Getting your business ready for a new website

Date Published:

Mar 24, 2022

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We’ve put together three key steps to help you prepare for a website redesign. The process can feel a little daunting, but we’ve got you covered!

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Thinking about a new website for your business? The process can feel a little daunting. Okay, maybe a lot daunting. But, here’s the thing. It doesn’t have to be. Especially if you get all the pieces in place before you get started with your designer.

All the pieces are broken into three big categories – your tech, your strategy and goals, and your brand. By gathering this key information before you even book the project will make the entire process pretty painless and dare I say, even easy? At least, as easy as it can be.

So today we’re chatting about the three main categories that you want to nail down before you start the website design process. By checking these items off your list, it’ll make the entire project go so much smoother. Yes, it’ll bring more ease for your designer but it’ll also set you up for success so you don’t get bogged down by the little details and can do your work, rather than let the website take up all your time, energy and attention.

First, the tech.

Yes, we’re starting with all the tech stuff because it’s usually the most challenging for people. And, well, not really fun.

Website domain: The domain is the URL. Prior to getting started with your project, you’ll need to purchase your domain. We use and recommend Siteground.

Website host: The website host is where your website actually will live. The domain is like the house and the host is the plot of land. We use and recommend Siteground.

Email Service Provider: The email service provider is where you’ll send one-on-one emails. This is NOT for mass marketing purposes. It’s the tool that you use to send and receive regular emails. We use Google Workplace.

Email marketing platform: Your email marketing platform is where you send mass-emails. It’s the tool used to collect email addresses from interested visitors. We use and recommend Active Campaign.

Second, the strategy and goals.

You don’t need to have all this nailed down. However, it’s a good idea to have some of this clarified (especially the goals) before you get started. By understanding what you’re looking for, it’ll help you ensure you select a designer that can deliver, based on your needs.

Brand Strategy: Your brand’s strategy is the communication plan for your brand. This is the information that ensures you stay consistent and cohesive across not only your website, but also every other touch point that someone may have with your business. Here at Witt and Company, we include four main pillars in your brand’s strategy: who you serve, what you offer, why it matters and how you want people to feel when they experience your brand. Together these four elements will help give your designer a clear idea of what your brand is all about and how it should communicate with your right audience.

Website strategy: This is your overarching plan for your website and answers questions like: what is the purpose of your website, how many pages will your site have, where is the website in the overarching customer journey and what is the intent of each page? Again, you don’t have to know all of these answers but it’s great to at least start thinking about them so you can have an intentional conversation with your designer.

Website goals: This is such an important part of the website design pre-process – clarifying what success looks like for you and your brand. The more clarity you can have around what a successful website project does (and does not) look like, the better you’ll be able to articulate what you want to your designer (and, probably, the better outcome overall). If you go into the project with a vague, “I want a better website” it’ll be much more challenging to articulate what that means to your designer than if you were to say, “I want a website that drives more leads and communicates what we do in an easy to understand way.”

Third, the design.

Yay, you finally made it to the fun part – the design! It’s helpful to have some examples of what you like and don’t like to show your designer. But also, you need to have your own visual brand standards in place so you can ensure your website provides a cohesive experience with the rest of your brand touchpoints.

Brand Style Guide: Your brand style guide is a document outlining the standards for your visual brand. At a minimum, you’ll need a logo, typography recommendations and color palette.

Website Photos: If you’ve worked with a brand photographer, this step is easy! If not, no worries. My pro-tip is to make sure your photos have a similar editing style so that the look stays consistent and cohesive.

Website Inspiration: Gather your thoughts and ideas on what type of websites you’re drawn to and why. Being able to articulate what specifically you like about a certain page will help once you start the design process. And, don’t just stick to websites within your industry – see what else is out there because you never know when inspiration might strike!

Yes, there is a lot in this list. But, that’s also kind of the point. There are a lot of moving pieces that go into making your website something that truly supports your business – now and for years to come.

And of course, if you’re wanting support with your own website, be sure to check out our strategic brand and website package – this collaborative process is all about getting you a brand and website that truly reflect your brand and bring more ease and enjoyment into your business.

Happy branding!

All my best,