Website development rarely goes off track due to mistakes made by programmers or designers. In most cases, problems arise even before work begins — when the customer does not fully understand what they need. Unclear goals, lack of prepared materials, constant changes “on the fly,” and vague expectations almost guarantee delays, budget overruns, and results that do not meet expectations.
Preparing for website development is not a formality or unnecessary bureaucracy. It is a practical step that allows you to eliminate most risks in advance, establish normal communication with the web studio, and get a website that really works for your business. Below is a step-by-step checklist that will help you approach website creation in an informed manner.
Why preparation is important: introduction
A website is a tool. If it does not solve specific problems, it becomes a waste of money. Without preparation, the customer often expects one result, while the web studio implements a completely different scenario. As a result, both parties are dissatisfied, and the project turns into an endless series of revisions.
Proper preparation allows you to:
- clearly define expectations;
- avoid chaotic changes;
- reduce the number of reworks;
- make the process transparent and manageable.
Step 1: Define the goals and objectives of the website
Before ordering a website, you need to honestly answer the question: why do you need it? One website can be a brand showcase, another can be a lead generator, and a third can be an online sales tool.
Examples of correct goals:
- receive requests for specific services;
- represent the company to partners;
- automate the processing of requests;
- sell goods or services online.
Incorrect wording:
- “We need a modern website”;
- “to make it beautiful”;
- “Like our competitors, only better.”
It is precisely these goals that form the basis for the technical specifications for the website.
Step 2: Study your target audience
The development of a turnkey website does not begin with design, but with understanding the people who will use the site. It is worth noting:
- who your customer is;
- what problem he is coming with;
- what information they are looking for first and foremost;
- which devices are used to access the website.
Without this, the site may look good, but it won’t convert.
Step 3: Analyze competitors’ websites
Before ordering a website, it is useful to review several resources in your niche. Pay attention not only to the design, but also to:
- page structure;
- ease of navigation;
- the logic of presenting information;
- the presence of weak points.
This analysis helps us understand what works and what needs to be done differently.
Step 4: Gather all the necessary materials
One of the most common reasons for delays is a lack of materials. Before starting development, it is advisable to prepare:
- texts or at least a rough outline;
- photos of products, team, facility;
- logo and brand elements;
- videos, if they are planned.
This is an important part of website requirements that is often remembered too late.
Step 5: Consider the structure and functionality
At this stage, design is not necessary. What is needed is understanding:
- what pages will be on the website;
- what actions the user should perform;
- Are forms, filters, calculators needed?
- Are integrations with CRM or analytics planned?
A clear structure greatly simplifies the work for both the customer and the contractor.
Step 6: Determine your budget and timeline
Realistic expectations are key to achieving adequate results. A web studio must understand:
- approximate budget;
- desired deadlines;
- Is there a plan to develop the site after launch?
This allows us to offer the optimal solution rather than a compromise of “everything at once.”
Step 7: Make a list of important questions for the web studio
Before starting, it is worth discussing:
- development stages;
- communication format;
- responsibility of the parties;
- post-launch support conditions;
- procedure for making changes.
This is the basis for healthy cooperation with a web studio.
What a web studio should provide at the start
A professional team usually offers:
- step-by-step work plan;
- preliminary website structure;
- clear list of results;
- deadlines and milestones;
- recommendations for content preparation.
Common mistakes made by customers and how to avoid them
The most common mistakes:
- lack of clear goals;
- constant change in requirements;
- focus solely on design;
- ignoring user logic.
Preparation and fixed agreements help to avoid this.
Project launch readiness checklist
Before starting work, make sure that:
- specific goals of the site;
- the target audience is described;
- collected materials;
- well-thought-out structure;
- agreed budget and deadlines;
- a prepared list of questions for the contractor;
- there is a responsible person on the customer’s side.
High-quality preparation for website development significantly increases the chances of getting a result that will work for your business. The more clearly the tasks and expectations are formulated, the easier it is for a web studio to create an effective product without unnecessary rework.
If you have doubts or your idea is still “raw,” it is advisable to start with a consultation or initial discussion—this will help you save time and money and avoid typical mistakes.