5 tips for writing perfect instructions for your web design project
To ensure a smooth design and development process, comprehensive web design specifications for your project are essential. This allows your web designer to put together a detailed proposal with exact costs for the project.
The detailed instructions are also the guide for the entire design and development process. They should list exactly what you expect from your web designer, as well as the time frame in which the website should be created.
Here are 5 basic tips on what to include in your project instructions:
1. company information
Provide as much information as possible about your business so that your web designer understands what needs to be done and gets an idea of your industry, i.e. what services or products do you offer, how long have you been established, who is your competition, what sets you apart from your competition and what makes you special?
2. objectives and targets
Is it a brand new design or a redesign of your existing website? If so, what is the URL?
What do you want to achieve with the new website, i.e. generate more sales, encourage inquiries, gain more newsletter subscribers, launch a new product, digital products or online courses?
3. budget and schedule
To get the most for your money and find the right solution for your website project, it's important to have a budget in mind and to give your web designer at least an approximate amount so that the web designer can plan their services accordingly and adapt them to your budget.
The schedule is almost as important as the budget. If you have a specific deadline by which you need the website, i.e. a product launch or an event, it's important to let your web designer know so that everyone involved can plan their work schedules accordingly.
4th target group
Who are your customers, what age group are they, where do they move and where are they based? Think about your ideal customer and what they will be looking for on your website.
5. project details
This is the most important part of the specification to understand the full scope of work required:
Do you already have a domain?
Do you need an online store or a purely informative website?
Would you like to use a template or do you need a customized website?
Do you need help writing content?
Do you need a logo, branding guidelines, images, graphics or other audio material?
Which and how many pages do you need?
Do you need special functions, e.g. an integrated event calendar, an event page with event calendar, member area, etc.?
Do you need a blog?
Which social media do you use?
What is the general appearance you would like to have?
It is also very helpful if you list example pages that you like and why.
Which colors do you like or dislike?
Be sure to end your project brief with a short summary in which you reiterate your expectations and indicate by when you expect a response. Bear in mind that it can take several days to prepare a good proposal. Therefore, allow sufficient time.
