Website planning guide

What to gather before building a small-business website.

A clear website starts with clear business facts. Use this checklist to organize the information customers need, the proof that earns trust, and the access required for a safe launch.

Define the customer and the next action

Name the customer you most want to reach, the problem they are trying to solve, and the action the website should make easy. A site can support several actions, but one primary path should lead the first page.

  • Call or request a quote
  • Book an appointment or check availability
  • Visit a storefront or event
  • Buy a product
  • Submit project details or photographs

Document each real service

List services customers can actually buy now. For each one, explain who it is for, what is included, the service area, the next step, and any owner-approved limits. Distinct services may deserve distinct pages; repeated city pages with nearly identical copy do not help customers.

  • Service name and plain-language description
  • Who the service is and is not for
  • Included work and customer responsibilities
  • Pricing approach or how quotes are determined
  • Questions customers ask before committing

Gather trust and identity assets

Customers look for evidence that the business is real and dependable. Use accurate, permission-cleared material rather than generic claims.

  • Correct business name, phone, email, hours, and service area
  • Logo and real project, product, team, or location photographs
  • Licenses or certifications only when current and verifiable
  • Customer reviews only with permission and without changing the meaning
  • Policies, warranties, deposits, or cancellation terms that have been approved

Prepare ownership and measurement access

The owner should control the domain, Google Business Profile, Search Console, analytics, payment account, and primary business email. Agencies and contractors should receive role-based access instead of passwords.

  • Domain registrar and DNS access
  • Website hosting or content-management access
  • Google Business Profile manager invitation
  • Search Console and analytics ownership
  • Form, scheduling, email, and payment destinations

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