You’ve decided to build a new website. You’ve found a few designers you like. Now comes the part most people skip writing a solid guide.
This guide walks you through exactly what to put in your guide so the web design process for clients in Los Angeles runs smoothly, on time, and on budget.
What Is a Web Design guide?
A guide is a short document you share with a designer before work begins. It outlines what you need, who your audience is, and what success looks like. Think of it as a blueprint without one, even the most talented designer is guessing.
If you’re submitting a more detailed request to multiple agencies, you may want a formal brief for RFP. But for most projects, a clear one-to-two page guide is all you need.
Why Your guide Makes or Breaks the Project
A vague guide leads to vague results. Revisions pile up, timelines slip, and costs creep higher. A clear guide does the opposite it keeps both sides aligned from day one and gives your designer the context they need to make smart decisions on your behalf.
The custom web design process at most LA studios is collaborative. The better the input you provide upfront, the better the output you get at the end.
What to Include in Your guide
Your Goals
Start with why you need a new website. Are you launching a new product? Rebranding? Trying to generate more leads? Be specific. “I want more customers” is less useful than “I want people to book a consultation directly from the homepage.”
Your Target Audience
Describe who your customers are. Age, location, interests, pain points anything that helps a designer make decisions about layout, tone, and visual style with your actual users in mind.
Competitor Websites
List three to five competitor sites you’ve come across. Note what you like or dislike about each. This gives your designer a reference point and helps them understand where you sit in the market.
Brand Assets
Pull together your logo files, brand colors (hex codes if you have them), and any fonts you use. If these don’t exist yet, flag it early your designer may offer branding services, or you’ll need to sort these before the project can move forward.
Budget
Give a realistic range. Designers in Los Angeles vary widely in price, and being upfront saves everyone time. A ballpark number also helps your designer suggest the right features for what you’re working with.
Timeline
Do you have a launch deadline? A product release, an event, a seasonal campaign? Share it. Most professional web design in Los Angeles takes eight to twelve weeks from kickoff to launch, so factor that in when you set expectations.
For a full breakdown of what to expect at each stage, it’s worth mapping out the process before you guide anyone.
Practical Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do:
- Keep your guide to one or two pages concise is better than comprehensive
- Include links and examples wherever possible
- Prepare your content before guideing having copy and images ready speeds everything up
- Ask questions if you’re unsure what the designer needs
Don’t:
- Send a guide that just says “make it look modern” this means nothing without context
- Assume the designer knows your industry explain it
- Leave budget out of the conversation
- Change your goals mid-project without a formal discussion
Why Sacred Cow Studios
Sacred Cow Studios is an award-winning digital agency based in Los Angeles with over 250 websites built across industries. Their team works closely with clients throughout every stage of the project from strategy and planning through to testing and launch so nothing falls through the cracks.
With a 5.0 rating across 70+ Google reviews and a track record of delivering on time and on budget, Sacred Cow Studios is a trusted choice for businesses ready to invest in professional web design Los Angeles businesses rely on.
Ready to Get Started?
A great guide sets the tone for the entire project. Get your goals, audience, assets, budget, and timeline in order then reach out to a designer who can bring it all to life.
Contact Sacred Cow Studios today and get a free proposal for your next web project.
FAQ
What should a web design guide include?
A good guide covers your goals, target audience, competitor examples, brand assets, budget, and timeline. The more specific you are, the smoother the project runs.
How long should a web design guide be?
One to two pages is usually enough. Focus on clarity over length a tight, specific guide is more useful than a long, vague one.
How much does professional web design in Los Angeles cost?
Pricing varies depending on the scope and agency. Most projects range from a few thousand dollars for simple sites to significantly more for custom builds. Sharing your budget upfront helps designers tailor their proposals to your needs.
When should I prepare my content before guideing a designer?
Ideally before the project starts. Having copy, images, and brand assets ready prevents delays during the build phase and keeps your timeline on track.
Can I guide multiple designers at once?
Yes it’s common practice. Just make sure your guide is thorough enough for each designer to give you an accurate, comparable proposal.
