Before You Build a New Website: Here are 6 Critical Questions
A fresh website can feel like a fresh start. But if you jump straight into design and development without a clear plan, you risk ending up with an expensive online brochure that doesn’t work for your business.
If you’re a UK small business owner, ask yourself these six critical questions before you invest in a new website. They could save you time, money—and a lot of frustration.
1. What do you want from your site?
It sounds obvious, but many websites are built without a clear purpose. Do you want more leads? Online sales? To reduce admin by automating bookings? Define what success looks like for you—and build towards that.
Tip: Your primary goal should guide everything, from the homepage layout to the calls-to-action.
2. Who is it for?
Your website isn’t for you. It’s for your customers.
Take time to understand your ideal audience. What are they looking for? What problems do they need solved? The better you understand your users, the more effective your site will be in converting visitors into customers.
3. What actions should users take?
Every great website guides the user toward action. Whether it’s calling you, booking a demo, signing up for a newsletter or making a purchase, the journey should be seamless.
Don’t make people guess what to do. Use clear buttons, persuasive copy, and smart layout choices to encourage conversions.
4. What makes you different?
Competition online is fierce. Your site needs to quickly and clearly communicate your unique value proposition.
Ask: What do I offer that others don’t? Why should someone choose me? Use this throughout your copy and visuals to build trust and stand out.
5. What content exists (or needs creating)?
Content is one of the biggest bottlenecks in website projects. Before you begin, take stock: do you already have photos, copy, case studies, videos?
If not, you’ll need time and resources to create it. Great design needs great content to truly work.
6. Why skipping strategy is a mistake
Too many businesses jump into a new website without a plan. The result? A site that looks good but doesn’t perform.
Strategic planning might not feel exciting, but it’s the difference between a pretty homepage and a site that grows your business.
Final Thoughts
A successful website isn’t just a digital shopfront—it’s a business tool. And like any tool, it needs to be designed with a purpose in mind.
So, before you dive into colours, fonts, and features, step back. Ask the tough questions. Build on a solid foundation—and watch your website work for you.
