Set your project up for success
Starting a website project can feel overwhelming if you’re not sure what to expect. But a bit of preparation before the design stage can help the process run faster, smoother, and with fewer revisions. Whether you’re working with a freelancer or a full design studio like Alura, knowing what you want and what’s required from you will make a huge difference.
Understand your goals
Websites should do something — not just exist. Before you start, ask yourself what purpose the site needs to serve. A few common goals include:
Generate enquiries or bookings
Sell products or services
Educate and build trust with new customers
Showcase past work or case studies
Improve search engine visibility
When your goals are clear, every design decision supports the outcome you want.
Know your audience
Your website is for your customers, not just you. Understanding who they are helps ensure the design and content connects with the right people. Think about:
What problems they are trying to solve
What information they need quickly
How tech-savvy they are
What device they are most likely to use
The more you know about your users, the easier it is to design an experience that feels intuitive and helpful.
Gather your content early
Content is often the biggest delay in any web project. It’s helpful to prepare these materials ahead of time:
Logo and brand assets
Text (about page, services, contact info, etc.)
High-quality images or plans to source new ones
Testimonials, portfolio items, or product details
Your social media or third-party links
Even if everything isn’t final, having a starting point helps the design take shape faster.
Decide on your must-haves
Not every feature needs to be included right away. Creating a list of priorities keeps the project realistic and reduces last-minute changes. A simple way to define scope is to separate:
Essential now — needed for launch
Nice to have — can be added later
This keeps the project focused and helps with accurate pricing and timelines.
Find examples you like
Collect design inspiration from websites you admire — not to copy, but to communicate your preferences. This gives the design team a clearer sense of:
The style of imagery you like
The layout style you find easy to use
The overall mood you want the brand to convey
Inspiration is a helpful guide, especially at the beginning.
Final thoughts
Preparing for a website project doesn’t mean having everything figured out on day one. It simply involves thinking ahead about goals, content, and customers. When you arrive with clarity and openness, your design team can spend less time guessing and more time creating something incredible.
A well-prepared project is a smoother, faster, and more enjoyable experience — and leads to a website that truly works for your business.
