Before building a website, decide what it is for, who it is for, what pages and content you need, which domain name you want and what you can spend. Use the worksheet below. Written answers help any developer give you a clear quote, and help you compare quotes fairly.
Answer
Ten short questions.
Gather
Text, photos and logo.
Request quotes
Send the same details to each.
Compare
Like with like.
The worksheet
Write a short answer to each. “I do not know yet” is a fine answer. It shows where to ask for advice.
- Purpose. What should the website do for the business? For example: get calls, take bookings, sell products.
- Audience. Who are your customers and what do they search for?
- First action. What should a visitor do first: call, message on WhatsApp or request a quote?
- Pages. List the pages you think you need, such as home, services, about and contact.
- Content. Who will write the text and supply photos? Do you have a logo and brand colours?
- Examples. Name two or three sites you like and say why.
- Domain name. Do you own one? Who is the registered owner? See what is a domain name.
- Email. Do you want addresses on your own domain? See business email.
- Special features. Bookings, online payments, a login area, a shop?
- Budget and timing. What can you spend to start, and what yearly costs can you carry? Is there a date you need it by?
What to ask in return
- A written quote listing what is and is not included.
- Who will own the domain, hosting and files.
- Yearly costs after the first year.
- What happens if you want to leave later.
Our guide to questions to ask a web designer goes further, and the cost guide shows what is usually included.
Common mistakes
- Starting without a goal. A site needs a clear job.
- Leaving content to the end. Late text and photos delay launch.
- Asking for “a website” without details. Quotes then cannot be compared.
- Forgetting yearly costs. Domain, hosting and care continue after launch.
Common questions
Do I need to know everything before I start?
No. Answer what you can. A good developer will help with the rest.
How long does it take to prepare?
An hour or two for the worksheet, plus time to gather photos and text.
Should I write the content myself?
You know your business best. Some developers help with editing. Ask who is responsible for it in the quote.
What if I do not have a logo?
Many sites launch with a simple name-only logo. Ask whether a logo is included or extra.
Can I share this worksheet with a developer?
Yes. Copy your answers into an email or send them with your quote request.
Need help with this?
Optional. You do not need any ADA service to use what you have just read.
- Request a written quote
Send your answers and we will reply with a clear quote. - How we work
What happens after you send the worksheet. - Pricing
Our published starting prices.