The process of developing a website is complex and oftentimes very demanding. There are developers and designers working together to make sure they reach final results according to the needs and ideas of their clients. However, there can be a lot of confusion and some misunderstandings, unless there’s a killer web design brief.
A web design brief is created with the aim to communicate the needs of the client. A custom web development company ensures that everyone’s on the same page. It needs to be detailed, goal-oriented, and communicate the right message to everyone involved. This is why we’ve put together a guide with 6 essential steps for writing a winning web design brief.
Let’s break it down together.
Your Business Overview
Your web developers need to be familiar with the type of business you’re running, to better understand your needs. This is why every web design brief should start with a business overview.
Here’s what you should clarify:
- the type of business you have
- the industry you’re in
- what sort of website do you need
- who are your biggest competitors
If you are an existing business that already has a website, you need to write about that as well:
- your current website situation
- how your customers find and use it
Cover as many details as possible to give the developing team a detailed image of what your current business situation is.
Describe Your Customers & Target Audience
When the developers start working on your new website, your target audience becomes their target audience.
They need to be thinking about the people who will be using the website and design it with those people in mind. Therefore, describe your target audience in terms of:
- age
- sex
- location
- online behavior
- habits
- preferences
Give a detailed report about your customers and make sure you provide all the information you’ve got on them.
The Goals of the Project
Now it’s time to set the goals that you’d like the developing team to achieve with the project. That means you should explain what you want your new website to bring you.
There can be all types of goals, especially depending on whether you’re creating a brand new website or fixing the old one. Here’s what we have in mind:
- improve website performance
- add an e-commerce section
- create a new website to help potential customers find you and get informed
- generate more leads
- improve traffic
- improve your online presence
Make sure you know what web design principles you want to follow, and state them clearly in your web design brief to make sure there’s no room for confusion or misunderstandings.
Specific Features & Requirements
Once you’ve set the ground with some basic information, it’s time to dig a little deeper and get into more details in your web design brief.
If you have any specific technical requirements you’d like your new website to have, make sure to write it down.
Here’s what you may want to cover:
- user logins, registration, and authorization
- products and services you’re selling and offering
- product categories
- payment & checkout methods
- site blog
- About us page
- portfolio page
- user profiles
You can even describe each section, and make a list of features you want to see on the screen. You’ll be helping the developing team understand your vision and try to find the best solution to make it happen.
In case you need any help with writing a web design brief, these rewriting services can help you create a template and use it for all your future web design briefs.
Project Timeline & Deadline
“You want to be sure that the team you hire to create your new website will be working round the clock to make it as efficient and professional as possible. This is why you have to set some deadlines and agree on the project timeline for everyone to follow.” Source: Web Integrations
You could divide the project into several phases and set a deadline for each of the phases. Those include:
- agreeing on the project goals and starting the project
- sitemap creation
- creating the content
- adding the visual elements
- testing the website
- launching the website
Set a deadline for each of the phases to make sure you’re keeping track of everything that the developers are doing with your website. This way you’ll be sure they’ll meet the final deadline and achieve all the goals you’ve set.
The Budget
Another important aspect you’ll need to cover in your web design brief is the budget. You have to set a budget for the project and make it clear how much you’re willing to spend.
Don’t forget that the budget will influence the end result, so make sure you leave some room for negotiating.
Other than that, make sure to cover:
- the total sum you’ll be paying
- the payment dynamics
This way, you’ll be showing you’re professionalism and respect for the team you’re hiring. Once they agree on the price and accept your offer, they’ll be ready to start working on your new website.
Final Thoughts
Writing a killer web design brief is a necessity for anyone looking to hire a team of professional web developers. The brief will give you the power to set goals, express your wishes, and tell them exactly what you want.
Use the steps we’ve covered above to write a brilliant web design brief and get the website you want for your business.
