Before you decide it's time for a new website, there are a few things you'll want to nail down. It can be helpful to create a mini check-list for yourself as you start thinking about what your site might look like and what it will include. Believe it or not, I've had even the most prepared clients overlook things so today I'm sharing 5 things you can do FIRST to simplify the rest of the design process.

1. Branding
   Whether you're starting a new business or revamping an existing business, you need branding. Branding is what makes your business recognizable to clients and customers. A professional brand guide will include a logo and acceptable variations and uses of your logo, your fonts, colors and tone of voice to be used in your marketing materials. Without these items, a website designer has to come up with these details and they might match your existing marketing collateral, or they might not.  Handing out business cards that don't match your brochures or menus, or having a website that looks and feels nothing like your brick and mortar storefront is a big problem. A brand guide is an investment but it is SO worth it. Your web, social media, signage and marketing materials will look cohesive and professional AND your website designer will know exactly what to do with the hex numbers/fonts/colors to keep your look consistent!
   
2. Create an Organized List of Your Services, Products or Offerings
   You can have a great look, but if you don't have a clear idea of the services, products or offerings you plan to feature on your site, your designer will be at a loss and future website visitors will be confused. If you are a service provider, think of how you can summarize what you do for your clients/customers in the simplest way possible. Categorize your services like you would if you sold products. Think of how things would make sense in a dropdown menu, or what someone needs to know first, before they click to something else for more information. If you sell products, think of how you want to categorize them or release them in collections. You'll want to think like a shopper - what makes sense to you, might not be the average consumer's train of thought - so consider what will make the most sense for someone exploring your site for the first time.
   
   
3. Come Up with Your Pricing or Packages
   You don't have to list pricing if you're a service provider, but if you're planning to don't wait to get started on this. The last thing you want to throw together quickly when your designer needs it is your pricing. Similarly, if you are adding products to your Shopify website or want to list packages of any kind, think of exactly what's included and get started on your descriptions and details asap. The more content you have prepared, the faster your site design will go.
   
   
4. Purchase Your Domain Name & Email Address
   Your designer will need these items from the start and contact info is typically listed in numerous places on a site so don't wait to get these items checked off your list. If you're purchasing a Google phone number or you want to have various emails listed on your contact page, be sure to communicate this from the beginning when your designer asks for your basic info. (This is all part of a short questionnaire we have our clients work through!)
   
   
5. Think About a Potential Launch Date
   Timeline is something I chat about with each of my clients at the beginning of a project, but you'd be surprised how many people forget about a special date or decide they need to launch sooner than they originally noted - and then expect my team to make it happen. If you need to launch by a certain time or you want to coordinate your launch with a sale/giveaway or seasonal promotion, be upfront about it. This will also give you more time to plan how you want to promote or celebrate your launch! Communication is key, so when it doubt, talk it over with your designer.

Whether you're ready to start on a website tomorrow or you're in the beginning phases of building your business, I hope these tips are helpful as you get your business details together. A few other items to consider include:

Photos - will you be doing a brand photography session or using photos you already have? Are they on a USB drive or in a DropBox album you can easily share with your designer? If your content is "all over the place" you'll want to start organizing so you know exactly how many high quality images you have to work with.

Content - in addition to the bio and "About" page info you probably have already, have you given thought to the content you want to feature on your site? A few paragraphs about your mission or vision is always helpful. And if you plan to have a blog I always recommend having 3 posts to start. (Give site users something to read about!)

Does it feel like a lot? Make a list. This is a great starting point for anyone getting ready to meet with a website designer and go over project details. Good luck and feel free to reach out for all your Lancaster, Pa website design needs. I'm happy to offer a free consultation to review your current site and provide suggestions.

-Rachel