I want a website built: where to start and what to prepare

"I want a website built" is easy to say; the hard part is knowing where to start. What should you prepare, who should you ask what, and how does the process work? In this post we walk through, in order, what to do once you've decided to have a website built. We cover what drives time and cost separately in How long does it take to build a website, and what determines the cost?

1. First, be clear about what the site is for

Before moving to design, answer a single question: what will this site do? The options are usually one or more of these:

• Present your business and build trust,
• Collect quote or contact requests from customers,
• Take appointments,
• Sell products (e-commerce),
• Bring in visitors from search engines with information and articles.

This answer determines how many pages are needed, which features there will be and how to pick the right team.

2. Write down who you are speaking to

Knowing who will visit the site determines which language it is written in, which pages are needed and which information stands out. If you serve customers or patients in more than one language, say so from the start; a multilingual structure changes the scope.

3. What you need to prepare

What slows a project down most is usually not the software but the content. Before you start, gather:

• Logo and brand colours (if you have them),
• Copy: Your business, your services, your references. If you can't write it, you can get support from the team,
• Images: Real photos of your products, team and work build far more trust than stock images,
• Contact details: Phone, email, address and map,
• Example sites: Three or four sites you like and dislike; the shortest way to explain what you have in mind.

4. In whose name will the domain and accounts be?

The domain (yoursite.com), the server and the source code are the most valuable pieces that could change hands later. They should be opened in your name, or handed over to you when you ask. Ask in writing; that way you won't have trouble if you later have to leave the company that built your site.

5. Questions for choosing the right team

When comparing quotes, ask:

• Will the site be built on custom code or on a ready-made theme?
• Is there an admin panel, and which sections can I update myself?
• Is the price fixed, and does the quote state in writing what is and isn't included?
• How does support after launch work?
• Do the reference sites open fast when live, and do they look right on a phone?

We describe the difference between an agency and a software company in web design agency or software company?

6. How does the process work?

In general, the steps are:

1. Discovery call: We talk through your business, your audience and the site's purpose; scope and timeline follow. 2. Sitemap and content: Which pages will there be, and what will each page say? 3. Design: The design of the home page and inner pages is submitted for approval. 4. Development: The site and admin panel are built, the content is placed and tested on different devices. 5. Launch: The domain, server and SSL are set up and the site is introduced to Google. 6. Support: Bug fixes and updates after launch.

A corporate site of a few pages built to present your business can usually go live in 2–4 weeks; the timeline grows with the scope.

7. After your site goes live

Launch is a beginning, not an end. For the site to be found on Google, the technical SEO foundations should be set up from the start, regular content should be added and tools such as a Business Profile should be used. We gathered most of what is expected of a site in 10 things a corporate website needs.

Frequently asked questions

What should I prepare to have a website built?

At the very least a short description of your business, your services, your logo, a few real photos and your contact details. If you need support with copy or images, discuss it with the team at the start.

How long does it take to build a website?

It depends on the scope; a corporate site of a few pages usually takes 2–4 weeks. What affects the time most is when the content is ready.

Can I update the site myself later?

On a site with an admin panel, you can change copy, images and articles without technical knowledge. Ask about the scope of the panel when getting a quote.

In whose name should the domain and hosting be?

If possible, yours. That way you won't lose your site if you later want to change teams.

Conclusion

A good website starts with being clear about what the site is for, preparing the content in advance and asking the right questions. In our corporate website service we go through these steps together and run the process from design to launch with a single team. Tell us briefly about your project, and we'll come back within 24 hours with a scope and timeline proposal.