Are you getting ready to prepare for a web design project for your creative business?
You’re probably asking yourself all the questions right about now! Which is totally normal, but it can also feel altogether overwhelming.
An easy way to ditch the overwhelm when it comes to your web design project is with a quick checklist when you are in preparation mode! Preparation is key when approaching your web design project!
When I work with my clients on designing their websites, I like to think of it as a collaborative effort. For me, that all begins with helping my clients in those very beginning stages by teaching them how to prepare for their web design project.
In this blog post, I’ve outlined the 11 essential items that you need to gather in order to prepare for your web design project! You might not have everything listed below, and that’s totally fine!
Now is the perfect time to put some thought into whether or not those missing elements are things you want to include on your website.
Every element listed below is a strategic part of the overall website design process!!
Here are the 11 items you need to gather in order to prepare for your web design project.
1) Logos
Already have your logo created? Great! Gather it up along with your fonts (including files), color palette, and graphics.
2) Interior Pages
Which web pages will you be including throughout your website’s primary navigation? Create a quick list of the web pages including their titles.
3) Social Media Links
Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, LinkedIn, Clubhouse, and any other platform where your brand has a presence! Gather all of the links and handles in one organized place!
4) Newsletter opt-in/Lead magnet
Are you focused on creating a website that converts? Growing your email list is a big piece of that! If email marketing is new territory to you and you are ready to dive in but need a recommendation on a provider, I personally use Flodesk! Use this link to sign up and receive 50% off!
5) Professional Brand Photography
If your branding photography is not current, now is the perfect time to invest in your next shoot! Many brand photographers also offer monthly or quarterly packages to make sure that your brand has a constant influx of fresh, relevant brand photos.
Want full access to my brand resource library? Click here for a collection of the best tools to run your creative business!
6) Client Testimonials
Gather client testimonials that are no more than 1-2 years old. From each testimonial select the most impactful sentence or two to use on your website for social proof.
7) Legalities
Your website’s privacy policy (which is required by law) and your terms & conditions of use. If you don’t already have templates for either of these, I highly recommend The Creative Law Shop. Grab 10% off your templates by using code THEKATECOLLECTIVE10.
8) Contact Information
Hours of operation, where your business is located, and the best way for potential clients to get in touch with you.
9) Third-Party Embed Codes
If you are using a CRM like Dubsado, grab those contact form embed codes so that we can include them on your website.
10) Widgets & Buttons
Instagram widgets (this creates a carousel of your Instagram content right on your site!), before & after widgets, or Shopify buy button
11) FAQs
This is another great tool to help you prepare for your web design project! If you don’t already have a list of your client’s FAQs and you are looking for some guidance on how to put them together effectively, view this blog post for more details!
Now that you know how to prepare for your web design project, click here to learn more about my three-step strategy, design, and execution process!
