Bridging the Gap for Better Websites
When you’re working with a web designer it can sometimes feel like you’re speaking different languages. They’re tossing around terms like “responsive design” and “SVG optimisation,” while you’re thinking about your audience, your products, or the 47 other things on your to-do list.
Don’t worry – you’re not alone. Many business owners, academics, and creatives have felt the same way when trying to speak to a web designer. The truth is, there are things you know – about your business, your field, your audience – that your web designer doesn’t. And while they may be total pros at coding, they’re not mind-readers (no matter how AMAZING they may seem).
Let’s dig into some of those things you know that your web designer needs to hear – and how sharing them can help you build a website that truly works for you.
1. You Know Your Audience Better Than Anyone
Your web designer knows how to make a website look stunning and function beautifully. But what they don’t know is who your website is for.
Are your customers busy parents scrolling during naptime? Are your academic readers likely to open your site on a university Wi-Fi network, or are they printing pages for their research? Do your art buyers expect a sleek minimalist vibe, or do they want a gallery experience on-screen?
These details can dramatically shape design choices – from layout to font size to how quickly users need to find the “buy now” button. Speak up about your audience’s quirks, habits, and needs. It’ll make your designer’s job easier and your website better.
2. You Know What You Absolutely Need (and What You Don’t)
Sometimes, clients hesitate to say what they want because they’re afraid of sounding “too picky.” But here’s the thing: you’re the expert on what your business or project needs.
If you run an art gallery, you know that showcasing high-quality images is non-negotiable, even if it means cutting some extra text. If you’re an academic group, you probably care more about clear navigation for papers and resources than about flashy animations. And if you’re a small business owner, you know your budget better than anyone (trust me, your web designer would much rather work within realistic limits than chase champagne dreams on a beer budget).
3. You Know Your Content (Even If You Don’t Know Where to Start)
Your web designer isn’t living in your world every day – they don’t know the ins and outs of your products, your latest research project, or your creative process. They can’t write your artist bio or summarise your 25-page academic paper in three engaging sentences. That’s not their jam.
If you’re struggling to put your thoughts into words, that’s okay! But your web designer can’t build original content for you from scratch. Whether it’s a rough outline, a voice memo, or a bullet list, sharing your expertise helps your designer create something that feels authentically you.
4. You Know Your Pain Points (and What’s Worked Before)
Got a story about the time your website broke on mobile during your biggest sales weekend? Or the academic site you loved until its search function stopped working halfway through a project? Or maybe you’ve already got a loyal following on Instagram and want your site to mirror that vibe.
Sharing your frustrations and successes – what’s worked for you and what hasn’t – gives your designer valuable insight into what to avoid and where to lean in.
5. You Know Your Future Goals (Dream Big!)
Your web designer is focused on the here and now – building something that meets today’s needs. But if you’ve got big plans, don’t keep them to yourself.
Maybe you’re hoping to launch an online store in six months or run a membership programme for your user group. Perhaps your art gallery wants a virtual reality exhibit someday. Even if these are down-the-road ideas, telling your designer now can ensure your website is built to grow with you. In other words, start the way you’d like to finish.
How to Share What You Know Without Feeling Overwhelmed
Let’s be real: you’ve got a lot on your plate, and communicating all this to your web designer can feel like another task on the list. But here’s the good news: web designers really want to hear from you. A great designer isn’t just a tech wizard – they’re a collaborator who values your input and wants to see your project succeed.
Here are a few simple ways to share what you know:
- Bring examples: Show sites you like (or hate) and explain why.
- Be honest: Don’t worry about saying things like, “I hate orange” or “I have no idea what a CMS is.” Your candour helps.
- Prioritise: Focus on what’s most important to you right now.
- Keep the dialogue open: Stay in touch after your launch – your site is a living thing, and your designer can help it stay relevant.
The Takeaway
Your web designer knows how to create something visually stunning and technically sound. But they can’t do it without you. Your knowledge of your audience, goals, and unique challenges is the secret ingredient to a website that’s not just functional but exceptional.
So don’t be afraid to speak up, share your insights, and collaborate. Because when you bring your expertise to the table, the result isn’t just a website – it’s a partnership.