Why Materials Matter
I tell every client at the initial meeting: website creation doesn't get delayed because of coding. It gets delayed because of materials. Missing text, photos in wrong resolution, undecided structure, that's what pushes deadlines by weeks.
I've prepared a checklist to help you have everything ready before I start working. (If you're still choosing a supplier, take a look at my 10 questions you should ask every web agency.)
1. Logo and Visual Identity
What I Need
- Logo in vector format (SVG or AI), not a JPG from Facebook
- Color palette, primary, secondary, accent. Ideally HEX codes
- Fonts, if you have a corporate font, send me the files or name
Don't Have a Logo?
No problem, I'll design one. But it's good to know upfront because web design builds on visual identity. Logo → colors → web, not the other way around. More on why this matters in Why Invest in Branding.
2. Text (Copy)
This is the most common weak point. Most clients assume text will "just happen." It won't.
What I Need
- Brief company description, who you are, what you do, for whom (2-3 sentences)
- Text for each subpage, services, about us, references, contact
- USP (unique selling proposition), why should the customer choose you
- CTA (call to action), what you want the visitor to do (call, write, order)
3. Photos and Images
What Works
- Company photos, real photos of team, office, products
- Portfolio, samples of your work, projects
- Product photos, for e-shops, at least 3 shots per product
What Doesn't Work
- Stock photos of smiling models with laptops, looks fake
- Phone photos in bad lighting
- Word document screenshots
4. Website Structure
You don't need to draw wireframes. A simple list of pages you want is enough.
Typical Business Website Structure
Homepage
├── Services
│ ├── Service 1
│ ├── Service 2
│ └── Service 3
├── About Us
├── References / Portfolio
├── Blog (optional)
├── Pricing (optional)
└── Contact
5. References and Social Proof
Nothing sells better than a satisfied customer. Prepare:
- Client logos, with permission, in vector format
- Short testimonials, 2-3 sentences from the client + name and company
- Numbers, "50+ completed projects", "98% client satisfaction"
6. Access and Technical Details
If you're redesigning an existing website (and you're not sure whether it's already time, go through 7 signs your website needs a redesign):
- Domain registrar access (Wedos, Forpsi, Active24)
- Current hosting access (if I'm migrating content)
- Google Analytics / Search Console (to preserve data)
- Email account list (if on the domain)
Timeline Estimate by Material Readiness
| Readiness | Website delivery |
|---|---|
| Everything ready (text, photos, logo, structure) | 2-3 weeks |
| Partial (logo and photos yes, text no) | 4-5 weeks |
| Nothing ready | 6-8 weeks |
The difference is enormous. A client who comes with ready materials saves 2-3 weeks and hundreds of euros.
Summary, Checklist
- Logo in SVG/AI format
- Color palette (HEX codes)
- Corporate fonts
- Text for each subpage
- USP and CTA
- Photos (team, office, products)
- References and client logos
- Website structure (page list)
- Domain and hosting access
- Google Analytics / Search Console
Send me what you have, and I'll take care of the rest. Whether it's a business website, e-shop, or redesign, the better the materials, the faster and cheaper the project.