Things to Tell Your Designer Before Starting a Project

Starting a new design project is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure how to communicate your ideas effectively. Whether you’re a South African small business looking to create your first website or updating your existing one, clear communication with your designer can save time, money, and frustration. At Small Business Web Designs, we specialize in affordable, professional solutions tailored for small businesses, and we know the difference good communication can make.

Here are some key things to discuss with your designer before starting your project:

1. Your Business Goals

What do you want your website to achieve? Is it to sell products, generate leads, showcase your portfolio, or simply provide information? Knowing your goals helps the designer create a site that aligns with your business objectives. For example:

• An e-commerce store may need user-friendly navigation, secure payment gateways, and a product catalog.
• A service-based business may focus on clear service descriptions, a booking form, and testimonials.

Check out our web design services to see how we align websites with business goals.

2. Target Audience

Who are you trying to reach? A website targeting millennials will look and feel different from one aimed at retirees. Share information about your audience, such as:

• Age group: Is your audience tech-savvy or less familiar with online tools?
• Location: Are you targeting South African cities, rural areas, or an international market?
• Needs and preferences: What kind of content or functionality would appeal to your audience?

3. Your Brand Identity

Your website should reflect your brand, so share everything you can about your business’s identity. This includes:

• Your logo and brand colors.
• Preferred fonts or design styles.
• Any existing materials (like brochures or business cards) that can provide inspiration.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have a logo or branding yet, we also offer graphic design services to help you build a consistent brand identity.

4. Competitors and Inspiration

Show your designer websites you admire and explain what you like about them. This could be:

• A competitor’s site that has features you’d like to replicate.
• The color scheme, layout, or interactive elements of another business’s website.

At the same time, identify what you don’t like—it’s just as valuable for your designer to know what to avoid.

5. Your Content

Will you provide content (like text, images, or videos), or do you need help creating it? Many small businesses underestimate the importance of having clear, engaging content ready before the design process begins. Things to consider include:

• Text: Do you have product descriptions, blog posts, or service details ready?
• Images: High-quality photos can elevate your website, but stock images are also an option.
• Videos: If you plan to use videos, let your designer know where they’ll be embedded.

6. Budget and Timeline

Designers need to know your budget and timeline upfront to manage expectations. A realistic discussion ensures you get the best value within your constraints.

In South Africa, where small businesses often operate on tight budgets, affordable web design solutions like those offered by Small Business Web Designs can help you stay on track.

7. Functionality and Features

Think about the features you need on your site, such as:

• Contact forms for inquiries.
• Online booking systems for appointments.
• E-commerce tools for selling products.
• SEO optimization to attract local customers searching for businesses like yours.

Be clear about these needs from the start, as adding features later can be more expensive and time-consuming.

8. Long-Term Plans

Do you plan to expand your site in the future? Perhaps you’re starting with a basic website but want to add an online store or a blog later. Sharing your vision helps the designer build a scalable site.

For instance, Small Business Web Designs offers packages that can grow with your business. Learn more on our web design.

Wrapping Up

A great website is the result of collaboration between you and your designer. By sharing the right information upfront, you’ll ensure your designer can create a site that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.

Ready to start your project? Visit Small Business Web Designs to explore our affordable services and get in touch with our team. Let’s bring your vision to life!