What to Prepare Before Ordering a Website: A Business Checklist

What to Prepare Before Ordering a Website: A Business Checklist

Before starting website development, many companies focus mainly on design and the number of pages. However, a developer needs much more information to start the project properly.

Preparing the main business information and materials in advance makes project discussions clearer and reduces the risk of repeated questions and delays.

This checklist explains what a business should prepare before website development begins.

1. Define the Main Goal of the Website

Start by defining why your business needs a new website and what result you expect from it.

The website may be intended to present the company, generate enquiries, promote services, provide information to customers or sell products.

You do not need to prepare a technical specification yourself. A clear description of the main business goal is enough to help the developer understand the project.

2. Prepare Company Information

Collect the main information about your company that may be needed for the website content.

• full company name;
• short description of the business;
• main areas of activity;
• information about the company’s experience;
• key advantages or specific features of the business.

3. Prepare a List of Services or Products

Prepare an up-to-date list of the services or products that should be presented on the website.

For each service, it is useful to have at least a short description. If the company has many areas of activity, identify which services or products are the most important.

4. Collect Your Logo and Brand Materials

If your company already has a logo and visual identity materials, prepare them before development begins.

A high-quality logo file, brand colours, fonts, advertising materials and other existing visual elements can all be useful.

5. Prepare Photos and Images

Collect photos of the company, employees, products, locations, interiors or completed projects, depending on the nature of the business.

It is useful to identify which images must be used on the website and which materials can be replaced or selected later.

6. Collect Existing Texts and Documents

If your company already uses texts in presentations, catalogues, advertising materials or social media, collect them in one place.

Useful materials may include company and service descriptions, advantages, frequently asked questions, instructions, certificates and other information that customers may need.

7. Prepare Contact Information

• phone number;
• email address;
• physical address;
• business hours;
• links to social media and other communication channels.

8. Define the Required Features

Think in advance about what visitors should be able to do on the website.

For example, visitors may need to submit an enquiry, book an appointment, request a callback, browse a catalogue, search for information or use different language versions.

You do not need to describe the technical implementation. Simply explain what the user should be able to do and what result the business expects.

9. Define the Required Languages

If the website needs to be available in several languages, define this before development starts.

Specify the required languages and indicate which materials are already available in each language.

10. Collect Examples of Websites You Like

If you have seen websites that you like because of their visual style, information presentation or particular elements, save several examples.

It is helpful to explain what exactly you like: the visual style, service presentation, photography, animation or another element.

11. Define the Desired Launch Date

If the website needs to be launched by a specific date, communicate this in advance.

The date may be connected with a business launch, advertising campaign, event or the launch of a new service.

12. Assign a Person Responsible for Approvals

It is useful to decide in advance who will provide information, approve materials and make decisions on behalf of the company.

Website Development Preparation Checklist

• main website goal;
• company information;
• list of services or products;
• logo and brand materials;
• photos and images;
• existing texts and documents;
• up-to-date contact information;
• required features;
• required language versions;
• examples of preferred websites;
• desired launch date;
• person responsible for approvals.

Conclusion

Good preparation before website development reduces unnecessary clarification and helps the project move forward faster. A client does not need to know every technical detail. What matters most is providing accurate information about the business, services, materials and expected result.

The better the initial information is prepared, the easier it is to turn business requirements into a useful website.