Today I’m talking about what you need to do to prep for your brand and website project.

This is a question that I get a lot and I first want to say that there is no ‘one size fits all’ here. Different industries or services may need to do different things.

However, as a general guide, there are a few things you can do before starting your project that can really help make sure all of the time spent is productive, and the energy of the project stays high.

So, here are a few things I recommend you do to prepare for an upcoming project:

• Make sure you get clear on your offers, needs, services, and the scope of the project

If you don’t have that clarity, designers cannot bring it out. Our job as designers is to bring everything to life, not to create the offers or market your business..

• Block off some time in your schedule too

Remember that this is a collaboration and you’ll have things to do for other people working on the project to work from.

• Have your copy ready to go, or at least an outline

People always ask me which should come first, copy or design. My answer is copy! I like to say you need a blueprint of a house before you pick out the colors and the curtains.

• Get organized

Take the time to get everything in one place. Ask your designer or others working on the project what would be helpful and set everything up so it was easily accessible.

• Fill out your questionnaire intentionally

Many designers ask you to complete a questionnaire so take your time to respond to this intentionally. Answer each question as if it was an interview so they have the best information to work from. The more you give us, the more we can give you.

• Figure out what you need to schedule and start scheduling those things

You may need to schedule additional things like a copy intensive or brand photo shoot. Go ahead and get the dates lined up and ask about the turnaround time.

• Create a Pinterest board of inspiration

Just have fun with this! Don’t overthink it. Pin any and everything that inspires you.

• Create a Google Doc for a brain dump space

Keep a running list of things you like from other projects or sites. This will be so helpful to have little ideas available when decisions need to be made.

• Communicate as much as possible

The best projects come with open communication. Designers don’t know if you’re not happy if you don’t communicate. Get clear on ways to communicate throughout the project.

I hope this helps you prepare for your upcoming project. The process can really be fun so remember that you are not alone in any of this!

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