Start with the job of the website
Identify what visitors must learn or do and what happens behind the scenes when they submit a form or buy. Include mobile accessibility, performance and content editing in scope.
- Core pages and audience questions
- CMS and editorial ownership
- Forms, commerce and integrations
- Accessibility, redirects and search foundations
Compare approaches, not only appearance
Ask how discovery, testing and launch checks are handled. A project for a team in Birmingham, Solihull or Walsall can involve local workshops while still requiring disciplined remote collaboration.
Review ownership of domain, content, analytics and source materials. Budget for maintenance after launch.
Plan beyond launch day
Prepare redirects, tracking, sitemap and a checklist for forms and mobile devices. Agree how the team will publish and review content.
Questions worth asking
Do I need a web design agency or a development partner?
Choose according to the work: a visual refresh may be design-led; a connected platform needs stronger systems and integration capability.
Advice here is general; the appropriate implementation depends on the people, systems and constraints involved.