“We Need a Website, But Don’t Know Where to Start”

A Simple Roadmap for Small Teams

Because figuring it out shouldn’t feel like learning a new language.

If you’ve said some version of this in a team meeting or to yourself late at night: “We know we need a website—but where do we even start?”—you’re not alone. I hear this almost weekly.

You’re doing meaningful work. You’re juggling a million things. And now you’re supposed to become a web strategist on top of everything else?

Good news: you don’t have to.

This post is here to walk you through a simple, clear roadmap for getting started with a new website—whether you're launching one for the first time or rebuilding something that no longer reflects who you are.

Step 1: Get Clear on What the Website Needs to Do

Before you think about design, platforms, or colour palettes, pause. Ask yourself:

• Why do we need a website right now?
• What should it help people do?
• Who are we talking to?

Common answers include:

• Make it easier for people to contact us
• Share what we do in a clearer way
• Help people donate, book, sign up, or buy
• Look more credible when applying for grants or partnerships

Knowing your core goals helps avoid scope creep and keeps things focused. Write them down. These become your guiding light for everything that follows.

Step 2: Decide What Content You Actually Need

Every website should clearly communicate three things:

1. Who you are
2. What you do
3. How people can take action

That usually looks like:

• Homepage (quick overview of who you are + links to everything else)
• About page (your story, your mission, the why behind it all)
• Services or Projects (what you offer or do)
• Contact (how people can reach you)
• Optional: FAQs, Blog, Testimonials, Donate page, Resources

Don’t worry about having everything perfect upfront. You can start simple and add over time.

Step 3: Choose a Platform That Matches Your Capacity

This is where things often go off-track. People get sold into the most powerful tool, not the right one.

You want a platform that balances design flexibility, ease of use, and long-term sustainability.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• WordPress – Great for flexibility + future growth. Ideal if you want full control and don’t mind learning the ropes.
• Brizy Cloud – Sleek, simple, good for visually-driven teams. Lower learning curve.
• Webflow – Customisable and modern, but more technical.
• Shopify – Built for e-commerce, but can be overkill for service-based orgs.
• Wix – Easy to use, but can feel limited or clunky as you grow.

Not sure? That’s something I help clients decide during a clarity call.

Step 4: Create Copy That Sounds Like You

No one wants to read generic corporate speak or paragraphs stuffed with keywords. Write like a real human.

Tips:

• Use plain language (no jargon)
• Talk directly to your audience (“you,” not “our stakeholders”)
• Keep it conversational and clear
• Don’t aim to say everything—just the right things

Not sure what your voice sounds like yet? Try reading your draft aloud. If it feels like something you’d say in a real conversation, you’re on the right track.

Step 5: Gather Visuals (But Don’t Get Stuck Here)

Imagery can elevate your site—but don’t let it delay the project.

Aim for:

• A few high-quality photos of your team, space, work or events
• Clean logos and brand colours
• Icons or graphics if you have them (but not required)

No fancy photo shoot? No problem. Candid, natural images > stock photos any day.

Step 6: Plan for What Happens After Launch

A website isn’t just a launch project—it’s a living tool.

Make sure:

• You know how to edit and update your site
• There’s someone who "owns" the site internally
• It integrates with your other tools (mailing list, booking system, etc.)
• You’ve got a system to check and refresh content over time

That’s why I focus on sustainability when I build with clients. No black box. No dependency. Just tools that grow with you.

Bonus: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Building a website can feel like a mountain—but it doesn’t have to be. You don’t need to do it all yourself, and you don’t need to figure it out before you reach out.

Working with a digital strategist means:

• You don’t waste time trying to be a web designer
• You get guidance on what actually matters
• You launch with confidence, not burnout

In Summary: Your Website Starter Roadmap

✔ Define your goals

✔ Map out the content you need

✔ Choose a platform that matches your skill + time

✔ Write like a human

✔ Gather some key visuals

✔ Plan for maintenance

✔ Ask for help if you need it

Still feeling unsure?

That’s normal. You’re not behind—you’re just ready to do it properly this time. Let’s chat and figure out the best next step—no pressure, just a real conversation.

Book a free clarity call →

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