Starting from scratch when doing anything can feel intimidating. Starting from scratch when it comes to your website is no different. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the big picture, we recommend breaking up the task of getting your website rolling into more digestible action items. When you work with us to build your brand’s website, there are a few key items we’ll ask you for to get started. We’ve listed them here in our quick-start guide to creating your website.
Inspiration sites
They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. While we would never directly rip off another website’s design, it helps us to know what layout and aesthetic features you envision for yours. Often, the best way to convey that is to send us links to existing websites that show those features. Then, we’ll use those as inspiration to craft your unique webspace.
Logo and branding
High up on our quick-start guide to creating your website is having access to your logo and other brand specifications. Your branding—which includes your colors, font types and more—will serve as the identity for your website. It will be what much (if not all) of the design is based off of. If you don’t have an existing logo or brand specs, we’d be happy to help you with that as well!
Page categories
Structure is important when creating a website. In general, most business websites have a few basics when it comes to page categories:
- Homepage
- About Us or Who We Are
- Services/Products/Shop
- Portfolio/Our Work
- News/Blog
- Contact/Location
These are a great jumping point, but what you choose to name them may vary depending on your business. You may also have additional page categories that are specific to your business to add in the mix.
Initial content
Your website is a constantly-evolving concept, even after it launches. To get started though, we’ll need some digital content, which is the media (text, images, graphics, video) people see when they come to your site.
In terms of text (copy), it helps to outline a few bullet points that you want on each page and page section. Our team of copywriters is happy to then develop it further on your behalf. We can also interview you in person or over the phone to get all the specifics.
Initial content also includes any graphics or videos you already have on file that you want included in your website layout. Again, if you don’t have them already, we offer photography and videography services as well!
Contact info
How are people going to get in touch with you through your website? You can simply list your phone number and email address, or you may want a contact form that people can fill out. Whatever you choose, having a way to connect with your clientele is a critical part of your website.
Special requests
Have a unique request beyond these basics on our quick-start guide to creating your website? Let us know!
Domain name and access
Already purchased a domain? Great! Once we get final approval on the website’s layout, we’ll just need access to it in order to launch.
Need a domain? Don’t worry, we can help with that too.
Summary
Your website is your brand’s piece of digital real estate—a space for you to convey who your brand is and what you’re all about. Crafting it to represent you accurately is our goal! These steps will help us both get started.
McNutt & Partners is a full-service advertising and digital marketing agency. Contact us today for your marketing needs! Call 334-521-1010, or visit our contact page
