Designing a Website: It's Like Planning a Party (But with Fonts and Code)
Are you excited to create a beautiful and functional website that showcases your business or personal brand? Great! Before you dive in headfirst, it's important to take some time to prepare. Just like baking a cake or planning a road trip, a successful website project requires careful planning and preparation.
Have you ever planned a party? From picking out the perfect theme and decorations to choosing the right music and party favors, there are a million little details that go into creating an unforgettable event. But what if I told you that designing a website is a lot like planning a party? Hear me out: just like a party, a website needs a clear vision, attention to detail, and a touch of personal flair to make it stand out. And just like a party, a well-designed website can make all the difference in creating a memorable experience for your guests (or customers).
It may seem like a lot, but don't worry, I'm here to help you get started. Whether you're a small business owner, a blogger, or just someone looking to build an online presence, these tips will help you get ready to work with us (or any website designer) and make the most of your website project.
So whether you're starting from scratch or looking to revamp an existing site, it's time to roll up your sleeves, put on your party hat, and get ready to create a website that wows.
Define your goals
Before starting any web design project, it's important to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. Ask yourself questions like: What is the purpose of my website? Who is my target audience? What features and functionality do I need? Having a clear idea of your goals and objectives will help you communicate your needs effectively to your web designer. List out your goals on paper, and be as specific as you can!
Imagine that you're planning a road trip without a destination in mind. You just start driving aimlessly, without a map or a plan. You might see some interesting sights along the way, but you'll likely end up wasting a lot of time and money, and you may never reach your desired destination. This is exactly what can happen if you don't define your goals and objectives for your website. Without a clear idea of what you want to achieve, you'll be aimlessly designing your website without any direction. You may end up with a website that looks great, but doesn't serve its intended purpose, or worse, you may end up with a website that doesn't attract the right audience and fails to generate leads or sales. By defining your goals and objectives, you'll have a roadmap for your website design project, and you'll be able to make informed decisions about what features and functionality to include in your website to achieve those goals.
Here are some examples of goals you could have for your website:
Increase online visibility and reach: You may want to increase your online visibility and reach by improving your website's search engine optimization (SEO) and social media presence.
Generate leads or sales: You may be looking to generate more leads or sales through your website, and may want to focus on creating effective landing pages, calls-to-action, and lead capture forms.
Establish credibility and authority: If you want to establish credibility and authority in your industry or niche, you may want to focus on creating high-quality content, building a strong brand identity, and showcasing customer testimonials and case studies.
Improve user experience: If you are are concerned about user experience, you may want to focus on creating a website that is easy to navigate, visually appealing, and optimized for different devices and screen sizes.
Provide information and resources: You may want to use your website as a platform for providing information and resources to their audience, so you may want to focus on creating a blog or resource library.
Sell products or services: If you want to sell products or services online, you may need to focus on creating an e-commerce website with a user-friendly shopping cart, secure payment gateway, and product listings.
Create a visually appealing website: You might want to convey a certain mood or atmosphere with their website's design. While it's important to prioritize function over form when it comes to website design, a visually appealing website can help to establish a professional and memorable brand image and can also improve user engagement and retention.
These are just a few examples of the many different goals and objectives that you could have for your website, depending on your business or personal needs. It's important to define these goals and objectives early on in the website design process so that the website can be tailored to meet those specific needs.
Gather inspiration and ideas
Once you have a clear idea of your goals, start gathering inspiration and ideas for your website.
Look at other websites in your industry or niche, and make note of what you like and don't like.
When a website sticks out to you, grab the link or take a screenshot, then write down exactly what stuck out to you. Was it the bold, in-your-face typography, the subtle, pastel colors, their use of photos, or the clear call to actions?
Here are some specific things to look out for and take note of:
Design and layout: Clients should pay attention to the design and layout of websites in their industry or niche. What design elements do they like? What layout works well for their needs? What colors, fonts, and imagery are commonly used?
Functionality and features: Clients should also consider the functionality and features of websites in their industry or niche. What types of features or functionality do they want to include on their website? What features do their competitors have that they don't? What features are missing that they would like to add?
Content and messaging: Clients should also analyze the content and messaging on websites in their industry or niche. What types of content do they want to include on their website? How do their competitors position themselves through their messaging? What are the common pain points or challenges their audience faces, and how do other websites address these issues?
User experience: Clients should also consider the user experience of websites in their industry or niche. How easy is it to navigate these websites? What is the user flow like? What are the common user journeys on these sites?
Branding and identity: Finally, clients should pay attention to the branding and identity of websites in their industry or niche. What is their competitors' brand voice and tone? What visual elements (such as logo or tagline) help to establish their brand identity?
