Whether you’re creating a website from scratch or just hoping to revamp your existing site, working with a web designer is a smart choice. A professional developer and designer will help turn your vision into a reality, and save you the frustration of trying to do it yourself. As talented as the designer may be, however, they can’t read minds. There is some info you should have prepared when you go into a meeting with a web design company. The more details you can provide about your business and what kind of site you have, the better the final product will be!
DEFINE YOUR COMPANY
Defining your company at the beginning the conversation will help your designer process the more detailed information you relay, and create content that clearly communicates your business. Can you define your company in a sentence? Is it in a niche or is it many services? Discuss the serves your company provides, from the broad to the specific. List these out and give them to the designer. The better understanding the designer has of your industry, the more accurate suggestions he or she can offer to solve your unique problems.
CONVEY A BRAND
Branding is your reputation and how you’re perceived – not just your colors and logo. These elements of course help communicate your reputation to customers. Seek reviews out online. Inform your designer of your local reputation and what you’d like it to be. Be realistic. If you’re not happy with your current reputation, let your designer know, and they can help create something that combats that.
DEFINE A TARGET MARKET
Knowing your customer base is imperative to marketing. “Everyone” cannot be your target customer. Think, who is your typical customer? Age demographics, knowledge of your industry or product, etc. This will help guide the content, as well as colors and overall design.
WHAT ARE YOUR COMPETITORS DOING?
Look at your competitors sites. What are they doing that you wish you could do? Often, your designer may be able to improve upon their solutions and create something better than your competitors. Letting your designer know of site features or the direction you’d like your company to grow in will allow your designer better guide you in how to accomplish your goals.
DESIGN THOUGHTS
You may be overwhelmed by what you want the design of your site to look like – that’s likely why you hired a designer in the first place. Think about some sites that you enjoy. What kinds of colors, navigation, fonts do they use? Keep in mind that some sites for larger companies likely were highly customized and are beyond the scale of the site you need for your own business. Be prepared to be flexible.
Bring your files
Files you should bring or send:
- Logo file – preferably the raw file, but a high-res PNG file will work. (if you have it)
- High res photos – if You don’t have photos of your own, look through a stock image site and see what times of images stand out to you and represent your brand.
- Copy Content – Even if the company you hire has a copywriter, providing some sample copy is very helpful. Remember, you know your business better than they do! Provide info about yourself and your company, contact info, descriptions of your services, etc.
Congrats on starting work on your new website! With a little preparation, it can be a smoother process for you and the designer.
