When you come to me with an idea for your new website, I know you’re excited. You want it done quickly, beautifully, and in a way that perfectly represents your organization. And I get it—I’ve been there, standing in the same shoes with countless clients.
But here’s what I’ve learned after years of building websites that don’t just look good but actually work: success isn’t about jumping straight into design or code. It’s about taking a step back, asking the right questions, and building a strong foundation first.
These are the conversations I have with every client before we start. Because every great website starts with a great story—and yours deserves to be told the right way.
- What Are Your Goals?
This isn’t just a website. It’s a tool to help you reach real goals. Whether it’s raising awareness, increasing donations, selling products, or simplifying operations, your goals are the blueprint for everything we build.
I once worked with a nonprofit that wanted a simple, beautiful site. But after talking, it became clear they needed something more—an interactive platform that could process donations, tell compelling stories, and engage volunteers. That goal reshaped the entire project, and it turned their website into a growth engine for their cause.
So ask yourself—what does success look like? Where do you want to be in one, three, or five years? Let’s build a website that gets you there.
- How Are You Marketing Your Organization Right Now?
Websites don’t exist in a bubble. They need to work alongside your social media, emails, events, and networking. I’ve seen clients with strong social strategies but a website that didn’t support them, like missing social links or no blog to share deeper stories.
One client, an art collective, was running incredible social campaigns but struggling to convert followers into participants. So we embedded their social feed directly into the site and added an easy registration feature for events. Engagement soared.
The point is, let’s look at how you’re already marketing and make sure your website amplifies those efforts.
- Who Is Your Audience?
Your website isn’t for you—it’s for the people you want to serve. But here’s the catch: sometimes, you’re so deep into your work that it’s hard to see things from an outsider’s perspective.
I had a client—a tech startup—who thought they were speaking to fellow engineers. But when we dug deeper, we discovered their real audience was small business owners who didn’t understand tech jargon. We changed the messaging to be simpler, more relatable, and more focused on solving their actual problems. Instantly, engagement improved, and conversions followed.
So, who are you really talking to? Let’s build the website that speaks their language.
- What Do Your Website Visitors Need to Know?
Visitors land on your website for one of two reasons: they know who they are, or they know what they want. Your job—and mine—is to make sure they find what they’re looking for quickly.
Think about a parent visiting an education nonprofit’s site. They know they’re a parent, but they don’t know how the organization can help. Another visitor might be a donor who knows exactly why they’re there—they want to give. The website needs to guide each visitor intuitively, helping them find the right path without confusion.
Let’s map out the key questions your visitors have and ensure your website answers them clearly.
- What Organizations Inspire You?
This is where we dream a little. What websites have made you say, “Wow, I love this”? It could be the design, the structure, or just how it made you feel. Those inspirations are powerful starting points.
I once had a client show me a site they loved but felt they could never match. But I challenged that—why not? We pulled in elements that inspired them, from the layout to the colors, and created something unique but equally stunning.
So don’t be shy. Gather examples of websites you admire. Tell me what you love about them, and let’s build something that inspires you too.
- How Do You Want Your Website to Function?
This is about dreaming big—what would make your life easier? Automating event registrations? Allowing people to sign up for newsletters? Creating a members-only section?
One client was spending hours manually processing applications and renaming PDFs. We automated it. Their site now collects submissions, formats them into branded PDFs, and even syncs them with their CRM. It was a game-changer.
So, think about the processes that slow you down. Let’s explore how your website can handle some of that heavy lifting for you.
- Who’s the Right Person to Build Your Website?
This is a big one. And I’ll be honest—sometimes free isn’t the best option. I’ve seen too many organizations choose the “free” route and end up with a site that’s clunky, hard to update, or worse, never actually finished.
Building a functional, goal-driven website takes experience and strategy. If you want a site that does more than just sit online, you need a partner who understands your vision and can bring it to life.
So ask yourself, who do you trust to build something that will serve your organization long-term?
- What Platform Will You Build On?
I love WordPress for its flexibility and power. But the right platform depends on your needs. Do you need something simple and easy to update? Or something that can grow and integrate with your CRM and other tools?
The platform is like the foundation of a house. You don’t want to build on something that can’t support future growth. So let’s talk about what’s best for you—now and down the road.
- When Does It Need to Be Done By?
Good websites take time. From gathering content and images to designing and testing, every step is important. I usually recommend a timeline of about three months, especially for larger projects.
If you have a deadline, let me know. But also give yourself grace. Planning ahead, gathering content early, and thinking through the details will save stress later on.
- What’s Your Budget?
I know—no one loves this question. But it’s an important one. A website is an investment, not just a cost. And it’s not just about how much you spend today, but what kind of value the website will bring over time.
Think about how much time it will save your team, how it will help you connect with your audience, and how it can support your long-term goals. And remember—if budget is tight, we can explore phased development or look into sponsorship options.
Here’s the Bottom Line
The best websites aren’t the ones that just look good. They’re the ones that work for you, serve your audience, and help you reach your goals.
And that’s exactly what I want to build for you.
If you’re ready to create a website that doesn’t just exist—but makes an impact—let’s talk.