5 Things You Need Before You Start Your Website Project

I’m always thinking of how to improve my brand experience. From writing personal thank you notes to my current clients to blasting their brand and website launch all over social media, it’s important that my clients know I care and that I want nothing short of amazing things for them. Before the design even starts, however, preparation is required. Website development preparation is vital for a smooth and seamless website project and successful launch. Being prepared to launch or relaunch a website is half of the process. If you’ve prepared your business and brand for your website project, you won’t be frustrated during the website development process should it stall for a lack of or missing materials.

So, here’s a quick list of what you need you need to (re)launch your website:

1. BRAND STORY + MESSAGE
I know you want to make a bigger impact in your business. Through your story and message (collectively, “your content”), you can. You’ll want to know how your personal story, background, experience, childhood, education, and lessons learned reinforce your why, purpose, and goals. You connect to your audience through your common challenges, values, experiences, and triumphs. Your story and message shows you’re relatable, that you understand your market’s challenges, and have the exact solutions to make their life better. Your content will emotionally connect you to your audience and they’ll be nodding “uh huh” in agreement with everything you’re saying.

It’s necessary that you have customized, personal, authentic, and vulnerable content on your website. Your audience only cares about your products and services after they know you. They get to know you through your story and message.

See an example of brand story + message at work on Beverly K. Johnson’s website.

2. PROFESSIONAL BRANDED IMAGES
You already know you need professional imagery for your website. Professional branded images take it a step further. Your professional imagery should be tailored to your brand. If your brand colors are navy, gold, and silver; your brand personality is chic; and you’re in the beauty lifestyle, your photo shoot should complement your brand mood, brand personalty, and lifestyle. These complements should be reflected in your surroundings, wardrobe, make-up, hair, props, and even posing.

Stock imagery is also an example of professional branded imagery. You must choose wisely though to convey your brand mood, brand personalty, and lifestyle. If you’re a travel concierge like Maria Hardin, stock imagery is perfect to show the beautiful destinations your travelers will experience. It’s still a good idea to mix in professional branded images as well.

See an example of how we used a mix of stock and branded images for Hardin Travels.

3. SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING PLAN
It might seem early to start thinking about social media when your website isn’t up or it’s under construction. It’s not too early to start building anticipation for what’s to come. Your social media buddies will become intrigued and excited as to what you’re up to next, so plan a series of post a month out from your website launch to create excitement.

You can create excitement about your website launch by using your feed and stories to share the launch date, the reason behind the new look, any new features or services, and even plan a Q&A where your audience can ask you questions about your expertise. Oh, and don’t forget to share the launch! That’s the best part.

4. REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS
You may have worked with a few website designers that couldn’t quite “get” you. You may have been saving your coins to work with your favorite designer (Me). You may not even have a website. Whatever the reason, you’re ready and pumped to finally have a website, but if your deadline is yesterday, you may be setting yourself up for delayed expectations and more frustrations. In having realistic expectations, you need time to develop your website strategically with intention. Really, your website should come after your strategic plan, story and messaging, and brand identity. Your website is where all of those elements come together in one space.

5. GOOD COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Truly, good communication happens when you and your designer can work together and discuss project matters, without ego. This means that if the project hits a snag, you can successfully hash it out. Having good communication also means answering emails and returning phone calls in a timely fashion, usually from a few hours to 24. You must be able to communicate regularly and respectfully, in a spirit of problem-solving.

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By preparing yourself mentally and gathering your content, you will have an even better collaboration with your designer. Your project will also be completed because back & forth emails, requesting information will be minimized. Ready to start your project? Contact me to get started.