A good quote depends on a good brief. You do not need a long document. An hour spent on the six points below will get you quotes that are accurate, comparable and quicker to arrive.
1. What the site is for
Write one sentence: who should visit, and what should they do there. “Hotel procurement managers should request our catalogue” is a far better brief than “we need a modern website”.
2. Your products or services
List what you sell and how you group it. This becomes the structure of the site.
3. Sites you like, and why
Three examples are enough. Say what you like about each: the layout, the tone, how the products are shown.
4. What content exists
Do you have a logo in a usable format, photographs, written descriptions, brochures? What is missing is not a problem, but it needs to be in the quote.
5. Features you need
Think about enquiry forms, online payments, bookings, more than one language, a client area, or links to software you already use.
6. Timing and budget
Say when you need the site and, if you can, the budget you are working to. A supplier who knows your budget can tell you plainly what it will and will not cover.
Our quote form asks for exactly these points, so you can answer them there.
