12 Website Preparation Tasks to Tackle Months in Advance

If launching a new website is penciled in for next quarter – or even next year – doing a little homework now will shave days (sometimes weeks) off the timeline once your web designer rolls up their sleeves.

Think of it like gathering paint swatches before the contractor walks in: small tasks now, smooth construction later.

Below, you’ll find 12 to‑dos written especially for clients who aren’t coding their own website or fiddling with website templates in one of those free website builders.

You’re hiring a pro (hi, that’s me) to design a website that’s gorgeous, strategic, and fully managed. Your only job? Provide the raw ingredients in an organized way so we can cook up something incredible.

Why Good Website Prep Is Just Good Practice

In my experience, content delays account for roughly 80% of project stalls. Or at least, they used to before I made working with a professional copywriter a requirement (read this blog post to find out why).

But even with a pro copywriter on board, there are a ton of reasons why getting stuff ready in advance makes for a more seamless project:

• Fewer copy rounds because your writer isn’t starting from scratch. If you’ve already jotted down rough ideas, outlined your services, or written a few bio bullets, that early info gives them a strong starting point – and saves time (and emails) down the line.
• Design iterations shrink, which saves time for everyone..
• Your project quote will be accurate – no hidden “oh‑by‑the‑way” features or surprises along the way.
• Your copywriter will take care of optimizing your content for search engines. But having some idea of phrases your dream client might type into Google or questions they may ask can shape content direction from the beginning. 
• No rush‑order fees for last‑minute graphics or copy.
• Vendors (photographers, illustrators, fulfillment partners) slot you in earlier, avoiding holiday “booked out” seasons.
• A simple Google Doc to jot down your ideas, notes, and links for content can help your copywriter hit the ground running. 
• Clear specs let me choose the right website builder, not the priciest option.
• You avoid paying twice for integrations or built-in marketing tools when the site structure is planned up front.
• Launch dates actually stick because we’re not waiting on missing pieces.

Get started today – future you will appreciate it (and so will your designer!). 

12 Things to Start on Right Away

When you arrive with some ideas already mapped out, important info noted down, and decisions brewing, I’ll adore you for it. And not only that, it means I can sprint from kickoff straight into high‑gear web design and development without costly pauses.

So, without further ado, here are 12 to-dos to tick off your list:

#1 Get Really Clear on WHO Your Site Is For

List who buys from you, who should buy from you, and why. Sticky‑note their struggles, goals, and favorite places to hang out online. Handing that snapshot to your designer helps us craft copy, visual hierarchy, and calls‑to‑action that welcome new customers with open arms.

#2 Gather Every Must‑Include Service & Product Detail

Whether you sell consulting packages, candles, or classes, corral the facts: names, prices, bundles, benefits, and photos. If an online store or booking system is on deck, I’ll need those details early to hook up the right payment processor and fine‑tune usability testing.

#3 Start a Running List of FAQs

Any time a client emails “Quick question…” drop it into a doc. That gold fuels the future FAQ page and boosts on-page SEO because you’ll be answering the exact phrases folks type into search engines.

#4 Screenshot Websites You Love

Cruise Pinterest boards or swipe through award-winning websites. Snap layouts, snag clever landing pages, note snappy micro‑copy, and flag nifty visual elements. Ignore fonts and colors for now; your evolving brand identity will dictate those. We’re after visual design inspiration, not a carbon copy.

#5 Map the Bones: Web Pages & Site Architecture

Start by listing out the pages you know you’ll need – like Home, About, Services, Blog, and Contact. If your site is pretty standard, they’re probably the only pages you’ll have.

But if you have lots of pages or subpages (think: multiple services, programs, or events), it helps to jot down how those pages connect. Drawing arrows or adding notes can make things a whole lot clearer later.

#6 Compile Real-Life & Social Proof Stuff

Genuine praise sprinkled throughout pages makes a professional looking website twice as persuasive. Testimonials, case studies, press mentions, awards – toss them in a folder so you won’t have to dig them out come project kickoff. 

#7 Collect Photos, Both Polished & Candid

Brand photoshoot soon? Fabulous! Until then, stash smartphone pics, team headshots, product shots, and relevant stock photos. Label each file logically (e.g., “team‑pic‑lobby.jpg”) so I can slot images into your design without playing detective.

#8 Get Content Ideas Down on Paper (or Screen)

Got a ton of ideas for blog posts for your site? Write ’em down or pop them into a Google Doc. You could even try out some free SEO tools (like Ahrefs) to see which keywords you want to target with your content. 

When we build your blog page, we’ll have a queue ready, and regular publishing keeps SEO tools (and subscribers) smiling.

#9 Inventory Supporting Tools & Platforms

Email marketing software, scheduling apps, third party services, you name it – drop login links in a secure doc. Knowing which integrated marketing tools and built-in features you already love lets us create a seamless ecosystem for your site across multiple channels.

#10 Claim a Custom Domain & Gather Analytics Details

Grab your dream custom domain (even if it forwards to a free website placeholder for now). While you’re at it, create a basic Google Analytics property; we’ll connect it during the build so early page view data starts rolling in on launch day.

#11 File All Brand Materials in One Shared Drive

Logos, color hex codes, font files, pattern swatches – keep them together. This speeds desktop mock‑ups, keeps visual appeal consistent, and saves everyone from version‑control migraines.

#12 Jot Down Special Features You Might Want Later

Maybe you’ll add memberships, online courses, or ticketing next year (very popular with non-profit and event websites). Take note of every wish.

Even if phase one skips them, I’ll plan a scalable website platform and content management system so we’re not repainting the whole room to hang one new picture later. That advance planning improves future site flexibility and can even enhance user experience from the very start.

A Final Nudge Before You Close the Tab…

Every article clipped, every testimonial saved, every scribble in that notebook is a gift to future‑you – and to me. Do a tiny task each week, and by the time our discovery call hits, you’ll be calm, confident, and ready to hit the ground running!

If you’re all prepped and good-to-go (or not), reach out to me to get things moving! We’ll chat about your wish list, nail down important elements, and schedule the build that answers all your website prayers.