5 Things To Do Before You Look For A Web Designer

Over the years, working as a web designer has provided me with a front-row seat to the common patterns, roadblocks, and challenges that clients face. Whether you’re redesigning an existing website or starting one from scratch, the process can sometimes feel overwhelming. But here’s the good news: with the right approach, you can not only get the website you envision but also protect yourself and your investment.

The key to a successful web project is preparation, communication, and a clear understanding of what you want to achieve. Below are some expanded insights and practical tips that will help you navigate the website development process smoothly, regardless of whom you work with.

1. Own Your Domain Name: Your Online Identity

Think of your domain name as the foundation of your online presence. Your www.whatever.com is more than just a web address—it’s your digital identity. Owning it outright is non-negotiable if you want to maintain control over your brand.

Why Domain Ownership Matters

If someone else owns your domain, they essentially control access to your website. This might not seem like a big deal until you need to make changes, switch hosting providers, or move to a new web designer. Horror stories abound of businesses being “held hostage” by developers who refuse to release a domain unless they’re paid a ransom. Avoid this by ensuring the domain is registered in your name or your business name.

How to Verify Domain Ownership

If you’re unsure who owns your domain, you can use tools like Whois to look up the registration details. If the information is incorrect or the domain is under someone else’s name, act immediately to transfer ownership. Your web designer or IT consultant can assist you in navigating this process.

Pro Tip:

When registering a domain, opt for a reputable registrar like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains. Keep all login information secure, and regularly review your account to ensure everything is in order.

2. Do Your Homework: Preparation is Key

Before you even start looking for a web designer, you need to do some serious homework. Think of this as laying the groundwork for a successful project. Without a clear vision, you’re setting yourself—and your web team—up for frustration.

Questions to Ask Yourself:

• Who are you? Clearly define your brand identity and mission.
• What do you want to achieve? Outline your business goals. Are you trying to generate leads, sell products, or provide information?
• Who is your audience? Understand your target demographic and what they need from your site.
• What is your competition doing? Analyze your competitors’ websites. What works? What doesn’t?

The more clarity you have about these aspects, the smoother the process will be. A good web designer can help refine your ideas, but they shouldn’t be the ones defining your business strategy.

Practical Example:

Let’s say you run a bakery specializing in gluten-free desserts. Your homework might include researching popular bakery websites, jotting down features you like (e.g., an online order form, mouthwatering photos of cakes), and identifying your unique selling points. This preparation will help your web designer create a site that stands out and aligns with your goals.

3. Write (and Organize) Your Content

Content is the lifeblood of your website. While it’s tempting to hand this task off to your web designer, the reality is that no one knows your business better than you do. Your designer can make your content look stunning, but they’re not mind readers.

Steps to Create Effective Content:

1. Start with a Sitemap: Outline the structure of your website. For example:
   • Homepage
   • About Us
   • Services
   • Blog
   • Contact
   • FAQs
2. Draft Content for Each Page: Use tools like Microsoft Word or Google Docs to draft your text. Aim for clarity, conciseness, and a tone that reflects your brand voice.
3. Include Keywords: If SEO is important to you (and it should be), sprinkle relevant keywords throughout your content. For example, if you’re targeting “San Antonio gluten-free bakery,” ensure this phrase appears naturally in your text.

Pro Tip:

Hire a copywriter if writing isn’t your strong suit. A professional writer can transform your ideas into compelling, polished content that drives results.

4. Invest in High-Quality Photography

You’ve heard the saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” When it comes to websites, this couldn’t be more true. Stunning visuals can make or break your site’s appeal.

Why Photography Matters:

Visitors are naturally drawn to high-quality images. Whether it’s product photos, team portraits, or shots of your workspace, good visuals create a positive first impression and build trust.

Common Mistakes:

• Using grainy, low-resolution images
• Over-relying on generic stock photos
• Skipping professional photography to save money

Actionable Tip:

Hire a local photographer with experience in your industry. If that’s not feasible, invest in high-quality stock images from sites like Shutterstock or Unsplash.

Case Study:

One of my clients, a boutique coffee shop, revamped their website with professional photos of their drinks, desserts, and cozy interiors. The result? A 40% increase in foot traffic and online orders within three months.

5. Deadlines vs. Goals: Focus on What Matters

Deadlines are a double-edged sword. While they’re important for accountability, they can also create unnecessary stress if they’re arbitrary or unrealistic.

Why Deadlines Often Fail:

• Projects evolve. What starts as a simple website might grow in scope.
• Feedback cycles take time. You may not love the first draft, and that’s okay.
• Quality takes precedence over speed.

A Better Approach:

Instead of fixating on a rigid deadline, break your project into phases:

• Phase 1: Launch the essentials (homepage, about, services, contact).
• Phase 2: Add advanced features (e.g., blog, e-commerce).
• Phase 3: Ongoing optimization (SEO, A/B testing).

This phased approach allows you to launch sooner while continually improving your site.

6. Understand Your Role in the Process

As the client, you play a pivotal role in the success of your web project. Here’s what your designer needs from you:

• Timely feedback: Respond to drafts and revisions promptly.
• Clear communication: Be upfront about your likes, dislikes, and expectations.
• A collaborative mindset: View your designer as a partner, not a vendor.

Red Flags to Avoid:

• Micro-managing the design process
• Changing the scope mid-project without adjusting timelines or budgets
• Expecting perfection without offering clear direction

7. Plan for the Future: Websites Are Never “Done”

One of the biggest misconceptions about websites is that they have a “finish line.” The truth is, your website should evolve alongside your business. Treat it as a living, breathing entity that requires regular updates.

How to Future-Proof Your Website:

• Invest in a CMS: Platforms like WordPress allow you to make updates without technical expertise.
• Schedule Regular Audits: Check for outdated content, broken links, and slow loading times.
• Track Performance: Use tools like Google Analytics to monitor traffic and identify areas for improvement.

Partnering for Success

Building a website is a collaborative effort. By taking ownership of your role, preparing thoroughly, and working closely with your designer, you can create a site that not only meets your needs but exceeds your expectations.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or need guidance at any stage of the process, don’t hesitate to reach out. Whether it’s tracking down a domain, crafting compelling content, or refining your design, I’m here to help you succeed.