How to Prep for a Web Design Project (Client Guide)

So, you’re ready to build a new website — or finally redesign the one that’s been collecting digital dust. Exciting! But before you jump into your web design project, let’s talk prep work. Showing up prepared isn’t just nice, it can actually save you time, money, and a lot of back-and-forth.

Whether it’s your first website or your fifth, having clarity around your goals, brands, content, and collaboration style makes the whole process smoother (and way less stressful).

In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to prep for a website project from the client side—no jargon, no guesswork, just practical steps to help you feel confident from the start.\

TL;DR:

• Know what to gather before starting your web design project
• Tips to clarify your goals, brand, content, and timeline
• A final checklist to help you feel organized and ready to go

‍

‍

Define Your Goals and Vision

Before any design work starts, you need to get clear on why you want a website in the first place. Sounds obvious, but a lot of projects go sideways because this part gets skipped.

Start by asking:

• What do I want this website to do?
• Who is it for?
• What’s not working with my current site (if you have one)?

Some websites are built to bring in new leads. Others need to show off work, sell products, take bookings, or answer common questions. Your goals will shape everything, from layout and content to features and flow.

Here are a few examples:

• If you’re in a service-based business → You might need a clear list of services, a strong call to action, and a built-in contact form or booking system.
• If you’re launching a product → Your website should focus on eCommerce, product photos, and a smooth checkout experience.
• If you’re a personal brand → You may want a simple, clean design that showcases your work, values, and personality.

It’s also helpful to make a quick list of must-haves and nice-to-haves. That way, you and your designer can stay aligned from day one.

Pro tip: Got a few websites you like? Share them with your designer. Even if they’re from a totally different industry, they can help show preferred your style, layout, and functionality.

‍

‍

Know Your Brand (or be ready to build it)

Your website should feel like you—not just visually, but in the tone, energy, and experience it gives people. That’s where your brand comes in.

You don’t need to have everything figured out, but it helps to know what already exists and where you might need support.

Start by asking:

• Do I have a logo I actually like (and have the files for)?
• What colors, fonts, or styles represent my brand?
• Do I have brand photos or headshots?
• How do I want people to feel when they visit my website?

If you’ve got a full brand kit, great. If not, that’s totally fine too, your designer can guide you through that process, or help refine what you already have.

A few common client scenarios:

• “I have a logo, but that’s it.” → You might benefit from a brand refinement or simple style guidelines.
• “I’ve never worked with a designer before.” → Starting with a full brand identity package might be the way to go.
• “I have everything I need.” → Awesome. Just make sure you have access to your files (not just screenshots!).

Pro tip: Share a few moodboards, Pinterest pins, or Instagram accounts you like—it gives your designer a clearer image of your vibe.

‍

Get Clear on Content and Copy

A beautiful website means nothing without words and content that actually connect. The earlier you think about what needs to go on your site, the better your project will go.

Start by thinking about what pages you’ll need. Most websites include:

• Home — your elevator pitch
• About — your story and what makes you different
• Services or Products — what you offer, who it’s for, and why it matters
• Contact — how to get in touch or book
• Extras like blogs, FAQs, testimonials, or galleries (optional but helpful!)

Now ask yourself:

• Who’s writing the content—me or my designer?
• Do I already have bios, service descriptions, or photos?
• Are there past reviews or client results I can include?

It’s totally fine if it’s not all done, just having a rough outline or bullet points makes a huge difference.

Pro tip: Don’t forget visuals! High-quality images (of your work, space, or team) bring your site to life and build trust fast.

‍

‍

Set a Realistic Budget and Timeline

Let’s be real…talking money and timelines can feel awkward. But being upfront about both helps your project move faster and prevents surprises down the line.

Start by asking yourself:

• What’s my realistic budget for this website project?
• Do I have a deadline? (Is it tied to a launch, event, or busy season?)
• Am I open to phasing things out if needed?

Custom web design isn’t one-size-fits-all. A site with five basic pages will cost less than an eCommerce shop with 40 products, booking tools, and integrations. But your designer can’t recommend the right solution if they don’t know your limits.

It’s okay if you’re not sure what things should cost—just be honest about your range. Most studios (the good ones, anyway) can help you prioritize what matters most based on your goals.

Pro tip: If your deadline is tight, be ready to respond quickly and provide content or feedback on time. Delays are often avoidable with good communication.

‍

Be Ready to Collaborate and Communicate

Designing a website isn’t a one-and-done task, it’s a process. And the best results come when you’re actively involved, not just waiting on the sidelines.

Here’s what that really means:

• Expect to review drafts, give feedback, and approve things at key stages
• Be honest about what you like (and don’t)—designers aren’t mind readers
• Try to be clear and timely with communication—it keeps the project moving

Also, if you’re working with a team, figure out:

• Who’s the main point of contact?
• Who’s making final decisions?
• Does everyone need to be looped in, or just certain people?

Having one main person in charge of feedback avoids confusion and back-and-forth. Trust me, this really matters when timelines are tight.

Pro tip: Let your designer know how you prefer to communicate—email, Notion, Zoom, voice notes, text? The more aligned you are, the smoother everything flows.

‍

‍

Bonus: Questions to Ask Your Designer

A good designer will ask you a lot of questions—but it’s just as important that you ask some too! These don’t have to be super technical. They’re simply here to make sure you know what to expect (and avoid surprises later).

Here are a few smart ones to keep in your back pocket:

• What platform will the website be built on?
  ‍(Think: Webflow, Shopify, Wix, etc.)
• Will I be able to update the site myself later on?
  ‍(And will you show me how?)
• What’s included in the web design package?
  ‍(Copy? SEO basics? Mobile optimization? Launch support?)
• What happens if I need help after launch?
  ‍(Is there a maintenance plan or hourly support?)
• How do you typically handle feedback and revisions?
  ‍(Is there a set number of rounds? A shared doc?)

You don’t need to grill your designer with all these at once—but asking a few early on shows you’re invested, organized, and ready to make this a smooth process for both sides.

Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to ask “dumb” questions. A good designer will never make you feel that way.

‍

‍

Final Checklist: Your Web Design Prep Guide

Feeling a little more prepared already? Before you dive into your web design project, here’s a quick checklist to keep you on track:

✔️ I know what I want my website to do

✔️ I’ve thought about who it’s for and what matters to them

✔️ I have (or am open to creating) brand assets like logos, colors, and photos

✔️ I’ve listed out the pages I’ll need and thought about who’s writing the content

✔️ I have a rough budget and timeline in mind

✔️ I’m ready to give feedback and stay in the loop

✔️ I know what questions to ask my designer

✔️ I’m excited to bring this thing to life!

Save this list, screenshot it, or pin it somewhere you’ll see. You don’t need to have everything figured out—but the more boxes you can check, the smoother things will go.

‍

Set Yourself Up for a Smooth (and Fun) Project

Prepping for a web design project doesn’t have to be overwhelming, it just takes a little intention. When you come in with clarity (even if it’s imperfect), you’re setting yourself and your designer up for success.

Remember: the goal isn’t to have all the answers. It’s to be open, collaborative, and clear about what matters most.

If you’re thinking about starting a website project and want a creative partner who can help guide you through every step, you’re in the right place!

Not sure where to start?

‍You can book a free discovery call to talk things through, or fill out a quick project brief if you’re ready to hit the ground running.

‍