use or want to use? I always recommend being open to a platform switch if your web professional suggests it, as they likely have a reason for suggesting a switch.

Also consider if SEO is a priority for you, as some designers are more skilled in this than others. If you want to learn more about SEO, then my intro to SEO post would be worth a read.

It is important to first understand what you need from your website designer in order to get the most out of your time working together.

2. Pull together everything you may need for your web design project

The next step is to spend time pulling together everything you need- you don’t want to be scrambling around with a blurry logo and half your brand photos lost on a USB somewhere!

To make this process even easier, I have create a free resource you can download and use as a checklist for everything you will need. Its the exact resource I give to my paying clients to help them prepare for working together - but you’re getting it free! DOWNLOAD HERE

Branding

Most importantly, you need to pull together all your branding files, including your branding guide, logos and colours. Of course, if you are also working with your web designer on your branding, then no need to worry about this step.

Photography

If you have brand photography, then make sure you have these folders to hand and decide on your favourites.

If you don’t have any brand photography, then this is something you should seriously consider as good photography can make or break a website. Personal branding photography can also really help to connect with your dream clients and showcase your personality.

If brand photography isn’t in the budget, then take a look at some stock photography websites. Take note of what styles you like/dislike and consider saving a few for your web designer to check out.

I can highly recommend Nadine Wilmanns or Bethany Lavin if you’re based in London/UK.

Inspiration websites

Another great idea is to look at competitor websites or just other websites generally. Find ones you particularly like/dislike and take note as to why. This can really help your website designer to figure out what you want from your website, and showing an example can sometimes be easier than trying to put ideas into words.

Logins & Passwords

Lastly, I recommend pulling together your logins and passwords for important websites. This could include:

• Website host

• Google analytics & search console

• Domain provider

• Email provider

• Social media accounts

Consider what logins your web designer may need access to and make sure you know the usernames/passwords.

Free Resource To Help You Prepare To Work With A Web Designer

Review your calendar to confirm how much time you can commit

My final recommendation is to review your calendar and figure out how much time you can commit to the project. If you have a holiday coming up, or a big launch, then undertaking a website design/redesign may not be the best time for you.

Consider when you can commit time to working on your website copy and collaborating with your web designer. As that is exactly what web design is - a collaborative process that involves input on both sides.

And that’s it! Those are my top recommendations for working with a website designer and getting prepared ahead of time. If you want to make this process easier, you could download my free resource to help you get prepared.