Business Tips · For Small Businesses
How to Get “Client-Ready” Before You Invest in a Custom Website
Investing in a custom website is a big step and one of the smartest moves you can make for your business.
But the truth is… a website designer can only elevate what you’re already prepared for.
If your business isn’t client-ready yet, your website won’t perform the way you want it to, no matter how beautiful it looks.
Here’s how to prepare yourself before you hire a designer, so you walk into your project confident, organized, and fully ready for the upgrade.
1. Get Clear on Your Offers
Your website should not be guessing what you do. Before beginning a project, make sure you have:
- Clear descriptions of each service or product
- Pricing or starting rates
- Who each service is for
- What makes each offer unique
If you’re unsure, you’ll end up rewriting your site later — costing more time, more revisions, and more stress.
2. Know Who You Want to Attract
A website built for everybody converts nobody.
Take time to define:
- Your ideal client
- Their goals
- Their struggles
- What they’re searching for
- What makes them choose you
This clarity directly affects your design, copy, visuals, layout, and the experience your site creates.
3. Organize Your Brand Assets
Before investing in a custom build, gather:
- Logo files (PNG, SVG/AI if possible)
- Brand color hex codes
- Brand fonts
- High-resolution photos
- Any patterns, icons, or visual elements
If you don’t have these yet, that’s okay, but you may need branding support first before moving to the website phase.
4. Clean Up Your Social Media Appearance
Your website and social presence should look like they belong to the same business.
Audit your socials for:
- Old low-quality graphics
- Mismatched colors
- Outdated fonts
- Inconsistent messaging
When potential clients click from social to website, the transition should feel seamless.
5. Gather Your Content
Before your project begins, you should already have:
- Your About Me story (one clear version)
- Updated service descriptions
- FAQs
- Testimonials
- Policies
- Portfolio items (if applicable)
This helps your designer build a strong site structure with accurate, effective content.
6. Set Your Business Systems First
Your website is not only visual — it’s functional. Make sure your systems are ready:
- Calendar availability (if booking is required)
- Payment methods
- Email address connected to your domain
- Intake forms
- Email marketing platform (optional but helpful)
Being system ready means your site launches with everything working smoothly on Day 1.
7. Make Key Decisions Before Starting
Before your designer begins, be sure you know:
- Your preferred website platform
- Any websites you love (for inspiration)
- Your tone of voice (formal, friendly, educational, luxury, etc.)
- Your goals for the next 6–12 months
- Any add-ons you may need (blog, booking, shop, etc.)
The clearer your vision is, the stronger and faster your project becomes.