2 min read · By Alec Williams
What to have ready before you hire a web developer
A little preparation saves weeks on a website project. Here’s what to gather before your first call, and why each piece matters.
The projects that go smoothest usually have one thing in common: the client did a bit of homework first. You don’t need to know anything technical. You just need a clear picture of your business and access to a few accounts.
A goal you can say in one sentence
“Get more calls for roof repairs in Spokane Valley.” “Let customers book appointments online.” “Look established enough to win bigger contracts.” A clear goal shapes every decision that follows, from what goes on the home page to how the contact form works.
Who the site is for
Describe your best customers. What do they search for? What questions do they ask before hiring you? What makes them choose you over a competitor? Your answers turn directly into the words on the site.
Your content, or a plan for it
Content is the most common reason website projects stall. Think about what you’ll provide:
- A description of each service you offer
- Photos of your work, your team and your location
- Customer reviews or testimonials you have permission to use
- Your logo in the best quality you have
If writing isn’t your thing, that’s fine. Many developers, including us, can write the copy for you. It just needs to be part of the plan from the start.
Access to your accounts
Hunting down old logins can hold up a launch by weeks. Before you start, find out who controls these:
- Your domain name, often registered with GoDaddy, Namecheap or similar
- Your current website hosting
- Your Google Business Profile
- Google Analytics and Search Console, if you have them
- Your business email
Make sure the domain is registered in your name, not a former employee’s or an old agency’s. If you don’t control your domain, you don’t fully control your website.
Sites you like, and why
Collect a few websites you like, even from other industries, and note what you like about each. “The menu is easy to use.” “I like how the photos are big.” This tells a designer far more than “modern and clean.”
A rough budget and a deadline
You don’t need an exact number, but having a range in mind helps a developer recommend the right approach instead of guessing. If there’s a real deadline, like a trade show or a seasonal rush, mention it early.
Who makes the decisions
Decide who has the final say on design and content. Projects slow down when feedback comes from several people who disagree.
Don’t have all of this? That’s normal. Reach out anyway and we’ll help you fill in the gaps during our first conversation.