Written by
Fransheska
July 7, 2025
•
5 min read
Get ready for a smooth website project with this step-by-step client guide. Learn what to prepare, how to communicate, and what to expect before you start.
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.\
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:
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:
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.
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:
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:
Pro tip: Share a few moodboards, Pinterest pins, or Instagram accounts you like—it gives your designer a clearer image of your vibe.
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:
Now ask yourself:
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.
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:
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.
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:
Also, if you’re working with a team, figure out:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.