One paragraph about the goal
Write who the website is for and the one thing a visitor should do: call, book, buy or send an enquiry. Add your service area. 'Homeowners in south Trinidad who need a quote within a week' gives a designer far more to work with than 'a modern website'.
If you like other websites, send links and say what you like about each one. 'Easy to find the prices' is more useful than 'clean'.
Gather what only you have
Send your logo in its original format if you have it, not a screenshot. Collect photos you own or have permission to use, your list of services, any price ranges you are happy to publish, and testimonials from customers who have agreed to be quoted.
Missing pieces are fine. Knowing early that there are no usable photos changes the plan and the quote, and it is much better to find out before the design starts.
Find the logins before you need them
Find out who registered your domain, where your email is hosted and whether an existing website or booking tool has to stay connected. Many delays come from a domain sitting in a former employee's or old developer's account.
Finally, give a budget range and the date that matters, with the reason behind it. A launch tied to a trade show needs a different plan from 'sometime this year'.
Quick audit
- A short goal: who the site is for and what they should do.
- Logo files, photos and a list of services.
- Links to sites you like, with reasons.
- Who controls the domain, hosting and email.
- A budget range and a deadline with a reason.
Sources used