4 essential things you must have before you create your website

Whether you’re going to DIY your website or invest in a website designer, there’s a bunch of things you need to pull together first, before the actual build of your website can even begin.

Here’s what you’ll need:

01 // Branding guidelines

A professionally created brand is one of the key ingredients needed to have you fall in love with your website and get long-lasting return on investment. Unfortunately, mashing together a logo and then randomly choosing a few colours in Canva doesn’t cut it.

Professional branding guidelines include a carefully curated colour palette that has correct colour contrast, font pairing and multiple logo variations so you have options about where to place them on your website.

Your branding might also include illustrations, icons, patterns or backgrounds which add an extra layer of special uniqueness to your website.

Read this article on the key branding elements you need for a website for more information.

And if you need help with your branding, you might like to check out our branding kits created for kind and conscious business owners.

02 // Professional Photos

You’ll need a good collection of high-quality, on-brand images shot and edited by a professional photographer (sorry iPhone, you’re no good here).

Your branding colours and the colours in your photographs should complement each other, so that when you combine these elements together onto your website, they enhance each other and your brand story. The more photos the better, my friend!

Grab a copy of the Website Creation Companion handbook which has loads of tips inside for getting the best from your photoshoot – plus a list of my recommended photographers.

03 // Well written website copy

When someone lands on your website, you only have a few seconds to capture their attention. While design plays a huge role, the words on your website matter - you need to be crystal clear on your message, who you’re talking to and be able to clearly articulate how you can support them.

Your written copy also plays a key role in how well your website performs in search.

Tip: Before you begin the writing process, your first step should be to hook up a meeting with your website designer. Hiring your website designer before you start the writing process has loads of benefits – it will make your copywriting process so much easier, help you stay within your budget, ensure your site is optimised for your specific industry and your ideal audience, and more!

I share more in this article here.

04 // Space and time in your schedule

If you are planning to work with a website designer, your website project will be a collaborative partnership between your designer and you. You’ll need dedicated time booked out in your calendar to gather all the pieces needed for your website build, answer questions promptly and provide feedback on your website design and build by the due dates.

It’s worthwhile taking a look at what you’ve got upcoming in your calendar and carving out space for a project of this kind.

About to embark on a new website project?

Grab yourself a copy of The Website Creation companion which will guide you through the essential ingredients that are needed to make your website stand out and become the truly valuable marketing asset it needs to be.