I Just Hired a Web Designer. Now What? How to Prepare for Your Website Build

TL;DR: How to Prepare for Your Website Build

• Define the Goal: Decide the single most important job your website needs to do (e.g., generate leads, sell products, or provide info) before the build starts.

• Organize Assets: Gather high quality logos (with transparent backgrounds) and write keyword focused titles and copy rather than generic greetings.

• Locate Logins: Find the passwords for your current website host, domain registrar, and Google Business Profile to prevent launch delays.

• Provide Direction: Do not just say "make it look good." Share examples of websites you like and explain why, focusing on how easily a customer can find what they need.

Signing the contract with a web designer is a huge step forward for your business. But handing over the deposit does not mean your work is entirely done. A great website is a partnership. If you want a smooth process that launches on time and stays on budget, you need to provide the right materials before the build begins.

Big agencies often overcomplicate this process, while DIY builders leave you guessing. As a business owner, you need a straightforward, mechanic style approach. You need someone who cares more about how the engine runs than just polishing the hood.

Whether you are booking a streamlined Website in a Week or starting a longer custom project, here is exactly what you need to prepare so your web designer can hit the ground running.

1. Define the Primary Job of Your Website

Your website is an employee that works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, while your potential customers do their research. Before your web designer starts building, you need to define the big picture.

What is the single most important goal for your new site?

 It needs a major purpose. This could be driving direct sales, generating phone calls, capturing email leads, or providing critical information. If you do not know what you want your website to achieve, your designer will not know how to build the right engine to get you there.

2. Gather Your Content and Assets the Right Way

Organizing your files is one of the easiest ways to save time and money on your build. A good designer will provide a shared folder and a specific checklist to help you gather your assets.

Visual Assets

You will need to provide high quality versions of your logo, ideally with multiple variations including transparent backgrounds. Photos should be named clearly and converted to modern web formats like WebP to keep your site loading incredibly fast. If you do not know how to format these, your website checklist or your designer should guide you.

Website Copy

Words matter just as much as visuals. Your website builder should provide a list of prompts for each page you want to build. Think about the titles for each section. Using a generic heading like "Welcome!" does absolutely nothing for your search engine rankings. You need titles that include your target keywords to help with SEO.

If writing is not your strength, ask your designer about basic SEO questions or consider hiring a copywriter. You can use AI tools to help brainstorm, but never copy and paste the first draft. Make sure the final words sound like your authentic voice.

3. Round Up Your Technical Keys and Logins

Tracking down passwords can easily delay a project by days or even weeks. Have your technical access ready on day one.

Existing Website Access

If you have a current site, your designer needs access to your web builder platform, whether that is Wix, Elementor, Shopify, or another host. This is especially true for ecommerce stores where inventory counts and product data need to be migrated.

Domain Registrar

You will eventually need access to your domain backend so the new site designer can point your domain to the new build. Do not start with a brand new domain name unless your old one had zero traffic. Some large website agencies try to hold your domain keys hostage to keep you locked into their contracts. A reputable, honest business will always ensure you own your website and your domain outright.

Google Business Profile and Social Media

You need access to your Google Business Profile, Google Search Console, Meta Business, and social media accounts. Once the new site is live, you must update your website URLs, business hours, and social links. This transition period is also the perfect time to audit your security. Change your passwords and remove access for past employees or third party tools you no longer use.

4. Pinpoint Your Design Direction and Functionality

Design can make or break a project, but it is about more than just looking pretty. You must balance your brand aesthetic with solving the visitor's problem. A beautiful website will catch their eye, but if they cannot quickly find your pricing, booking links, contact info, or address, you have lost a customer.

A good website designer becomes a partner in your business. Through guided discussion, they will figure out your website's true purpose and map out the exact road to get you there.

Do not just tell your designer to make it look good. Give them concrete examples. Find websites you like and explain exactly why you like them. Walk through those sites pretending to be a potential customer. Note what resonates with you and what feels missing.

If you are ready to work with a web designer who approaches builds with this mindset, prioritizing your clarity and full site ownership over complex agency fees, I would be happy to discuss your new website. If you need more information about preparing for your build or are ready to get started on an optimized Website in a Week, contact me today!