Before approaching anyone.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH FIRST
What the site or system must do Who it is for What success looks like What you can spend When you need it
WHY THIS MATTERS
A vague brief produces a vague quote and a disappointing result.
WHAT MOST PEOPLE SAY
"I need a website."
WHAT THAT LEAVES OPEN
Everything.
WHAT TO WRITE DOWN
What your customers need to do on the site What you need to be able to do yourself
What must work: payments, bookings, forms
What you already have: content, images, branding
THE CONTENT QUESTION
Who writes it?
That single question stalls more projects than anything technical.
WHAT NOT TO SPECIFY
How it should be built.
That is their expertise. Specify the outcome.
WHAT TO BRING TO THE FIRST CONVERSATION
Examples of sites you like and why Your budget range Your deadline
