A website project needs a clear business purpose before design begins. Start by naming the services you want people to understand and the action you want them to take.
Use these questions to compare proposals on substance. A useful plan should explain what will be built, how existing content will be handled, and who will maintain the site after launch.
Work through the essentials.
1. Map the important pages
List the main services, customer questions, locations, and contact paths the website needs to support.
2. Review the search plan
Ask how page topics, titles, internal links, and useful content will help people find and understand the site.
3. Understand what you will own
Clarify access to the domain, website, content, source files, and relevant business accounts.
4. Define the launch checks
Include mobile layouts, keyboard navigation, form delivery, existing URL redirects, and a recovery plan.
5. Plan for the next month
Agree on maintenance, updates, and the business questions you will use to evaluate the work.
Common questions.
Should design and SEO be separate projects?
They can involve different specialists, but the decisions should connect. Page structure, content, performance, and navigation affect both the website experience and search discovery.
Can a partner promise a specific search ranking?
A ranking promise is not a substitute for a clear plan. Ask for the proposed work, reporting approach, and how progress will be evaluated.