Logo files.
Ask whoever designed your logo for the original files. A designer or developer will usually need several versions:
- A vector file, such as SVG, AI, EPS or PDF, which scales to any size without blurring
- A PNG with a transparent background, so the logo sits cleanly on any color
- A black and white version, and a version for dark backgrounds
- A square or icon version for browser tabs and social profiles
If all you have is a screenshot or a photo of a sign, say so. A logo can be rebuilt, and it is much better to know early.
Brand colors and fonts.
Write down your brand colors as hex codes and the fonts you use, if you have them. If you have a brand guide, send it. If you do not, tell us, and settle colors and type before design starts.
Your domain.
Your domain is your web address, such as yourbusiness.com. Find out where it is registered, whose account holds it and who has the login. Check the renewal date and whether it renews automatically.
This is the item that most often blocks a launch. A domain registered years ago by a former employee or a previous designer can take days to recover.
Hosting and email.
Hosting is the service that keeps your site online. If you have a site today, note where it is hosted and who can sign in.
Also check where your business email is set up. Email often runs on the same domain, and a careless change can interrupt it. Tell your web team before anything moves.
Photos and video.
Gather original, full-size photos, not copies saved from social media or a website, which are too small and too compressed. Collect team headshots, your space, your work and your products. Confirm you have the right to use each one, since photos taken by someone else may need permission.
If you do not have good images, it is worth planning a shoot. Real photos do more than stock ones.
The words.
Content takes longer than people expect. Start collecting:
- A short description of what you do and who you do it for
- Service descriptions, in your own words
- Bios for the people you want to feature
- Testimonials, with permission to use the names
- Contact details, hours and addresses
- Policies, such as privacy and returns
Rough notes are fine. A writer can shape them, as long as the facts are yours.
Legal pages and small print.
Most sites need a privacy policy, and many need terms, a returns policy or an accessibility statement. If you collect emails or take bookings, say what you do with the information. Ask your own advisor what applies to your field, since we cannot give legal advice.
If you already have these pages, send them. If you do not, put them on the list so they are not left to the last day.
Accounts and decisions.
Find logins for your Google Business Profile, analytics and social accounts, and note who has access. Decide who approves the work. One person with the final say keeps a project moving.
The Website Planner asks about most of this, so you can use it as your checklist.