(a.k.a. don’t book anyone until you’ve read this, okay?)
So, you’re thinking about investing in a website for your biz? First of all: YES. I’m cheering you on already. But let’s get one thing straight, working with a website designer isn’t just about picking pretty fonts and hoping for the best. This is a big investment, and the right designer (hi, maybe it’s us) will help you build a site that’s not only stunning, but also strategic, high-converting, and made to grow with you.
But before you click the ‘book now’, here are 6 things you should know (and have ready) to make sure this project is a dream for both you and your designer.
1. You need your branding ready – no ifs, no buts
If you don’t have your branding locked in, you’re putting the cart before the horse. A website designer needs to know your brand inside and out so we can design something aligned, cohesive, and completely custom to you.
Why it matters:
Your color palette and typography guide how the site will look
Your tone of voice informs the vibe of your copy and messaging
Your brand strategy helps us highlight your unique edge and call in your ideal clients
So if your brand identity is still floating around in Canva chaos… pause here. Get that sorted first, or work with a brand designer (hey bestie, we do that too hehe ) before diving into the web.
2. Your copy isn’t optional
I get it, writing your own website copy can feel like staring into the void. But without it, your designer’s hands are tied. Great design enhances your copy. It doesn’t replace it.
Here’s the tea:
We design with intention. And to do that, we need your words. Your offers. Your tone. Your brand story. Even just knowing what pages you need (Home, About, Services, etc.) helps us shape a strategic layout.
If writing it yourself feels overwhelming, no shame, hire a copywriter or look for designers who offer copy support.
3. Your site map = your foundation
Before any design starts, you need to know what kind of pages your website needs and more importantly, what you want people to do on those pages.
Think:
- What’s your customer journey?
- Where do you want people to land first?
- What action should they take? (Book a call, browse your shop, fill out a form?)
A designer can help refine this, but showing up with a basic structure in mind saves you time, money, and a whole lotta back-and-forth.
4. Imagery matters more than you think
Those fuzzy selfies and outdated product shots from 2019? Yeah… they’re not going to cut it. Your photos are a massive part of how people experience your brand online.
Pro tip:
- Book a branding shoot before your website project kicks off
- Invest in product photography or videography if you sell goods
- Make sure you’ve got horizontal, vertical, and negative space options for design flexibility
And while we’re being honest, stock photos are okay sometimes, but your best bet is always original content that tells your unique story.
5. A moodboard makes everything easier
This one’s underrated, but so helpful. A curated moodboard aka a simple Pinterest board, IG saves folder, whatever you’ve got, can help your designer understand your vibe visually. Think of it as your brand’s vision board.
Include: Fonts you love, color combos that speak to you, website layouts you’re drawn to and just the overall aesthetic (clean + minimal? Bold + colorful?)
This doesn’t mean you’re copying someone else’s style. It’s just giving us a jumping-off point to bring your vision to life (in your own signature way).
6. Designers aren’t magicians, we need your collaboration
We’re talented, yes. But we can’t read your mind. The best website projects are a collaboration, not a solo act.
Be open to feedback, stay on top of communication, and don’t ghost your designer halfway through (IYKYK 💀). The more prepared and involved you are, the better your final result will be.
Ready to Build a Website That Actually Works?
If you’re still unsure what it takes to create a perfect website, grab our FREE Website Checklist, the ultimate guide to making sure your site is set up for SEO, conversions, and success.
And if you’re ready to take things to the next level, then hi, we’re Olive St Studio.
We create modern, strategic, high-converting brands & websites that don’t just look good, they get real results. Want to see what we can do? Check out our latest projects and enquire to work with us.
P.S. If you’re a fellow website designer, we’ve got tons of resources to help you, like our signature web design course, coding hacks, and plug-and-play templates to make your workflow smoother than ever.
See you on the other side,
Olivia x
