A simple guide to gathering the information and ideas needed before your website project begins.
1. Decide what your website needs to do
Choose whether you want visitors to telephone, enquire, book, visit or buy online.
Do: Choose one main action.
Do not: Add unnecessary features.
2. Think about your customers
Consider who they are, what they need and what questions they may have.
Do: Focus on your ideal customer.
Do not: Try to appeal to everyone.
3. Gather your business details
Collect your business name, address, phone number, email, opening hours and company information.
Do: Check that everything is accurate.
Do not: Include personal details unless they are business-critical.
4. List your products and/or services
Write down what you offer, starting with the most important.
Do: Use simple notes or bullet points.
Do not: Copy wording from another website.
5. Tell people about your business
Gather notes about who you are, your experience and why customers should choose you.
Do: Keep it honest and straightforward.
Do not: Worry about writing polished web content.
6. Gather your logo and brand materials
Consolidate your logo files, colours, fonts and any existing brochures or marketing materials.
Do: Refer to and use original files if available.
Do not: Use a screenshot if an original logo file exists.
7. Create a mood board
Collect examples of colours, photography, typefaces, websites and design styles you like. This could be a Pinterest board, PDF or simple folder of images.
Do: Explain what you like about each example.
Do not: Copy another company’s design.
8. Gather photographs and customer reassurance
Collect photographs, testimonials, reviews, qualifications and examples of your work (with customer permission).
Do: Use your own or properly licensed images.
Do not: Take images from Google, social media or other people’s websites.
9. Your simple starting checklist:
- Identify clearly the main purpose of your website.
- Build a clear description of your ideal customer and target demographic audience.
- Create a list of all of your key products and/or services.
- Write a consolidated and concise description of your business. (Focus on the what, where, when and who).
- Collate your brand assets together, including your logo and approved styles.
- Create a simple mood board of how you want your website to look, feel and function.
- Collate your own photography and/or licensed images.
- Collect approved testimonials and reviews that can be verified.
- Purchase your domain ensuring that you have full control panel access.
Do not worry if you cannot provide everything. Full Circle Graphics can help identify what is missing, organise your content and guide you through the complete website process.
