Build your website right—onboarding guide.
How This Guide Works
Welcome
Building a website with us is a partnership, not a drop-off. This guide is your roadmap — a plain-English walkthrough of what happens, when, and what we’ll need from you along the way. No jargon, no guesswork. Just follow along as we go, section by section, and you’ll always know exactly where things stand and what’s next on your plate.
Getting Started
Here’s the truth: building or upgrading a website can feel like a lot—especially if you’ve never done it before. There’s copy to write, images to find, decisions to make, and a whole vocabulary of terms nobody explained to you. We get it, and that’s exactly why this guide exists.
Think of it as your project companion. As we move through your build, we’ll send you a link straight to the relevant section here—so instead of a vague “please send your content” email, you’ll land on exactly the right page with a clear explanation of what’s needed and why it matters.
We’ve built websites for all kinds of Durban businesses, and if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that projects move fastest when everyone knows their role. Our job is the technical build, the design, and the strategy. Your job is the stuff only you can provide—your story, your products, your voice. This guide bridges the two.
Work through it as we send you each section. Ask questions whenever you need to. And don’t worry about getting it “perfect”—we’ll refine things together as we go. Let’s build something you’re proud of.
Setting Your Project Goals
Before we touch a single design element, we need to know where we’re headed. Every strong website starts with clear goals—who it’s for, what it needs to achieve, and how you’ll know it’s working. Take a few minutes to think this through with us. It’s the foundation everything else gets built on.
Key Points
It’s tempting to jump straight to colours and layouts, but the websites that actually perform all start the same way: with clarity on what they’re meant to do. Here’s what’s worth thinking through before we get building.
Who is this for?
Get specific about your target audience—not just “small businesses” but the actual people who’ll land on your site. What are they searching for? What’s bothering them when they arrive? The more clearly you can picture them, the better we can design and write for them.
What’s the website’s job?
Every site needs one clear purpose. Is it there to generate leads, sell products directly, build your credibility, or support existing customers? Trying to do everything at once usually means doing nothing particularly well—so let’s nail down the main goal first.
How will you measure success?
Set yourself something concrete to track—more enquiries, more online sales, more time spent on key pages. It doesn’t need to be complicated, but having a number in mind means we can build with that outcome in view, and you’ll know if it’s working once we’re live.
What’s the content plan?
Your site’s content—the words, the images, the structure—needs to serve your audience and your purpose. We’ll guide you through gathering this (more on that in the next section), but it helps to start thinking now about what story you want your website to tell.
None of this needs to be perfect on day one. It just needs to be honest. The clearer you are with us up front,
the smoother—and faster—the rest of the build will go.
Getting Your Copy Together
The Words on the Pages
Your website’s words matter more than almost anything else on the page. Good copy is what turns a visitor into an enquiry—and it’s something only you can really provide. We’ll guide the structure, but your story, your language, and your offering need to come from you. Here’s what we’ll need and why it counts.
A key part of your website
m Good copy does more than fill space—it’s often the single biggest factor in whether your website actually works. It shapes how visitors experience your business, whether they trust you, and whether they take action. It also plays a real role in how well your site is found—search engines pay close attention to relevant, specific language, so the words you choose (including the terms your customers actually search for) matter more than most people realise.
To get this right, here’s what we’ll need from you:
A description of your product or service
— including key features and, importantly, the benefits to your customer.
Existing marketing materials
— brochures, ads, social posts, anything you’ve already used to describe your business.
Your target audience
— who they are, what they need, and what tends to convince them.
Branding guidelines
— your logo, colours, and tone of voice, if you have these documented.
A mission statement
— a short, clear line on what your business is about and why it exists.
Associations and certifications
— any industry bodies, compliance requirements, or credentials worth mentioning.
Terms and conditions, if applicable to your product or service.
A privacy policy to keep your site compliant.
Your contact details
—name, address, and phone number.
A quick note on that last one: consistency matters more than you’d think. Make sure your business name, address, and phone number (often called NAP) match exactly across your website, Google Business Profile, social media, and any directories you’re listed in.
Search engines use this consistency to confirm your business is legitimate, and where it says it is—inconsistent details can quietly hurt your visibility and even send potential customers to the wrong information.
You don’t need polished, ad-agency copy at this stage. Rough notes, voice memos, even a WhatsApp voice note talking through your business—we can work with all of it.
The important thing is getting your voice and knowledge onto paper (or into our inbox) so we can shape it into copy that sounds like you and works for your visitors.
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xxxxx xxxxxx cxxxxxxxx Think of it as your project companion. As we move through your build, we’ll send you a link straight to the relevant section here — so instead of a vague “please send your content” email, you’ll land on exactly the right page with a clear explanation of what’s needed and why it matters.
We’ve built websites for all kinds of Durban businesses, and if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that projects move fastest when everyone knows their role. Our job is the technical build, the design, and the strategy. Your job is the stuff only you can provide — your story, your products, your voice. This guide bridges the two.
