Before You Build a Website: A No-Fluff Guide to Getting It Right

Your website isn’t just a design project, it’s a business tool.

If you’re thinking about a new site (or refreshing your current one), slow down for a second. Too many businesses jump straight to design without getting clear on what they actually need.

This guide walks you through the must-haves before you ever touch a template, hire a developer, or write a single line of copy.

1. Define What Your Website Is Supposed to Do

A beautiful site means nothing if it doesn’t do its job.

Start with this question:

What’s the primary role of your site in your business?

• Generate leads?

• Book consultations?

• Drive online sales?

• Educate and position your brand?

• All of the above? (Pick one that matters most.)

Knowing your core goal shapes everything—your layout, content, CTAs, even your tech stack.

2. Get Clear on Who You’re Talking To

Before you design for your brand, design for your audience.

Ask yourself:

• Who are they?

• What problem are they trying to solve?

• What questions will they have?

• What action do they need to take before leaving?

If you’re not speaking directly to them, they’ll bounce—fast.

3. Build the Message, Then the Pages

Websites don’t start with design, they start with clarity.

Make sure you can answer these:

• What do you want someone to feel when they land?

• What's your one-sentence pitch or tagline?

• Why should they choose you over anyone else?

• Is your messaging aligned with your current brand voice?

Pro tip: Don’t copy-paste from your old site unless your brand hasn’t changed in 5 years. Start fresh.

4. Sketch the Structure (Simple Is Fine)

No need for fancy software, just outline the core content.

Basic page map:

• Home

• About

• Services (or Products)

• Contact

• Case Studies / Blog / FAQ (if relevant)

Ask:

• Do you have existing content you’ll reuse?

• What new content needs to be created?

• Who’s responsible for writing or gathering it?

5. Think Beyond Looks (Performance Matters)

A great website is functional, not just pretty.

At minimum, make sure it’s:

• Mobile-friendly

• Fast to load

• Easy to navigate

• SEO-ready (titles, meta descriptions, clear structure)

• Connected to analytics so you can track what’s working

6. Prep for Handoff: The Practical Stuff

Even if you’re not building the site yourself, you need to come prepared.

Before you bring on a designer or dev, have this ready:

• Brand assets (logo, fonts, colors, voice guidelines)

• Site structure (see step 4)

• Platform preferences (Webflow? WordPress? Shopify?)

• Launch timeline

• Ballpark budget

The more clarity you bring, the smoother the process will go.

Final Thought: Don’t Build Blind

Your website is one of your most valuable business tools.

Before you drop money on a redesign or dive into DIY mode, get your foundation right. A clear plan leads to a site that performs, not just one that looks good.

Need help figuring out what to fix first? Or want a strategic partner to guide the whole thing?

Let's Talk!