The best website projects are usually the best prepared ones. A little homework before you contact a designer helps you get accurate quotes, avoid delays and end up with a site that actually fits your business.
Here is a checklist you can work through in an afternoon.
1. Be clear about the goal
"We need a website" is a starting point, not a goal. Write down what the website should do for your business, for example:
- Get more phone calls or WhatsApp messages
- Take table bookings or appointment requests
- Show your products or menu with prices
- Look more professional to corporate clients
- Be found on Google for your service in your city
Pick the one or two that matter most. They decide how the site is designed.
2. Describe your customers
Who are they, and what do they want to know before choosing you? A family looking for a restaurant wants the menu, location and parking. A company hiring a contractor wants past work and proof of reliability. Write a few lines about your typical customer and their common questions.
3. List the pages you think you need
A rough list is enough, for example: Home, Services, About, Gallery, Contact. Mark anything that needs special features, like a booking form or product catalogue. Your designer may suggest changes, but this gives everyone a starting point.
4. Gather your content
Content is the most common reason website projects are delayed. Start collecting:
- Text: a short description of your business, each service or product, and answers to common questions.
- Photos: your premises, team, products and work. Real photos build more trust than stock images.
- Logo in the best quality you have, ideally a vector file (SVG, AI, EPS or PDF).
- Contact details: phone, email, address, opening hours and social media links.
- Proof: real reviews, certificates or past projects you have permission to show.
Only use photos you own or have permission to use. Images copied from Google can lead to copyright problems.
5. Collect examples you like, and dislike
Find three to five websites you like, and note what you like about each: the colours, the layout, how easy it is to find information. Examples of what you do not like are just as useful. This saves a lot of back and forth during design.
6. Find your logins
If you already have a domain, hosting or an old website, find out:
- Where your domain is registered, and whether it is in your name
- Who hosts your current website
- Who has access to your business email, Google Business Profile and social accounts
You do not need to share passwords upfront, and you should never send them in a normal chat or email. A good designer will explain a safe way to get access when it is needed.
7. Think about budget and timing
You do not need an exact number, but a rough range and any important dates, such as a launch or event, help the designer suggest the right approach. If a date is fixed, say so early.
8. Questions to ask any designer
- Can I see websites you have built, and are they live?
- Will I see a design before you start building?
- Will the site be built mobile first?
- Is basic SEO setup included?
- Who will own the domain, hosting and code at the end?
- What happens after launch if something breaks or I need changes?
- How will we communicate, and how often will I see progress?
Clear, honest answers to these questions tell you a lot about how the project will go. For a sense of what affects price, read how much a website costs in Pakistan.
Ready to start?
If you have worked through even half of this list, you are well prepared. Send us what you have at hello@auravestudio.com, or see our web design service to learn how we work.