The short answer
Bring a short description of the business, the people you serve, the problem you want to solve and your main constraints. You do not need a technical specification. A clear goal and honest priorities are enough to start planning.
Explain the business in plain language
Describe what you sell, who buys it and how customers currently find you. If this is an existing system, explain what works and where people get stuck. For example: “Quote requests arrive in three inboxes and staff copy the details into a spreadsheet.” Specific problems are easier to plan around.
Separate essentials from later ideas
Write two lists: what must work at launch and what could wait. Include a target date and explain whether it is tied to an event or simply a preference. Share a budget range so the recommendation can fit your circumstances. The goal is an achievable scope, not a list of every possible feature.
Gather useful material
Collect your logo, service descriptions, approved photos, example websites and existing page links. Explain what you like about each example: the navigation, the writing or the booking flow. Check that you have permission to use any supplied images and client statements.
Plan access without sharing passwords casually
List the services involved: domain, hosting, email, source code and any payment or booking tools. Keep business accounts under your control. Agree the appropriate way to invite the developer and what access is actually needed; do not put account secrets into a project brief.
Agree how the work finishes
Before starting, confirm the scope, price, milestones, feedback process and change requests in writing. Ask what testing, documentation, account access and support are included at handover. An ongoing relationship is useful, but you should understand how your business can operate the finished work.
Your planning checklist
- Business, audience and main problem.
- Must-have scope, budget and timing.
- Content, examples and existing systems.
- Written agreement and handover expectations.
Put the plan into practice
Tell me about your business and the next step you have in mind. We can work out an appropriate scope together.
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