/ Web design
How do I brief a web designer?
Tell them what the site must achieve, who it's for, what pages you need, and your budget. Three sites you like and why helps too.
/ 01
The short version
A good brief saves weeks. It doesn't need to be long — it needs to be specific.
/ 02
What actually matters
- • Goal: enquiries, bookings, sales, credibility. Pick the primary one.
- • Audience: who buys, and what they worry about.
- • Page list and any must-have functionality.
- • Budget range and deadline — vagueness here wastes everyone's time.
- • Three reference sites with one line each on what you like.
/ 03
The bit most people get wrong
Don't brief the design, brief the outcome. 'Make it modern' means nothing; 'make it obvious we cover Essex and take emergency callouts' means a lot.
/ 04
What to do next
Write a one-page brief covering those five points before you contact anyone.
/ 05
Where RIOT fits in
We're a small Colchester studio helping UK SMBs get briefing a studio right without agency waste or freelancer flake. If you've read this far and you want a second opinion on your specific setup, book a 20-minute call and we'll tell you honestly whether it's worth doing anything at all.
We work with clients across Essex, Suffolk, London and the wider UK — and remotely with brands abroad. No lock-in, no monthly retainer minimums, no pretending your problem is bigger than it is.
/ FAQs
Common questions
Should I share my budget?
Yes. It's the fastest way to a realistic proposal.
What if I don't know what I need?
Say so — a decent studio will scope it with you.
/ Related
How long does a website take to build?
Web design
How much should a small business spend on a website?
Web design
Do I need an SSL certificate?
Web design
WordPress vs Webflow vs custom — which should I pick?
Web design
How do I choose the right web designer?
Web design
What is page speed and why does it matter?
Web design
Still not sure?
Book a free 20-minute call — we'll answer your specific version of this question with no sales pitch.
Book a call →