Website Tips · For Small Businesses
7 Things to Prep Before You Hire a Web Designer
Before investing in a custom website, you want to make sure you’re fully prepared.
The more clarity you have now, the smoother your design process will be
fewer revisions, fewer delays, and a site that feels exactly like your vision.
Here are the seven things you should have ready before you hire your designer.
1. Your Business Overview
A designer needs to understand your business at its core. Prepare:
- What you do
- Who you serve
- Your main packages or services
- Your mission or unique angle
Even a simple paragraph helps set the foundation.
2. Your Website Goals
Your goals determine the structure of your site. Ask yourself:
- Do I want more inquiries?
- More bookings?
- More online sales?
- A stronger brand presence?
- A place to host resources or client tools?
“Making it look pretty” is not a goal — making it convert is.
3. Your Must-Have Pages
Think about the pages you know you need. Common essentials include:
- Home
- About
- Services / Packages
- Portfolio / Work
- FAQ
- Blog
- Contact
- Any special features (booking, e-commerce, funnels)
Knowing this upfront makes the project smoother for both you and the designer.
4. Your Brand Assets
Your visuals set the tone for your entire website. Make sure you have:
- A logo (or at least a temporary version)
- A color palette
- Font choices
- Simple brand guidelines
- Updated brand photos
If you’re not confident in this area, a brand audit or branding package can help you get aligned before designing a full site.
5. Your Content (Copy + Images)
Nothing slows down the project more than waiting on content. Gather:
- Intro or “about me” paragraph
- Service descriptions
- Testimonials
- High-quality photos
- Any product images or portfolio pieces
Your designer can polish the copy — they just need something to start with.
6. Your Tech + Accounts
Your designer will need access to certain accounts to set up your integrations. You should have:
- Domain access (GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.)
- Professional email login
- Calendar tools (Calendly, Acuity, etc.)
- Payment accounts (Stripe, PayPal)
- Any platforms that must be connected
Even if the designer handles setup, you should still own the accounts.
7. Your Budget + Timeline
Having a realistic plan helps you get the right designer for your needs.
- What is your investment range?
- What timeline do you need your site launched?
- Do you have seasonal deadlines, events, or launches?
Clear expectations make the working relationship smooth and respectful for both sides.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a web designer is an investment and the more prepared you are, the more value you’ll get out of the process.
If you want help getting ready, download the free Website Prep Checklist on my Freebies page to guide your next steps.