Launching a new website or refreshing an existing one is a major decision for any business. Whether you’re a startup or an established brand, careful planning ensures you get the most out of your investment. Without a clear plan, you risk exceeding budgets, missing deadlines, and ending up with a website that doesn’t meet your needs.

This website planning guide will help you make informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls.

Choosing the Right Name & Domain

If you’re starting fresh, picking the right name is a critical first step. Here’s how to steer clear of naming disasters:

  • Google It – Search your desired name to see if it’s already in use. If a business dominates search results, ranking your new site could be challenging.
  • Check Domain Availability – Your domain should match your brand name as closely as possible. Avoid awkward spellings or unnecessary dashes that make it harder to remember. Use a domain registrar to check availability, and if your ideal domain is taken, explore alternative options.
  • Company Name Registration – If you’re planning to register as a limited company (UK), check availability via Companies House to ensure your name is legally available.
  • Trademark Check – Avoid potential legal issues by ensuring your name isn’t already trademarked in your industry.

Defining Website Goals & Features

Before diving into design, define your website’s purpose:

  • Main Goal – Is your site focused on lead generation, eCommerce, branding, or showcasing a portfolio?
  • Target Audience – Who are your visitors, and how do they browse online?
  • Key Features – Do you need contact forms, booking systems, membership areas, or a blog?
  • Visitor Actions – Should users buy, book, subscribe, or get in touch?

💡 Tip: If your project is complex, consider writing a detailed website brief to improve cost estimates and timelines.

Content Planning

Content is the foundation of your website—not an afterthought. Writing web copy often takes longer than expected, so start early.

  • Who’s Writing the Content? – If you’re handling it in-house, begin as soon as possible. Otherwise, consider hiring a professional copywriter for high-quality, SEO-optimised content.
  • Gather Images & Media – Do you need custom photography, stock images, or video content? Plan ahead to avoid last-minute stress.
  • SEO Considerations – Content should not only be engaging but optimised for search engines. Keywords, headings, and metadata are essential for ranking on Google.

Branding & Design

Your website is your digital storefront—it should clearly reflect your brand identity.

  • Logo & Colour Palette – Maintain consistency in branding with colours, typography, and logo placement.
  • User Experience (UX) Design – Intuitive navigation is key; users should find what they need in just a few clicks.
  • Mobile First Approach – With over 70% of traffic coming from mobile, mobile-friendly design is non-negotiable.

Budgeting & Choosing the Right Web Agency

A website is an investment, not just another expense. Budgeting depends on your requirements. Key cost factors include:

  • Design Complexity – A custom-built site costs more but offers full creative control.
  • Number of Pages – A basic 5-page site is quicker to develop than a large, multi-layered website.
  • Features & Functionality – eCommerce stores, membership systems, and booking tools require additional development time.
  • Content Creation – If hiring professionals for copywriting, photography, or SEO, factor in those costs.
  • Performance & SEO – Speed optimisation and SEO setup improve rankings and user experience.

💡 Tip: Avoid choosing a web agency based on price alone. A cheap website may cost less upfront but could require expensive fixes later. Look for experience, client reviews, and a portfolio that aligns with your vision.

Technical Considerations & Hosting

A beautifully designed site won’t succeed if it’s slow or insecure. Performance, security, and hosting are essential:

  • Hosting & Security – Choose a fast, reliable hosting provider with SSL security, backups, and malware protection.
  • Speed Optimisation – Slow websites deter visitors. Optimise with caching, a CDN (Content Delivery Network), and compressed images.
  • Analytics Setup – Install Google Analytics & Search Console to track performance and visitor behaviour from day one.

📌 Final Thoughts: Plan Now, Succeed Later

A well-planned website is cost-effective, efficient, and delivers results. Taking time to define goals, plan content, and understand technical needs ensures a smoother development process.

Whether you’re launching your first site or upgrading an existing one, having the right team makes all the difference.

Let’s bring your vision to life! Get in touch with Identity Web Design today.