8 Things You Need Before Launching a Custom Website
If you are ready to level up your business from a DIY website or template, a good website designer will guide you through the process. I’ve made a list of 8 things you may need before launching a custom website.
1) Clarity
You want to be clear about your business goals, your positioning and who you are serving. When a potential customer visits your website, they should know the purpose of your website within 3-5 seconds.
How well do you know your dream client? Who are they exactly? What are their biggest pain points?
How does your product or service impact your dream client’s life, and why do they need it? Do you have a brand statement, and is it working?
What do you hope to achieve with a website redesign? Is it to grow your email list, sell your products, or book a consultation call?
Once you’re clear on this, you’ll be better able to craft a message to your audience that speaks directly to them. Don’t worry if you don’t have that, a brand and website designer like Mpower Ideation will be able to help you figure out your messaging.
2) Website Copy
I highly recommend hiring a website copywriter, but don't worry if that's not in the budget. A good website designer will be able to provide you with a copy planner to map out the copy on your site. A copy planner will provide you with prompts for writing the most essential pieces of content on your website, allowing you to essentially fill in the blank.
3) Visual Style
Do you have a visual style? Is it part of an organized brand system?
If you already have a professionally designed brand identity, please be sure to collect the logo in vector, PNG formats and in the various sizes provided by your brand identity designer. A website designer will also need brand guidelines that include the color, graphic style, fonts and style description for your brand.
Don’t worry if you don’t have a brand identity system just yet. A good brand and web designer will set up a visual style system for you that will make your website design stand out from the crowd and appeal to your target audience.
4) Images
Consider hiring a professional photographer to get your brand messaging just right. High-quality photos that represent the style and voice of your brand are extremely important in capturing the attention of your potential customers.
If you don’t have the budget for a professional photographer, you may need to invest in stock photography. Some stock photography sites I recommend for creative entrepreneurs are Rawpixel and Creative Market. Find more recommendations for free stock photos, illustrations, and icons by clicking here.
5) Social Proof
Social proof provides a level of credibility to your product or services. In fact, according to Invesp, 31% of customers say they will spend more on a business with excellent reviews.
Strive to post your best testimonials on your website, and be sure to add any logos from clients you have worked with or any publicity where you have been featured.
6) Keywords for SEO
Your website designer will help optimize your website for search engines, but it’s a good idea for you to have some keywords in mind.
What is a keyword? A keyword can be a word or phrase that your potential customer will enter into a search engine like Google to find your services.
I suggest putting yourself in the shoes of your potential customer and brainstorm any terms that you feel your potential customer will enter into a search engine. Providing that list to your web designer will give your website a solid starting point for SEO.
7) Legal pages
If you have a website, then you need a Terms and Conditions page. This legal page will govern the terms of your website to any visitors browsing your site. It will basically protect your content like copy and images from being used without your permission.
If you are collecting information from your customers (e.g. name and email) or using Google Analytics to track customers, then in order to be compliant with the California Consumer Privacy Act and GDPR you must have a Privacy Policy.
I recommend starting with a legal template from The Creative Law Shop or The Contract Shop, then having your business lawyer review it for any state-specific laws.
8) Website Platform and Domain Name
Do you have a custom domain name? If not, consider purchasing one from a domain provider like GoDaddy. Your website designer will be able to connect that domain to the website platform of your choosing.
If you need help with determining what the best website platform is for your business, your website designer will help guide you to your decision. The top website platforms that I recommend are WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace — my favorite.
Need a web design partner?
If you need a design partner that will listen to your business needs, highly values your input and time, and will guide you through every step of the process, then consider partnering with us. And don’t take our word for it, listen to what our clients are saying:
“From concept to finished piece, MPower Ideation guides you through the design process seamlessly – with deadlines met every time!”
“Monica is one of the best designers I’ve had the opportunity to work with because of her ingenuity, professionalism, and excellent work ethic.”
“From the first call to launch day, Monica will guide you through fleshing out the details. By the end of the process, you’ll not only have your brand’s voice, but you’ll have your brand’s look as well!”
“[Monica] listened to my goals, and made me a part of the process which was very important to me as well. She developed a site that captured my vision & will help catapult my business going forward!”
FREE RESOURCES
Before launch
SEO Checklist
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Are you speaking to your dream client?
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Hi, I’m Monica. I’m a brand and website designer with a background in graphic design. I am a mom, creative, and entrepreneur. I started my side hustle about 10 years ago. When I became a mom, I knew it was time to leave my day job and take on my business full-time. The last 5 years of my business have been full of growing pains, but also many wins. I’ve been blessed with wonderful clients that have helped me survive the pandemic, and in turn, I’m here spilling design and business knowledge on these pages. My goal is to help small creative businesses thrive and accomplish their biggest dreams. What’s your dream?
Want to learn more about Monica? Click here.
Do you need a design partner? Let’s chat about your next project. I’d love to help you.
And if you’re not ready to chat, then send me an email. I’m always happy to hear from you and answer any questions. Sending you positive vibes!
