What To Do Before Hiring a Web Designer
Hiring a web designer is a big step. It’s a declaration you’re serious about your business and ready for the world to know it. However, hiring a web designer is only part of the process when launching a new site. There are 4 things you need to prepare before a web designer can begin their work: branding, login information, the website goal and content. While you can always hire someone to do these 4 things for you, this blog is for anyone wanting to save a few dollars by doing it themselves.
Alright, let’s dive in!
#1 - BRANDING
To design your site, here’s what your web designer needs:
Colors – Either the RGB code or Hex number for each brand color. If you have no idea what RGB or Hex means, no worries! Just provide a visual of your brand colors and your designer should be able to find the codes from there.
Fonts – The names of the 2 or 3 fonts your business uses.
Logo(s) – A JPG and PNG file format of your logo.
If you do not have any of the above information, you will need to brand your business before hiring a web designer (or check to see if they also offer branding as a service).
#2 - LOGIN INFORMATION
Do you already have certain things purchased, like a domain name or a hosting service? Any website related login info will need to be passed onto your designer. I recommend using completely new passwords for everything you share with them.
#3 - WEBSITE GOAL
Be prepared to give your web designer the goal you want your website to accomplish. For example:
If you are a makeup company, your goal is to sell makeup.
If you own a house cleaning business, your goal is having future customers reach out to you.
#4 - CONTENT
Before a web designer can start, they need the content of what will go on the site. Here is what you need to provide them:
Written Content – Unless you hire a copywriter*, you will need to provide all the words on your website.
Images and Graphics – High quality images are an essential part in making a website look great. If you don’t already have stunning photos for your business, I recommend hiring a professional photographer. Most people are able to use professional photos for many years after they are taken and is an investment worth making.
Legal Documents – Every website needs to have a Disclaimer, Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. If you do not have these, I recommend purchasing these templates from The Online Genius. I am an affiliate with this company, but I used and recommended their products long before I became one. The templates are great, affordable (especially when you consider how high lawyer fees are) and incredibly easy to use.
*Are you a horrible writer? Or maybe you just don’t have the time to write? Not to worry, you are just in need of a copywriter! A copywriter is someone who takes care of the written content for websites, marketing campaigns, sales funnels, etc. and they will be able to make sure all your copy is in tip top shape! And by the way, I do that in case you’re interested.
Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry! I help my clients all the time in getting this together. Have some questions about things I didn’t cover? Comment below or contact me! I would love to figure out the best plan of action for your own new website.
- Heather
Heather Brockell is a Web Designer and Copywriter based out of North Dakota, USA. When she isn’t designing websites or writing, she performs as a professional figure skater and singer in ice shows all around the country.
Want to hire Heather to create something magical for your online presence?