Getting a website for your business is much easier when you have the right things ready before you start. It saves time, cuts down on back and forth, and means the finished site actually sounds and looks like you.
You do not need to have everything perfect. You just need to have it to hand. Here is a practical checklist, with a short explanation of why each item matters.
1. Your logo
Send the best version you have. Ideally that is the original file from whoever designed it, but a clear image is fine to start with.
If you have different versions, such as one for light backgrounds and one for dark, send both. If you do not have a logo at all, that is fine too. A simple, clean text version of your business name can work well, and a logo can be added later.
2. Photos of your real work
This is one of the most important things on the list. Customers want to see what you actually do, not stock photos of smiling models.
Good photos to gather include:
- Before and after shots of jobs
- Finished work from a few different angles
- You or your team at work, if you are happy to be shown
- Your van, shop front or salon, if you have one
- Close ups that show the quality of your work
Phone photos are absolutely fine. Take them in good daylight, keep the lens clean and hold the phone steady.
3. A list of your services
Write down every service you offer. Then mark the main ones, the services you most want more of or that bring in most of your income.
For each main service, jot down a few plain sentences:
- What it involves
- Who it is for
- How long it usually takes
- Anything customers often ask about it
You do not need polished writing. Notes in your own words are perfect, because they show how you naturally explain things to customers.
4. The areas you cover
List the towns, villages and areas you work in. If you have a rough radius, say so, for example "within 15 miles of Nottingham".
This matters for Google. When someone searches for your service in their town, your website needs to say clearly that you cover it.
5. Prices or price guides
Many owners worry about putting prices online. You do not have to show exact figures, but some idea of cost helps customers decide whether to get in touch.
Options include:
- Fixed prices for simple services
- "From" prices, such as "from £50"
- A price range for typical jobs
- An explanation of how you price, such as by the hour or by the room
Even a rough guide filters out people who are not a good fit and reassures the ones who are.
6. A link to your reviews
Reviews are one of the strongest reasons for a new customer to trust you. Gather links to wherever your reviews live, such as your Google Business Profile, Facebook page, Checkatrade or Trustpilot.
If you have a few favourite reviews, copy them out too, along with the customer's first name and town if they are happy for those to be shown.
7. Opening hours
Note the hours you are available, including whether you work weekends or evenings. If you offer emergency call outs, say so and say when.
If your hours change through the year, mention that too.
8. Contact details
Decide how you want customers to reach you. This usually includes:
- The phone number you want shown
- An email address for enquiries
- WhatsApp, if you use it for work
- Your business address, if customers visit you
Think about which one you prefer. If you would rather people message than call, the website can be set up to make that the easiest option.
9. Your domain login
Your domain is your web address, such as yourbusiness.co.uk. If you already have one, you need to know who it is registered with and be able to log in.
Search your email for "domain" or "renewal" to find the company. If a friend or former web designer set it up, ask them for the login now. This is one of the most common causes of delays, so it is worth sorting early.
If you do not have a domain yet, have a think about what you would like. We have a separate guide on choosing a domain name.
10. Examples of websites you like
Find two or three websites you like the look of. They do not have to be in your trade. Note what you like about each: the colours, the layout, how easy it is to find the phone number, or the way they show their work.
Also note anything you do not like. Knowing what to avoid is just as helpful.
How to send it all
The easiest way is to put everything in one place. A shared folder, a single email with attachments or a WhatsApp chat all work. What matters is that nothing is scattered across five different messages over three weeks.
At We are Graft, we build your site from your own logo, photos and reviews, so having this ready makes a real difference. You can see how the build works on our process page.
The short version
Before you get a website, gather your logo, photos of real work, a list of services, the areas you cover, prices or price guides, your reviews link, opening hours, contact details, domain login and a few examples of sites you like. Having these ready means a faster build and a site that properly reflects your business.
When you have your checklist together, or even most of it, get in touch and ask for a free design. You will see it before you pay anything.