Stage 1 – The Brief

This is your bit. You have decided you need a website, so you go about contacting web designers. Most website projects start with an email or phone call outlining probable website requirements. If this isn't your first website, maybe you'll even produce a detailed written brief outlining your requirements, budget and timescales – but don't worry if you haven't gone this far. We always start with an informal chat, so we begin to understand each other.

The main output of this stage is the creative brief, which we produce. The creative brief defines the project and needs to be agreed by both of us. This ensures that everyone is on the same page right from the start. It also acts as a point of reference throughout the duration of the project.

To enable us to write the brief, you should be prepared to answer questions like:

• What's your current website situation?
• Do you have an existing website?
• What are your future website goals?
• What do you like /not like about your existing website?
• Who are your potential customers? (target audience)
• What is your company's unique selling point?
• What websites do you like to visit? What do you like about them?
• What is the deadline for the project?
• How often will you want to update the content on your website?

It's also useful at this stage to come up with a short sentence that describes the project goals. Something as short as We want our new website to appeal to a younger audience is ideal. This can be difficult to write in one sentence but it's important as it acts as a handy springboard for ideas during the next stage.

If you're unsure about producing a brief for your website project and would would prefer an informal chat top get the ball rolling, please get in touch.