Project Deliverables Clients Should Provide When Starting a Website Design Project
Starting a website design project can be exciting, but it’s also one of the most critical stages to set expectations and ensure a smooth process. For web design agencies, having clear deliverables from clients helps reduce delays, avoid misunderstandings, and ensures the final website aligns with the client’s vision.
At Spark + Spring, we work closely with our clients to gather the necessary assets, information, and guidance at the beginning of every project. Providing the right deliverables upfront can save time, reduce costs, and result in a website that truly reflects your brand.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the key deliverables clients should provide to a web design agency when starting a website project.
1. Branding Assets
Strong branding is the foundation of a cohesive website.
What Clients Should Provide
- Logo Files: Preferably in vector format (SVG, EPS) and high-resolution PNGs.
- Brand Colors: Primary and secondary color palettes, including hex codes or Pantone references.
- Typography Guidelines: Brand fonts or preferred typefaces.
- Brand Guidelines or Style Guide: Any existing documentation detailing your tone, imagery style, and overall look and feel.
Benefit
Providing branding assets ensures that the website reflects your brand identity consistently across every page.
2. Website Content
Content is critical for communicating your message and engaging visitors.
What Clients Should Provide
- Text for Each Page: Headlines, body text, and calls-to-action for pages such as Home, About, Services, and Contact.
- Service Descriptions: Detailed explanations of offerings, features, or products.
- Team Bios: Information about key staff, credentials, and photos if applicable.
- Mission, Vision, and Values: Especially important for corporate websites.
- Testimonials or Case Studies: Quotes from clients or success stories.
Benefit
Well-prepared content allows the design team to structure the site effectively and ensures a coherent message for visitors.
3. Images and Media
High-quality visuals improve the appeal and professionalism of a website.
What Clients Should Provide
- Photographs: Product images, office photos, team photos, or venue images.
- Videos: Marketing videos, testimonials, or explainer content.
- Icons or Illustrations: Any branded graphics that should appear on the site.
Tip: If professional photography or videography is not available, stock images can be used as placeholders, but custom content performs better.
Benefit
Visual assets help the designer create a website that feels polished and engaging, reflecting your brand accurately.
4. Technical and Functional Requirements
The agency needs to understand the functional scope of the website to plan the design and development.
What Clients Should Provide
- Site Structure or Sitemap: List of pages and subpages, including hierarchy and navigation flow.
- Feature Requirements: Booking systems, e-commerce capabilities, contact forms, event calendars, or membership portals.
- Third-Party Integrations: CRM systems, email marketing tools, payment gateways, or analytics platforms.
- Platform Preferences: Whether the site should be built on WordPress, Shopify, custom CMS, or another platform.
Benefit
Clear functional requirements ensure that the agency builds a website that meets your operational needs without costly revisions.
5. Reference Websites and Inspiration
Sharing examples helps the agency understand your aesthetic and functionality preferences.
What Clients Should Provide
- Competitor Websites: Sites you admire or want to differentiate from.
- Design Inspiration: Layouts, color schemes, or features you like.
- Feature Preferences: Examples of interactive elements, animations, or navigation styles.
Benefit
Reference websites give the design team a clear visual and functional direction, speeding up the design phase and reducing revisions.
6. SEO and Marketing Materials
If your website will be optimized for search engines and marketing campaigns, provide these early.
What Clients Should Provide
- Target Keywords or Phrases: Terms you want to rank for in search engines.
- Meta Descriptions and Page Titles: If available, for each main page.
- Brand Messaging for Marketing: Any taglines, slogans, or messaging guidelines.
Benefit
Supplying SEO and marketing materials early ensures the site is built with discoverability and conversions in mind.
7. Legal and Compliance Information
Certain industries require specific legal disclosures.
What Clients Should Provide
- Privacy Policy, Terms of Service, and Cookie Policy: Mandatory for compliance in most regions.
- Accessibility Requirements: If the site must meet WCAG or ADA compliance standards.
- Disclaimers: Industry-specific notices, e.g., medical or financial disclaimers.
Benefit
Including these materials upfront avoids legal complications and ensures the site meets regulatory standards.
8. Login Credentials and Hosting Information
The agency needs access to technical accounts to build the website.
What Clients Should Provide
- Domain Access: DNS login for domain management.
- Hosting Credentials: FTP, cPanel, or hosting provider login.
- Existing CMS or Website Access: If redesigning or migrating from an existing site.
- Third-Party Accounts: Email providers, analytics tools, or marketing platforms.
Benefit
Providing access early prevents delays during the development and deployment phases.
Final Thoughts
Starting a website design project with all necessary deliverables prepared sets the stage for a smooth, efficient, and successful project. Clear communication and organized assets help the agency bring your vision to life while reducing delays, revisions, and costs.
Key deliverables clients should provide include:
- Branding assets (logos, colors, typography)
- Website content (text, service descriptions, team bios)
- Images and media (photos, videos, graphics)
- Technical and functional requirements
- Reference websites and inspiration
- SEO and marketing materials
- Legal and compliance information
- Login credentials and hosting access
At Spark + Spring, we work closely with our clients to gather these deliverables upfront, ensuring the final website is visually compelling, functional, and aligned with your business goals.