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Writing a brief for a web design is a tricky process and it can be hard to know where to start. So in this article we’re going to let you in on some of our secret ways of getting inspired, organised and ready to start your web design.

The focus – your opening statement

The focal point of your website which every element of your content and design should centre around is your opening statement.

Your opening statement is the sentence or phrase which sums you up as a business, what you offer and the reason why someone should buy/use your services. It is the perfect expression of your brand, and it should embody the concept of your website too.

When you are looking to get inspired for your small business website brief this is what you should be brainstorming. Once you have your opening statement nailed then all of the other possibilities should fall quite neatly into place

Think broad, not narrow.

Remember that everything is relevant and that there are no rules. It can be the job of your designer to filter your ideas. This is the time to be free and easy with your ideas.

Your starting points

  • Your company name
  • Your company logo/any other branding
  • Your unique selling points
  • Any imagery you already have
  • Any content you already have

Is any of it throwing up a roadblock at a truly brilliant idea? It might be necessary to think about starting again with that content, imagery, or even your brand.

7 ways to loosen up and get inspired

1) Look at your competitors and websites that you like

2) Take the blank piece of paper approach – mind map, sketch, doodle, or try free writing your ideas

3) Create a mood board (physically or on Pinterest)

4) Google:

  • Inspiring clean web design
  • Inspiring dynamic web design
  • Inspiring animated web design
  • Inspiring cartoon web design
  • Inspiring illustrated web design
  • Inspiring corporate web design
  • Inspiring creative web design
  • Inspiring small business web design

5) Browse photography, art and illustration (Pinterest is a great place to search and even doing searches randomly could help you to stumble on something interesting)

6) Brainstorm with a group (you can do some of the above together)

7) Ask yourself “What is the story of your business?”

Some of the best brands have brilliant stories at their heart including Innocent, Ben and Jerrys, Nike and many more.

Getting organised

Once you’ve collected up a load of inspiration then now is the time to start being ruthless. Interrogate your ideas and see how they stand up. Eliminate the silly whims and really think about what is appropriate for your brand message, and the particular point you want to make through your website.

Remember that not every idea will be appropriate. Your designer needs your input and your ideas because no one knows your brand like you do, but you need to respect their professional opinion to know what rules you can and can’t break.

The trick to a great website is this one simple fact:

Everything needs to fit together, your website is a whole package.

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