Before anything else, you’ll need to define the scope of your web design project. What kind of website do you need – will it need extensive e-commerce functionality or will it just be a brochure site? Does it require a blog or a portfolio of projects? In the project scope outline the broad features and functionality you want in your website, as well as any deadlines or milestones you need to meet. By providing this information upfront, you’ll help your web designer understand exactly what needs to be done and how long it will take.

Your web designer will need to understand your business in order to create a website that effectively represents it. Be sure to provide information about your products or services, target audience, and any unique features or benefits you offer. This will help your web designer create a website that is tailored to your specific needs and resonates with your target audience.

If you already have a brand identity established, be sure to provide your web designer with your branding guidelines. This includes your logo, colour palette, typography, and any other visual elements that are integral to your brand. Your web designer will use these guidelines to create a cohesive look and feel for your website.

It’s always best to send branding media in the best quality you have. Logos and other computer generated graphics (as opposed to photography) are best sent in vector format, such as .AI, .EPS, .SVG etc.

If you don’t already have branding established for your business, that’s okay. Just be aware that the design stage of the project may take more time and cost more, as it will include brand-related research in the absence of an established brand style for your business.

While you don’t want to copy someone else’s website, it can be helpful to provide your web designer with examples of websites you like. This can give them a sense of the aesthetic and functionality you’re looking for. Just be sure to provide specific reasons for why you like each example, as this will help your web designer understand your preferences and goals.

Your website will need content in order to be effective, so you’ll need to provide your web designer with a list of your intended content. This includes text, images, and any other media that will be used on your website. It’s important to have all your content ready to go before the design process begins, as it will help your web designer create a more accurate layout and design.

If you need your website to have specific functionality, such as an online store or booking system, be sure to let your web designer know upfront. This will help them understand the technical requirements of the project and ensure that they have the necessary skills and resources to complete it.

It’s important to be upfront with your web designer about your budget and timeline from the outset. This will help them understand the constraints of the project and allow them to create a plan that is realistic and achievable.