A useful website brief explains who the site is for, what visitors should do, the pages and features needed, what content you have, and your budget and deadline. Include your current URL and examples you like, with a reason for each. You do not need technical specifications to start; a clear business goal is more useful than a long feature list.
You do not need to arrive with a polished document. A few honest answers are enough to start. The point of a brief is to make sure two people mean the same thing when they say “a new website.” A one-page campaign and a product catalogue are different jobs, even if both need to look good.
Start with the customer and the next step
Who should use the site, what are they trying to find out, and what should happen next? That might be requesting an estimate, booking an appointment, viewing a property or buying a product. Pick the main action first. It helps decide which information belongs near the top and which pages the site needs.
Describe pages and features separately
| Brief item | Useful example |
|---|---|
| Pages | Home, services, project work, about and contact |
| Features | Property search, appointment booking or quote form |
| Content | Approved photos available; copy needs writing |
| Success | More suitable estimate requests, not just more visits |
| Timing | Launch before a stated campaign or opening date |
| Budget | A range that includes the build and expected running costs |
Say what you already have
Share the current site, logo files, approved photography, service descriptions and any existing copy worth keeping. List systems the site needs to connect with, such as a booking calendar or product inventory. Do not send passwords in a brief. Access can be arranged separately when the project needs it.
Use examples to explain a preference
“I like this” is a starting point. “I like how quickly I can find the services, and how the project photos are presented” is more useful. You can look at Herauf Modular, Kelowna Flooring Superstore and Tyler Dumaine for different website jobs. Your site should suit your business rather than copy a client’s design.
Be clear about budget and timing
A budget range lets us discuss the scope that fits it. At Elliot Digital, landing pages start at $1,500 CAD and business websites are $3,900 to $4,900. Stores start at $6,500. Taxes and separately scoped work are additional. A deadline matters most when it is tied to something real, such as a launch or event. Compare the packages before deciding what the first version needs.
Leave room for advice
A brief is not a final specification. Sometimes a shorter site, clearer enquiry form or smaller first launch solves the problem better than the original feature list. Tell me what the business needs to achieve and what is frustrating you now. We can define the pages, content, responsibilities and quote together on a free discovery call.
Common questions
Do I need a website brief before a discovery call?
No. Bring your current website if you have one, the main goal, and any budget or timing constraints. We can work through the details together.
Should I write all the website copy myself?
Not necessarily. Confirm whether the quote includes copywriting, editing or only placing supplied copy. Elliot Digital’s $4,900 business-site scope includes copywriting.
How do I compare website quotes fairly?
Compare page count, features, copywriting, imagery, revisions, access, ownership and ongoing costs. A price alone does not tell you whether the scopes match.
Official guidance
For the platform rules and technical guidance behind this topic:
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