A Resource | How do I prepare for a website project?
Starting a website can feel like staring at a blank page: full of possibility, and just a little intimidating. Maybe you’ve had a site before that never quite felt like you. Maybe this is your first one, and you're wondering where to begin.
Either way, you don't need to have everything figured out. You just need to be ready to explore, reflect, and collaborate.
Here’s what helps.
What You Don't Need
Let's start by taking some pressure off. You don't need:
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A perfectly written website
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A finished logo or color palette
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Any technical know-how
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A Pinterest mood board (though feel free if you have one)
You don’t need all the answers — that’s what the process is for.
What Helps to Bring
You don't need perfection, but a little clarity goes a long way. Here's what's helpful to have in your pocket.
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A sense of who the site is for
Who are you hoping to reach? What do they need, and what do you want them to feel or do when they arrive?
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A few goals in mind
Are you trying to connect, inform, sell, share, shift? Your goals shape everything — from flow to tone.
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Rough content
A few notes, a list of services, a bio draft. Even a messy draft is more helpful than nothing.
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Examples you respond to
Sites you like (and why), things that don't feel like you — this narrows the visual conversation quickly.
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A sense of where you are in the process
Whether you're ready to dive in, still figuring things out, or in the middle of a shift — being honest about where you stand helps the work meet you there.
What to Include
When you're ready to start writing or planning content, here’s what I recommend — in your own voice, and in your own way:
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A soft welcome
Just a line or two to orient the reader. You don’t have to say “welcome,” just set the tone and open the door.
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What you do and who it's for
Keep it clear and human. You're not pitching — you're inviting them into the story.
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Why you do this work
What drives you? What do you value? A little purpose goes a long way toward building trust.
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A glimpse of you as a person
Something that roots you in the world: a photo, a small fact, a favorite quote. The human layer matters.
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A way forward
Invite them somewhere: to your Work, your Process, your Contact page. Help your audience know where to go next.
Final Thought
Still unsure? That’s completely normal. Your website — like your work — will keep evolving. If you’re looking for design that brings your words to life, and thoughtful guidance to shape what’s already there — I’d be glad to help.