Briefing Your Web Designer.

November 25, 2021

AN ESSENTIAL HOW-TO

“Look into my crystal ball,” said the client to the web designer. “Therein lies the answers to all of your questions.”

Except the glass orb did not contain the answers. And the web designer, who was skilled in many things, did not have the traits of telepathy listed in the skills section of their CV.

In other words, if you have an idea of how you want something done, it’s better to share it with the person who’s going to do it!

Tell your web designer EXACTLY what you’re looking for, and if you don’t know yourself, we’ve put together a magique little checklist to get this party started.

1. Break the ice

Tell your designer a bit about yourself. Any pets? Fave colour? Or more importantly…

• What does your business do?
• How long have you been doing your thing? 
• Who’s your competition?

And…*dusts off crystal ball* … ahem,

• What’s your vision for the future of your business?

2. The recipe for success

But … what’s wrong with your current website? Is it old and dusty, have you had negative feedback, do you just fancy a change, or can’t it do what you want it to?

And this is where your web designer will daze and dazzle you with their experience and insight. We make sure that your website WORKS.

So, tell your designer what functionality you need, and we’ll make it happen.

DYK: Design statistics show that 47% of users expect a web page to load in two seconds (Behaviour & Information Technology).

3. Fine design (or: What’s cookin’ good lookin’?)

How would you like your brand new website to look?

This is the fun part. Paint us a picture. Dig out your coloured pencils. Close your eyes and VISUALISE.

But,

Not everyone sees things this way, right? Not the arty-type? Don’t stress!

Here’s a secret tip: Look at other sparkly sites and get some ideas.

Have you ever gone to the hairdresser with a magazine cutout (or em, Google image search)?  You don’t just want any big change: this is the exact one you want!

And if you’ve ever had a wonky fringe cut far too short, you’ll understand that you’re only going to like it if you tell your hairdresser, ahem, web designer, what you want!

When asked what visual elements they value on a company website, 40% of consumers said images, 39% said color, and 21% said video (Top Design Firms, 2021).

4. Who’s invited?
Your jazzy new site is being dreamt up, but who for?

Seriously though, be specific. If it is for women, over 32 but a little under 35, who only shop organic and show screen-shotted pics to their overpriced hairdresser, then tell your designer as much. This will help them understand your target audience and incorporate this into the design, which is crucial.

5. The big questions
(For one and all.)

When do you want to reveal your super-slick and fancy new website to the world?

Let’s work backwards. When do you want to start? And how much are you willing to splurge on this life-changing, business-enhancing, money-making venture?

It’s always good to have an idea of timeline and budget, and your expectations may just become a reality!

Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo
There is a lot to consider, we know.

But, if you walk away from this blog with just one thing, let it be this: You’re not hiring a web designer to read your mind (as appealing as that sounds) so TELL THEM WHAT YOU WANT.

(What you really, really want).