"I don't know where to start" is one of the most common things small business owners say about getting a website. That's completely normal. You're an expert in your business, not in web design. A little preparation makes the whole project faster, cheaper and far less stressful, and this website planning checklist covers what's worth thinking about before you speak to a web designer.
1. Be clear about what the website is for
Write down the one or two things you most want the website to do. For most local businesses it's one of these: get phone calls, get quote requests, take bookings or sell products online. Everything else follows from that goal: the pages you need, the buttons on each page and how success is measured.
2. Know who your customers are
Who are you trying to reach, and what do they want to know before they contact you? A homeowner looking for a builder wants photos of past work, areas covered and reassurance. A business buyer wants credentials, process and proof. Jot down the questions customers ask you most; they make great website content.
3. List your pages
A simple structure works for most small businesses:
- Home
- A page for each main service
- About you and your team
- Areas you cover (with a page for each key town if local search matters)
- Reviews or case studies
- Contact
Each service having its own page matters for Google, because each page can rank for the searches people use for that service.
4. Gather your content
Content is the most common cause of delays. Start collecting early:
- Your logo in the best quality you have
- Real photos of your work, team and premises (these beat stock photos every time)
- Your prices, or at least starting prices
- Reviews and testimonials
- Accreditations, insurance and memberships
- Any copy you already use in brochures or quotes
Don't worry if you're not a writer. A good web designer will help shape your words, or write them for you.
5. Sort out your domain, email and logins
Make sure your domain name is registered in your own name and that you know where it's registered. Check who manages your business email too, as it's often tied to the same account. Keep all logins somewhere safe.
6. Look at websites you like
Collect a few websites you like, and a few you don't, and note why. It might be the colours, how easy it is to find a phone number or how they show their work. This tells a designer far more than "modern and clean".
7. Set a realistic budget and timeline
Knowing your budget helps a designer recommend the right option rather than the biggest one. As a guide, our websites start from £1,000 for up to 5 pages, £2,000 for up to 15 pages and £3,000 for online shops, and you always get a fixed quote before we begin. A small business website can be live in as little as 3 weeks once content is ready.
8. Think about after launch
Ask who will update the site, keep it secure and back it up. Will you be trained to make small changes yourself? What happens if something breaks? Our care plans start from £30 a month, so help is always on hand.
What a good web designer should do for you
A good designer explains things without jargon, asks lots of questions about your business, agrees a clear plan of pages and content before building, keeps you updated as the work progresses and makes sure you own your domain and website at the end. If you're comparing options, our guide to questions to ask before you sign will help.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need my logo before starting a website?
It helps, but it isn't essential. If you need one, our logo design service can create a logo and brand identity alongside your website.
Do I need to write all the website text myself?
No. You know your business best, so your input matters, but we can turn your notes and answers into clear, search-friendly copy.
Ready to plan your website?
See our small business websites, or if you already have a site, start with a free website health check. Prefer to talk it through? Get in touch; no jargon, no obligation.
