16/07/2026
After a new client phone call last week, the client apologised for his rambled collection of thoughts whilst explaining the history of his current website build.
I replied ‘please don’t apologise, it’s helpful’.
This conversation lead me on to thinking about how I take a brief, the questions I ask and the ideas that continue on from this.
I would much rather you drop numerous ramblings of ideas and thoughts about your website than silence or no forthcoming notions.
I would prefer that you might have done a bit of research about what you think you want and need on your website.
Your opinion matters to me and there are no silly ideas or stupid questions.
Do remember I’m the expert here and you’re the expert in your field, which is why we are having this conversation, otherwise you’d be well equipped to tackle this project alone.
I don’t want you to turn up with a blank page.
These conversations are the time to brain dump in any way you feel you can express them.
It’s up to the web designer to take in all of this information and collate them.
For me, I like to know about your plans for the business.
The main purpose of the website.
What is and is not currently working on your website.
How do you want to manage the site going forwards.
What other integrations might you wish for now and later.
Who are your competitors and what do you like and dislike about their websites.
Have you considered websites outside of your sector, what do they do well or not so well.
When you book a call in with a web designer to discuss a project, do go loaded with ideas. This all aids build a concept.
They may or may not be relevant or possible but then allow your designer to say why and offer a solution or some thinking time for alternatives.
You and your designer will get far more from the conversation and you will feel a step closer to a project start with an untangling of thoughts.
