What to Prepare Before Hiring a Website Designer

Thinking of working with a website designer? That’s such an exciting step! Whether you’re launching something brand new or giving your existing site a fresh look, working with a designer can help you bring your vision to life — beautifully and strategically.

But to get the most out of your investment, a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s what you should have ready (or at least start thinking about) before you reach out to a designer:

1. A Clear Idea of Your Business and Audience

You don’t need a polished mission statement, but you do need clarity on what you do, who you serve, and why it matters. This helps shape the look and feel of your website so it speaks directly to the people you want to attract.

2. Your Brand Elements (or a Plan to Create Them)

If you already have a logo, colours, and fonts — wonderful! If not, that’s okay too. Just be prepared to either hire someone for branding or choose a simple aesthetic direction for your site. Many website designers (like myself!) offer gentle guidance with this step.

3. Your Website Copy (or a Rough Outline)

This is the part most people get stuck on! Your copy is the text on your website, and it matters just as much as the design. Try to outline your main message, services, and anything you want people to know. Even bullet points help.

Tip: If you’re not sure where to start, I offer a free guide on writing your website copy — it’s designed to make this process easier, especially if writing isn’t your thing.

4. Images and Visuals

Professional photos are a beautiful investment, but don’t worry if you don’t have them yet. Start gathering images that feel aligned with your brand, even stock photos work as a placeholder. If you plan to book a brand photographer, let your designer know so they can design with that in mind.

5. Your Goals for the Website

What’s the main purpose of your site? Do you want people to book a call, buy a product, join a mailing list? Having a clear call-to-action helps guide both the design and the user experience — and ultimately, helps your business grow.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to have it all figured out, that’s what your designer is here to help with. But having these pieces in place (even roughly!) will make the process smoother, faster, and more rewarding.

If you’re at this stage and ready to build a website that truly reflects your brand — I’d love to help. Feel free to explore my templates or custom design offerings — or reach out with any questions.✨