So you’re ready to upgrade your marketing for your business—here’s how to make the most of the process.

Starting a brand or website project is exciting, but let’s be real, it can also feel like A LOT. You’re juggling ideas, inspiration, and maybe even a little nervousness (totally normal, by the way).

As a designer, I love making the creative part feel easy and collaborative… but the prep work you do beforehand? That’s what sets us up for magic.

Here’s what to gather, clarify, and think through before we officially dive in:

1. Get Clear on Your Goals

Before we talk color palettes or homepages, ask yourself:
What do I want this brand or website to do?

A few common goals:

  • Attract more aligned clients
  • Look more professional and trustworthy
  • Show up consistently across platforms
  • Get more inquiries or sales
  • Feel proud to share your website or social links again

You don’t need a 10-page strategy doc. Just a clear sense of what success looks like to you.

2. Know Your Audience

Who are you talking to? Who do you want to work with?

Think beyond demographics. What do they care about? What are they struggling with? What do they need to see or feel in order to trust and hire you?

If you’re not sure yet, that’s okay! We can shape your messaging together. But if you do have client insights or real testimonials, bring them to the table.

3. Gather Your Content (Don’t Panic)

You don’t need perfectly polished copy yet (unless we’re working with a copywriter), but it’s super helpful to gather:

  • Your existing bio or “about” blurb
  • Any current services or pricing info
  • Testimonials, FAQs, or client wins
  • Photos or brand visuals you already love (even if they’re outdated, we’ll use them as a reference!)

Not sure what to include? I’ll send you a checklist based on your project scope.

4. Pinterest = Your Moodboard Friend

This part is fun. Start collecting visuals that feel like your brand. Not just logos or websites, but:

  • Colors that speak to you
  • Fonts or design styles you’re drawn to
  • Photography or textures that match your vibe
  • Inspiration from outside your industry

We’ll use this to identify patterns and translate it into a cohesive, original design… no cookie-cutter vibes here.

5. Make Space on Your Calendar

Even though I’ll guide the process and handle the heavy lifting, brand and web projects are still collaborative.

You’ll need time to:

  • Give feedback at key points
  • Review drafts
  • Gather content or make small decisions

If you’re in a super busy season, it’s okay to wait until you can give the project a little more attention. That breathing room leads to better results (and way less stress).

6. Be Honest About What You Don’t Like

It’s just as helpful to know what you don’t want as it is to know what you do.

Tell me if:

  • You hate the color orange
  • You’ve tried DIY branding and it didn’t feel right
  • You’ve worked with a designer before and it was overwhelming

The more I know, the more I can tailor the process to fit your style… and avoid things that haven’t worked for you in the past.

TL;DR: Come As You Are (but With a Few Notes)

You don’t need to have it all figured out before we start. But the more intention and clarity you bring, the smoother (and more impactful) the project will be.

If you’re thinking about starting a brand or website refresh, now’s the perfect time to prep your foundation… and I’m here to help guide you through it every step of the way.

Let’s chat.

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