A good website brief saves time, money and confusion. It helps you think through what you really need and gives a web designer the information required to quote accurately. This template is designed for small businesses in Coulsdon and the surrounding Surrey towns that are planning a new website or redesign.
Project overview
Start with the basics. Why do you need a website? Is it a new business, a redesign or an expansion? What is your budget and ideal launch date? Who are the decision makers? A short paragraph answers most of these and sets the tone for the rest of the brief.
Audience and goals
Describe your ideal customer. Where are they based? What problem are they trying to solve? What should they do on your site: call, book, buy or download? The clearer you are about goals, the more focused the design will be. This is especially important for affordable web design Coulsdon projects where budgets need to be used efficiently.
Content and features
List the pages you think you need, such as Home, About, Services, Contact and Blog. Then list any features: contact forms, booking systems, ecommerce, galleries, maps, videos. Note whether you will supply content or need help writing it. Also mention any integrations, such as Mailchimp, Calendly or Stripe.
Design and brand
Share your logo, brand colours, fonts and any examples of sites you like. Explain why you like them. Also note anything you dislike. This is much more useful than asking for "something modern" without context. If you do not have a brand, say so, and the designer can help you develop one.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a website brief be?
Two to four pages is usually enough. The goal is clarity, not volume. A brief should answer the key questions without becoming a design specification.
What if I do not know the technical details?
That is fine. A good designer will ask the right questions. Focus on your business, your customers and what you want the site to achieve.
Do I need to provide content?
You can, but you do not have to. Be clear about who is responsible for text, images and product details. This affects the quote and timeline.
Can the designer help with the brief?
Yes. We often work through a short discovery call to create the brief together. Contact us if you would like help.