Ordering a website often starts with the simple wish to have a new website. The old one feels tired. Competitors look better. Services need to be presented more clearly. That is understandable, but the more preparation happens before the first conversation, the more accurate the proposal and final result become.
The first question is not the price
Price is important, but it should not be the first and only question. At the beginning, it is worth understanding what the website will need to do. Does it need to receive enquiries? Explain a complex service? Look reliable to partners? Help a person choose and get in touch quickly?
If the goal is still unclear, it is worth starting from refining the website's goals. Only then does website planning become more realistic and not just a guess at how many pages will be needed.
When the goal is clear, it is easier to decide whether a new website from scratch is needed or whether updating the existing one is enough. Sometimes the problem is not the technology, but the text, structure or outdated image.
Prepare at least a minimal content image
You don't need to come with a finished document and perfectly written texts. But it is worth having at least a rough idea of what services will be delivered, what questions customers have and what is most important on the first screen.
If the texts are not ready yet, the article is very helpful here How to prepare content for a website. Website content is not just filler. It often determines whether a person stays on the page.
- core services or products
- brief description of activities
- frequently asked questions
- photos, logo, colors if already available
- examples of sites that are liked or disliked
Decide who will make the decisions
Sometimes a project stalls not because of technical work, but because it is not clear who approves the texts, design or structure. One person says one thing, another later another. And the shifts begin. There is no tragedy, but time flies.
Before ordering, it is a good idea to agree on who will be the main contact. Who will provide the content. Who will review the design. Who will say the final yes. A simple thing, but it makes the whole website building process a lot easier.
Ask ahead of time about SEO and maintenance
A new website should have a sound technical foundation. Clear headlines, speed, mobile view, meta descriptions, photo titles and logical page structure. It doesn't mean that just launching your website will immediately make it to the first page of Google. But a good foundation helps to grow later.
It is worth reading about how the website should be prepared for search later in the article Choosing SEO keywords for a website. Without keywords and a content plan, SEO quickly becomes just a general promise.
What to have before your first inquiry
A few clear points are enough before sending your request. What a business. Who needs a website? Approximately how many pages are planned. Are there texts and pictures. Need help with content? Is there a term that really matters.
Then it is easier to get a more specific answer about the scope of work, price and deadlines. If time is a concern, the article will also come in handy How long does it take to create a website?.
If ordering a website is already on your mind, it's worth spending an hour preparing. It often saves days and sometimes a lot of money.
Before ordering a website, it is also worth thinking about its plan. The article how to plan a website structure helps to organize pages, menus and visitor path more clearly.
A short list of preparations before ordering
If you have at least basic information before the first interview, the project immediately becomes clearer. It is not necessary to prepare everything perfectly, but it is good to have the basics. Then it is easier to understand the price, the deadline and whether you need a simple website or a more comprehensive solution.
- what services or products will be delivered
- which customers are most important
- what are the most common questions
- what pages will you really need?
- who will make decisions during the project
If this topic is relevant, it is worth moving on to A Guide to Website Development for Small Businesses. If you are laying out the whole process, then it will also come in handy How do I prepare for the website development process?.
If you're already thinking about a new website, but you're not quite sure what scope you'll need, get in touch. Sometimes a short conversation is enough to turn a project from a vague idea into a clearer plan.