When it comes to building a website for your small business, one of the most important steps is planning. Whether you’re starting from scratch or considering a redesign, a clear plan can save you time, money, and frustration down the road. But how do you get started? The process can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry — I’m here to help you break it down.

The secret to creating a successful website is to plan it out thoughtfully and strategically. After all, your website is a powerful tool for engaging with your audience, showcasing your services, and driving business growth. Let’s dive into the key steps of planning your website — and if you want to go deeper, I’ve got a Free Website Planning Workbook to guide you through the process!

Step 1: Define Your Website’s Purpose

Before you dive into the design and content of your website, it’s essential to get clear on what you want to achieve. What is the primary goal of your website? Do you want to generate leads, sell products, or simply showcase your expertise? Identifying this will serve as the foundation for your entire site.

Step 2: Identify the Key Actions You Want Visitors to Take

Once you know your website’s main goal, it’s time to think about what you want your visitors to do when they land on your site. Do you want them to book a consultation, sign up for your newsletter, or perhaps make a purchase? Defining these key actions will ensure your website is designed to guide visitors toward these outcomes.

Not sure what actions to prioritize? Don’t worry! In my Website Planning Workbook, I provide a detailed list of possible actions to consider — from booking appointments to joining a community. You can check off the ones that align with your business goals and make the process easier.

Step 3: Choose the Right Pages for Your Website

Next, you’ll want to decide which pages are essential for your website. While it may be tempting to add every page you can think of, it’s important to focus on the pages that will best serve your visitors and your business.

Typical website pages might include:

• Home Page: Your first impression!
• About Page: Share your story and values.
• Services or Products Page: Highlight what you offer and why it’s valuable.
• Portfolio or Case Studies Page: Showcase your best work.
• Blog or Resources Page: Share helpful content.
• Contact Page: Make it easy for visitors to reach out.

Which pages are most important to you? This is something we’ll explore in more detail in the workbook, helping you determine what to focus on.

Step 4: Craft a Content Strategy for Each Page

Once you’ve chosen the pages, you need to think about what content should go on each one. For example, your Home Page should have a brief introduction and a clear call to action (CTA). Your About Page should tell your story and explain what sets you apart from others. Don’t worry if you’re not sure exactly what to write — the workbook will help guide you with prompts and ideas for each page.

Step 5: Get Clear on Your Design Preferences

The design of your website is just as important as the content. Your website should reflect your brand’s personality and make a great impression on visitors. What colors, fonts, and overall vibe do you want to convey? Do you prefer a fun and vibrant look or a more minimalist, professional design?

If you’re not sure where to start, I’ve included a section in the workbook to help you narrow down your design preferences. You’ll be able to list examples of websites you admire and describe the vibe you want for your site.

Step 6: Plan Next Steps with a Designer

Now that you’ve got a solid plan in place, you’re ready to take the next step: working with a web designer. The more clear you are about your goals, content, and design preferences, the smoother the process will be. If you’re not ready to hire a designer just yet, that’s okay too — the workbook will help you get organized and prepared for when you’re ready to move forward.

Download Your Free Website Planning Workbook

If you’re ready to take a deeper dive and start mapping out your website, check out my Website Planning Workbook which will walk you through the entire process. From defining your website’s purpose to choosing the right pages and crafting a content strategy, this workbook will help you feel confident and prepared when it’s time to create your custom website.

Ready to plan your perfect website? Download the Website Planning Workbook here and get started today!

Final Thoughts

Planning your website doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By taking the time to clearly define your goals, decide on key actions, and plan your content and design, you’ll be setting yourself up for success.

Feel free to reach out with any questions — I’m here to help every step of the way. Happy planning!