How to Prepare Content Before Hiring a Web Designer: A Practical Checklist for Small Businesses

Why preparing content matters Hiring a web designer is an investment. Designers and developers move fastest when they get clear, organized content up front. Whether you're a surf school in Maui, a creative studio in Shoreditch, or a boutique brand in Lisbon, having your content ready will: Speed up the build and reduce rounds of revisions Lower project costs by avoiding scope creep Improve copy, SEO, and overall user experience Below is a straightforward, actionable checklist to get your content ready so your web designer — whether local in Maui, remote in Berlin, or collaborating from Rio de Janeiro — can focus on beautiful, functional design. Start with goals and audience Before any copy or images, write a short brief that answers: Who is your primary audience? (e.g., travelers, local customers, creative entrepreneurs) What are the top 3 things you want visitors to do? (book, buy, subscribe) What makes your business different from competitors in Paris, Tulum, or Cape Town? Keep this brief to one page. It becomes the project north star for both you and the designer. Create a sitemap and page list Map out the pages you want. Typical small business sites include: Home About Services or Products (with individual pages for key offerings) Portfolio or Projects Blog or Resources Contact Legal pages (Privacy Policy, Terms) Bullet out what content belongs on each page. For example, the Home page often needs a hero headline, three feature sections, testimonials, and a clear call to action. Draft your core copy (don’t wait to be perfect) Good copy beats placeholder text. You don't need final polishing, but draft these essentials: Headline and subhead for the Home hero 2–3 sentence elevator pitch for About Descriptions for each service or product (100–300 words each) 3–5 short testimonials or client quotes FAQs and pricing if applicable Tips: Write for people, not search engines. Keep it conversational and clear. Use short paragraphs and bullet points — designers love scan...