How to Prepare Before Building Your Website

Building a website is one of the most exciting steps for any business owner. Whether you’re running a cozy café, a chic boutique, or a local hardware store, having an online presence is like opening another door for customers to walk through. But before you dive into the world of web design, there are a few things to prepare to ensure the process is smooth, efficient, and enjoyable.

Think of this as preparing your shop for a grand opening. Just as you’d arrange your displays, clean the windows, and add some personal touches to create a welcoming vibe, building your website starts with a little groundwork. Here are some steps to get you started:

1. Define your message

Ask yourself: What do I want my customers to know about me?

Your website is your online spokesperson, so you need to be clear about your message. Start with the basics:

• What does your business do?

• Who are your customers?

• How do you help your customers or what problems do you solve for them?

Write down key points that answer these questions. This will guide not only the content on your site but also how it's designed and structured. For example:

• A bakery might focus on "fresh, handmade bread every morning."

• A clothing boutique might emphasise "handpicked pieces that bring timeless elegance to your wardrobe."

Make sure your tone matches your brand. If you’re running a playful and creative kids’ toy store, you want your website to reflect that energy. But if you own a formal law firm, your tone might be professional and reassuring.

2. Gather your visuals

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and that’s definitely true for websites. Strong visuals help your site stand out and tell your story at a glance.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Logo: Make sure your logo is high-quality and available in different formats (like PNG for a transparent background).

• Photos of Your Business: If you have a physical shop, showcase it! Take clear, bright photos of the exterior, interior, and even a few behind-the-scenes moments.

• Product or Service Photos: Are you selling items online? Crisp, well-lit images of your products can make a huge difference. If you provide a service, consider photos of you or your team in action.

• Personal Touches: Include images that give your business personality. Maybe it’s a picture of your team, your workspace, or even happy customers (with permission!).

If photography isn’t your strong suit, consider hiring a professional photographer to capture the essence of your brand.

3. Choose colours and fonts that reflect your brand

Your website’s colours and fonts play a huge role in how people perceive your business. It’s like the décor of your shop—it should match the mood you want to create.

• Colours: Start with your brand colours. If you don’t have a defined palette, think about what fits your vibe. Bright and cheerful? Go with yellows and oranges. Elegant and modern? Consider blacks, whites, and muted tones. Try to stick with 2–3 main colours to keep things cohesive. Coolors is a great place to try out different colour palettes.

• Fonts: Your typography matters too! A playful font might work well for a toy shop but feel out of place on a professional consulting firm’s site. Google Fonts is a great free resource to explore typefaces.

Consistency is key—use these colours and fonts across your website to strengthen your brand identity.

4. Understand Your Website’s Purpose

Before you start building, know why you’re creating this website. What’s its main goal? Keep this simple and don't try to over complicate it. Here are a few examples:

• For a café, the goal might be to share your menu and help customers book a table.

• For a florist, it might be showcasing your arrangements and taking online orders.

• For a repair shop, it could be encouraging customers to call you or fill out a service request form.

Your website should guide visitors toward this goal with clear calls to action (like “Order Now,” “Contact Us,” or “Visit Us”).

5. Plan Your Site’s Structure

Think of your website as a map for your customers. What pages do they need to navigate easily? Most small business websites include these:

• Homepage: The first impression. Highlight your best features, like your products, services, or special offers.

• About Us: Share your story, values, and mission to connect with your audience.

• Products/Services: Show what you offer, with clear descriptions and prices if applicable.

• Contact Us: Make it easy for customers to reach you. Include a form, phone number, email and your physical address.

Final thought

Creating your website doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By preparing ahead of time, you can design a site that not only reflects your business but also helps it grow. Think of it as setting up the digital version of your shop—organising everything to make it inviting and easy for customers to navigate.

Take some time to plan, gather your resources and map out your goals. Your website is more than just an online presence; it’s a chance to share your story and reach new customers. With the right foundation, you’ll be ready to launch a site that truly works for your business.