Starting a new website can feel exciting, but also a little overwhelming. You might already imagine how it should look, or maybe you just know you need “something better than what you have.”
Before you rush into hiring a developer or choosing a template, take a step back and think about what you really want from it.

At Yoohost, we often meet clients who come in with just one idea — “I need a website.” By the end of our chat, we usually uncover ten more details they hadn’t even realized were important. So this post is here to help you think through everything ahead of time, so when you’re ready to start, you’ll already have a clear vision.

1. What’s the real purpose of your website?

Ask yourself: why do I need a website?
That might sound like a simple question, but your answer changes everything about the project.

Maybe you want to attract new customers, get more calls, sell products online, or just look more professional when people Google your business. Each goal requires a different approach — from layout and content to what buttons people click.

If you don’t know the goal, your website might end up looking nice but not actually doing anything for you. So write it down in one sentence:

“I want visitors to contact me for a quote.”
or
“I want people to buy my handmade candles online.”

That one sentence will guide every design and marketing decision later.

2. Who’s your audience?

Think about who’s going to visit your site. Are they local customers who just want your phone number? Are they busy business owners? Teenagers? Families?

The more you understand your audience, the easier it is to create something that connects with them. For example, if your main clients are homeowners looking for repair services, they probably want something clear, quick, and trustworthy — not a complicated design.

When your site “feels right” for your audience, people stay longer, click more, and actually reach out.

3. What kind of website do you actually need?

There’s a big difference between a simple one-page site, a professional business website, and an e-commerce store.

Here are a few examples:

• A basic business site - simple, fast, and focused on showing who you are and what you do.

• An online store - for selling products, managing inventory, and accepting payments.

• A portfolio - perfect for creatives, artists, and freelancers who want to showcase work.

• A booking site - for salons, rentals, or services that need appointment scheduling.

Knowing what you need helps your developer choose the right structure and plugins from the start.

4. What should your website look and feel like?

This part is fun — but don’t think it’s just about colors. Your design should represent your business personality.

Ask yourself:

• What do I want people to feel when they land on my site?

• What colors represent my brand?

• Do I already have a logo or visual identity?

If you’re not sure, look for inspiration. Browse the web, take screenshots of designs you love, even from different industries. Show them to your developer. It’s much easier to say “I like this vibe” than to describe it in words.

Good design doesn’t just look nice — it builds trust.

5. What features do you need?

Here’s where it helps to be specific. Every website has a purpose, and that purpose shapes its features.

Do you need:

• A simple contact form?

• A quote request system?

• Online payments?

• A gallery of your work?

• A chatbot or support form?

List what’s important for your visitors. Don’t worry if you don’t know the technical terms — just explain what you want your site to do. A good developer can translate that into the right tools and integrations.

You can always add more features later. The most important thing is to start with what matters most to your customers.

6. Do you have your content ready?

Content is what turns a layout into a real website.
Think about what people will read and see: your story, services, prices, testimonials, and photos.

Many projects slow down because clients realize too late they don’t have their text or images ready.
Start collecting:

• Short descriptions of your services

• Photos of your work or team

• Logo and contact details

• Social media links

Even rough drafts are helpful. And if you don’t have time to write — don’t worry. At Yoohost, we often help clients create and optimize their content for SEO, so it actually brings results.

7. Do you have any examples or references?

This one’s simple but powerful. When you show your developer two or three websites you like, it saves a lot of guessing.

You don’t have to explain in detail — just point out what you like about them:

“I love the clean look.”
“I like how they show their prices.”
“This color feels right.”

References give us a clear visual direction, so we can match your taste faster and avoid endless revisions later.

8. What’s your timeline and budget?

Be realistic and open about both. Do you need the website next week, or are you planning a bigger launch next month? Do you have a budget range in mind, or would you rather build it in phases?

A good developer can always help find a balance. Maybe start with the essentials — a strong homepage, service list, and contact form — then expand with extra features later.

When expectations are clear, projects move smoothly without stress or surprise costs.

9. Communication is everything

Building a website is teamwork. Your developer isn’t just writing code — they’re trying to bring your ideas to life. The more clearly you communicate, the better your result will be.

Don’t be afraid to share your thoughts, questions, or even change your mind. A good developer will listen, guide you, and explain what makes sense for your business.

We always say: great websites start with good conversations.

Final thoughts

Creating a website is not just a technical process — it’s a creative collaboration. The clearer you are about your goals, audience, and vision, the easier it will be for your developer to build something that truly fits you.

So before you start, take a bit of time to answer these questions for yourself. You don’t need to know every detail, just have a direction.

And when you’re ready, Yoohost is here to help turn those ideas into a modern, fast, and reliable website that represents your business perfectly.

Get a free project estimate