You can also create a mood board or a Pinterest board to collect images, colors, and typography that inspire you.
By gathering inspiration and ideas from other websites in their industry or niche, you can gain valuable insights into what works (and what doesn't) in your market, and can use this information to inform your own website design and development.
Prepare your content
Content is a crucial aspect of any website, so it's important to have your content ready before you start designing. By not having any content prepared, you can delay the project by weeks or months. A designer can help you refine and clarify your content, but most will not write it for you.
Before you start working with your designer, clarify how much help you’ll need with the content of your website. If you don’t feel confident in your own writing ability, find out if they are okay with helping you write text for your sales pages, or if you should hire a copywriter (or if they work with any copywriters).
If you want to create your own content, start by creating an outline of the pages you'll need and the content you want to include.
I will be writing another blog post on how to write specific pages of your website, but for now, here is a general summary:
Home page:
A headline and tagline describing exactly what you do.
A brief introductory paragraph that provides an overview of the website's purpose and mission
An explanation of your target audience and how you can help them specifically.
A short summary of who you are.
A prominent call-to-action (CTA) that directs visitors to take a specific action (such as signing up for a newsletter, requesting a consultation, or making a purchase)
A brief overview of the website's key features, services, or products
About Me/Us page:
A brief introduction that provides an overview of the website owner or team's background, expertise, and experience
A description of your mission, values, and approach to serving your audience
How and why you started your brand or business
High-quality images or videos that showcase the website owner or team and convey a sense of personality and authenticity
Contact information, such as an email address or phone number, to facilitate communication between the website owner or team and your audience
If you have them, please provide:
Social proof elements, such as customer testimonials or endorsements from industry influencers
Trust indicators, such as security badges, certifications, or guarantees, to establish credibility and trust with visitors
You should also have any images or videos you want to use ready to go.
If you need help with any of these aspects, feel free to reach out to your designer and let them know. Ask them if they can help you define your values or outline your about me page. They want to work with you to create the best possible website for you, so most will help you along the way by providing an explanation of any text they require, sometimes they will even help edit your text to make sure your message is accurately relayed. I personally, would even help you find a photographer in your area so that you can get professional branding photography. All you have to do is ask!
Identify your budget
Web design projects can vary greatly in cost, so it's important to have a clear idea of your budget before you start working with a designer. Be upfront with your designer about your budget so they can recommend the best solutions for your needs.
The cost of website design can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the complexity of the project, the level of customization required, the expertise and experience of the web designer or agency, and the specific features and functionalities needed. As a result, it's challenging to provide a definitive average range for website design.
However, as a rough estimate, basic website design services typically start around $1,000 and can range up to $10,000 or more for more complex, custom-designed websites. E-commerce websites, which require integration with payment systems and shopping cart functionalities, tend to cost more than static websites with only informational content. Websites with custom coding will definitely cost more than your typical drag and drop website.
It's also essential to communicate your budget upfront to ensure that both parties are on the same page and can work together to deliver a website that meets your needs within your budget constraints. It's also essential to keep in mind that while budget is an important consideration, it's not the only factor to consider when choosing a web designer. It's crucial to choose a designer or agency that has the expertise, experience, and portfolio that aligns with your goals and objectives for your website.
Choose a web designer
Once you've done your prep work, it's time to choose a web designer. Look for a designer who has experience in your industry or niche, and who has a portfolio that aligns with your goals and objectives. You should also make sure you feel comfortable working with them and that they understand your vision for your website.
When choosing a web designer, here are some things to consider:
Portfolio and Experience: Look at the designer's portfolio and experience to see if they have worked on similar projects in the past. Check their website, social media profiles, and online reviews to get a sense of their style, approach, and customer satisfaction.
Communication Skills: Communication is essential when working with a web designer. Make sure they are responsive, timely, and easy to communicate with. Ask about their communication process, how often they will provide updates, and how they will keep you informed throughout the project.
Technical Expertise: Ask about their technical skills and experience working with different platforms, such as WordPress, Shopify, or Squarespace. A more technical web designer may have experience with things like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and responsive design.
Design Process: Ask the designer about their design process, including how they gather requirements, how they approach design decisions, and how they handle feedback and revisions.
Price and Value: Compare the pricing and value offered by different web designers. Look for designers who offer transparent pricing and clear deliverables. Make sure you understand what is included in the price and how additional costs will be handled.
References and Testimonials: Ask for references or testimonials from previous clients to get a sense of their experience working with the designer.
