How to Be a Great Website Client

You’re ready to hire a designer for your website! Whether it’s your first site ever, or a re-design, this is an exciting time! A good designer can manage the technical aspects, and also understands your vision for the business. A good client is prepared for the project and communicative about how things are going for them.

Prepare for Your Website (Re)Design

As you get ready, it’s important to be clear on your goals and purpose for the website. Websites have multiple goals and it’s essential to articulate them. As you work on this, prepare copy for different sections. You might hire a copywriter, or you might just write what you think is most important. If you have press articles or key messaging, be sure to get it all together.

Before starting the project, you also want to get clarity on what you like visually. Many clients like to save inspiration sites on a pinterest board. This way you can talk through what you like about the various inspo sites, giving your designer a great idea of your style and vibe. Gather your images, graphic elements, and colors in the highest resolution that you have. And if you don’t have a style guide, start thinking about it! What colors represent your brand? A brand strategist is invaluable for this, but your designer might be able to help as well, often for an extra fee.

Web Design is Technical and Relational

As you get started working with your designer, remember that good communication is essential. Ask your questions, and answer theirs. Communicate what you need and share the materials and inspiration you’ve gathered to ensure alignment between client and designer. Then, trust the designer to bring their expertise to accomplish what you need. 

While a client often is focused on the visual end product, a good designer does many things behind the scenes to ensure that your site functions well. They will start with the fundamental skeleton of your site: the wireframe. This ensures that your user can smoothly navigate the different sections, and give you both a clear idea of what the site will contain. Other behind-the-scenes work includes being search engine friendly (or optimized, usually an extra fee for an SEO expert!), ensuring accessibility and speed, and making sure it looks great.

Focus on Functionality First

Many clients find it jarring to see their baby, their business, come to life through someone else’s eyes. Rather than working through endless re-designs, focus on the functionality first:

• Is the information all there? 
• Is it easy to find different sections? 
• Is it clear where to go for different things? 
• Does your copy need editing?
• Do the images help tell the story?

Only after all that is in place, do you start fine-tuning the shade of a color used in the background. 

Lastly, always share the things you love AND the things you don’t. By being clear on both, the designer will more quickly get it perfect for you. By providing feedback throughout the process, you’ll stay on the same page and ultimately, land on a result that is exactly right for you. 

Are you considering a site (re)design? We’re happy to help you out! Check here for the details.

Getting a website (re)done is an exciting time for your business. Work with a designer you trust and enjoy the process!