The Client Journey: What to Expect When Working With a Website Designer
If you’ve never worked with a website designer before, you wonder: What’s the process like? How long does it take? What do I need to prepare?
A well-designed website is a powerful tool for your business, but getting there is a step-by-step journey. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect when working with a website designer, so you feel confident every step of the way.
Discovery & Consultation Stage
If your website no longer reflects your current offerings, services, or brand messaging, it’s time for an update. Businesses grow and change, and your website should evolve with you.
What Happens Here?
Before we begin designing, we need to understand your business, goals, and vision. This is where we:
Discuss your brand, audience, and website goals.
Review any existing website (if applicable) and what’s working.
Talk about your must-haves, style preferences, and key functionalities.
What You Need to Do:
Come prepared with a clear idea of your business and what you want your website to achieve.
Share any inspiration (websites you like, colours, branding, etc.).
Ask any questions about the process.
Timeframe: 30–60 minutes (usually a questionnaire first, then we jump on a call).
Strategy & Planning Stage
What Happens Here?
Once we have a clear understanding of your vision, we move into strategy mode. This includes:
Creating a sitemap (an outline of all the pages your website will have).
Planning user experience (UX) so your visitors can navigate easily.
Establishing key messaging and calls to action (CTAs) for conversions.
What You Need to Do:
Approve the sitemap and provide any feedback.
Start gathering content (text, images, brand assets, etc.).
Timeframe: 1–2 weeks, depending on feedback and content availability.
Poor User Experience & Slow Load Times
A slow, hard-to-navigate website can drive visitors away before they even see your content. Modern users expect fast, seamless experiences across all devices.
Signs of UX (User-Experience) Issues:
Your site loads slowly (over 3 seconds).
Mobile users struggle to navigate your site.
Broken links or outdated integrations affect functionality and user experience.
Solution: Optimise speed, update old plugins, and ensure your site is fully responsive across all devices.
You’re Not Getting Enough Leads or Engagement
If your website isn’t converting visitors into leads or clients, something needs to change. Your website should work as a 24/7 sales tool for your business.
Signs Your Site Isn’t Performing Well:
Low traffic and engagement.
High bounce rates (people leaving quickly).
Few inquiries or conversions.
Solution: Improve your call-to-action (CTA) placements, update your messaging, and integrate lead-capturing tools like forms or booking systems.
Your SEO & Content Need a Boost
Search engines prioritise fresh, relevant content. If your website hasn’t been updated in a while, you may be missing out on organic traffic opportunities.
Signs Your SEO Needs Help:
Your site ranks low in search results.
You haven’t updated your blog or content in months.
Your keywords are outdated or no longer relevant.
Solution: Refresh your content with valuable blog posts, update meta descriptions, and optimise for the latest SEO best practices.
Make Your Website Work For You
A fresh, optimised website can help you attract more clients, boost credibility, and align your brand with your business goals. Whether it’s a small refresh or a full redesign, taking the time to improve your website now will set you up for success.
(Don’t forget to update your website footer with the current copyright year. An outdated year can give the impression that your site hasn’t been maintained.)
Thinking about giving your website a refresh?
Let’s chat! Contact us to see how we can help your website goals.