Ultimately, you should choose a web designer who aligns with your goals and objectives for your website, has the expertise and experience to deliver the desired outcome, and communicates effectively throughout the design process.
Here are some specific questions you can ask your potential designer:
Can you walk me through your design process?
What platforms and technologies do you specialize in?
How do you handle revisions and feedback during the design process?
Can you provide examples of similar projects you have worked on in the past?
What is your estimated timeline for completing my project?
Will you provide ongoing maintenance and support after the website is launched?
How do you ensure the website is responsive and mobile-friendly?
What is your pricing structure, and what is included in your services?
Can you provide references or testimonials from previous clients?
What are your policies for addressing any issues or problems that may arise during or after the project?
You also ideally want to find a designer that you would enjoy working with. A website can take a long time to design, and you’ll likely have multiple calls with them, so you want to make sure you’ll get along as well.
Here are some questions you can ask to help find out if this designer would be a good fit for working with you:
What is your design philosophy, and how does it inform your work?
How do you approach problem-solving and creative challenges?
Can you tell me about a project that you found particularly satisfying or challenging?
How do you keep up with industry trends and changes?
How do you prioritize communication with your clients?
Can you tell me about a time when you had to manage a difficult client or project?
How do you collaborate with clients during the design process?
Can you tell me about a time when you had to make a difficult design decision or compromise?
How do you ensure your clients' goals and objectives are met throughout the project?
Can you describe your work style and how you manage your workload?
Choosing the right web designer is a critical decision that can impact the success of your website. By considering factors such as portfolio, experience, communication, technical expertise, design process, pricing, and references, you can make an informed decision and choose a designer who aligns with your goals and objectives.
It's also essential to find a designer with whom you feel comfortable working. By asking questions about their design philosophy, problem-solving approach, collaboration style, and work process, you can get a sense of their personality and whether they are a good fit for your needs.
Ultimately, working with a web designer is a collaborative effort, and it's essential to find someone who can bring your vision to life while providing guidance and expertise along the way. By taking the time to choose the right designer, you can ensure that your website is not only functional and visually appealing but also a reflection of your brand and business goals.
Be open to feedback and collaboration
Remember that web design is a collaborative process, and your designer will likely have ideas and suggestions to improve your website. Be open to feedback and willing to work together to achieve the best possible outcome.
Remember to stay open-minded to different perspectives and approaches, even if you initially disagree with them. A designer often has a different way of thinking or an idea in their head that they haven’t fully relayed to you. Let them try out their idea, then give specific feedback.
Anytime you have a note for your designer, you should provide clear, actionable feedback that is focused on improving the website's functionality, design, and user experience. “Make it pop” is not a helpful statement (designers actually hate that phrase!). Refer back to the notes you took when you were looking for inspiration and use that to explain your feedback.
Bad feedback: "The font is ugly."
Better feedback: "I think the font could be more in line with our brand. Could we try using a sans-serif font that is easier to read?"
Bad feedback: "The layout is confusing."
Better feedback: "I'm having trouble understanding the hierarchy of the content. Could we try adjusting the spacing or font sizes to make it clearer?"
Bad feedback: "The images look terrible."
Better feedback: "I think the images could be higher quality and more aligned with our brand. Could we explore using stock images or hiring a professional photographer?"
Bad feedback: "I don't like the color scheme."
Better feedback: "I feel like the color scheme doesn't match our branding. Could we try incorporating our brand colors or exploring a different color palette?"
Bad feedback: "I don't know what I want, but this isn't it."
Better feedback: "I'm not quite sure what I'm looking for, but I don't think this is quite hitting the mark. Can we explore some other options together?"
Avoid using vague, negative language and instead focus on expressing your concerns in a way that invites collaboration and problem-solving. Remember to also acknowledge what is working well and provide positive feedback when appropriate, as this can help build rapport and strengthen the working relationship with your web developer.
In any case, before you provide (preferably constructive) criticism, ask the designer why and how they made their decisions. Hear them out, there may be a specific reason why what they came up with is technically better than what you had in mind.
Creating a website is like planning a party, but instead of balloons and cake, it's all about fonts and colors. To ensure your website is a hit, make sure to set clear goals, gather inspiration, prepare content, and choose the right designer. And if you're feeling overwhelmed or don't know where to start, don't worry! That's where we come in. At Sophistica Agency, we're here to help you create a website that not only looks great and makes you happy but also achieves your business goals and attracts your target audience.
So, if you're ready to get started, book a free discovery call with us to find out if we're the perfect fit for your website design needs. Our team will work with you every step of the way to create a website that stands out and gets results. Don't settle for a website that's less than what you imagined. Let's work together to make your online presence shine!