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Username stretchomundo
Password AGul(0VB4t)lTOlN
……………………………. >> PAYFASTserna……………………………………. >> GTEM
Username StretchMaster
Password 7MdiT#a7TlKk6r&OR1…………………………………….. >> DIGI STORE 24
xx Header 3
xxxxx xxxxxx cxxxxxxxx Think of it as your project companion. As we move through your build, we’ll send you a link straight to the relevant section here — so instead of a vague “please send your content” email, you’ll land on exactly the right page with a clear explanation of what’s needed and why it matters.
We’ve built websites for all kinds of Durban businesses, and if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that projects move fastest when everyone knows their role. Our job is the technical build, the design, and the strategy. Your job is the stuff only you can provide — your story, your products, your voice. This guide bridges the two.
A Quick and Easy Guide to Getting It Done Right!
Launching or revamping a website can feel overwhelming—there are so many moving parts, and one misstep can cost time or money. That’s why this onboarding guide exists. Think of it as your project roadmap: we’ll walk you through each critical step, outline what you need to deliver, and set clear expectations so nothing falls through the cracks.
By following this guide, you’ll:
Let’s dive in, step by step.
IMAGES for the website
Get pictures for the website.
Labelling images when sending them to a website developer is an important task to ensure that the images are used in the right places on the website. Here’s a simple guide to help you do it effectively:
Use Original and Authentic Images:
Using original and authentic images for websites is preferred because it adds credibility and uniqueness to the website.
Original images help to differentiate your website from others and establish your brand identity. Additionally, using authentic images enhances the overall user experience by providing relevant and accurate visuals that support the content on the website.
Authentic images can also create an emotional connection with the audience and increase engagement on the website.
Therefore, you should strive to use original and authentic images to ensure your website stands out and provides a high-quality user experience.
And let’s be honest, we can all see a generic knock-off a mile away.
Name your images descriptively:
Rename your image files to something that accurately describes what’s in the image. This will help the developer easily identify what each image is when they are working on the website.
Use clear and consistent labelling:
Use a consistent naming convention for all of your images. For example, if you’re sending product photos, use a naming convention like “product1.jpg,” “product2.jpg,” etc.
Include image dimensions:
Make sure to include the dimensions of each image in the file name or in the accompanying information. This will help the developer know what size the images should be displayed on the website.
Here’s an example of good image labelling:
product1_red_800x600.jpg
product2_blue_800x600.jpg
product3_green_800x600.jpg
In this example, the images are labelled with a descriptive name, a colour identifier, and their dimensions.
And here’s an example of bad image labelling:
IMG_1234.jpg
Screenshot_5678.png
Photo_91011.jpg
In this example, the images are labelled with generic names that don’t provide any useful information about their content or purpose.
Images – Note this:
When it comes to images for a website, some types are preferred and some are not as good.
Here’s a short guide to help you understand which types to use and which to avoid:
Preferred Image Types:
JPEG/JPG:
This is the most commonly used image format on the web. It’s a compressed format that can retain a high level of image quality while still keeping the file size small.
PNG:
This format is ideal for images with transparent backgrounds. It’s also great for images with sharp lines or text, as it can retain a high level of detail.
SVG:
Scalable Vector Graphics are great for logos and icons, as they can be scaled to any size without losing quality.
Image Types to Avoid:
TIFF:
TIFF files are very large and can take a long time to load. They’re also not supported by all web browsers.
BMP:
This format is very large and not compressed, which can lead to slow loading times.
GIF:
While GIFs can be used for small animations or simple graphics, they have limited colour depth and are not suitable for high-quality images.
In general, it’s best to use images that are optimized for the web, which means they have a small file size while still maintaining a high level of quality.
Large image files can slow down the loading time of your website, which can lead to a poor user experience. It’s also important to choose the right format for each type of image to ensure that it looks good and loads quickly.
WARNING!!
Take Note Of This..
As a website owner, it is crucial to ensure that all images used on your website are authentic and properly credited to their original sources. Failing to do so can result in severe consequences, including damage to your website’s reputation, legal action, and financial penalties.
Using images without permission or proper attribution can lead to copyright infringement, which is a serious offence. Copyright holders can take legal action against website owners who use their images without permission, resulting in costly legal fees, fines, and even the shutdown of the website.
Additionally, using fake or doctored images can damage the credibility of your website and the information it presents. If your website is found to be using misleading or fake images, it can lead to a loss of trust and credibility among your audience.
As a responsible website owner, it is essential to take the necessary steps to avoid plagiarism and copyright strikes. This can include using only licensed images, obtaining permission from copyright holders, properly crediting the original sources, and ensuring that all images used on the website are legal and authentic. By taking these steps, website owners can protect their website’s reputation and avoid legal trouble.
HOME Page
When building a business website, the home page is one of the most important pages. It is the first thing visitors see when they come to your site, and it needs to make a great first impression. The key components for the home page, excluding the header and footer, are:
Hero section:
This is the first thing visitors see when they arrive on your home page. It typically includes a large image or video.
Value proposition:
This is a brief statement that explains what your business does and why it’s unique. It should be easy to understand and communicate the benefits of your product or service.
CTA
A clear call to action that encourages visitors to take action.
Features/Benefits:
This section highlights the key features and benefits of your product or service. It can be presented as a list or through visual aids like icons or graphics.
Testimonials:
Adding testimonials from satisfied customers can help build trust and credibility. It’s a great way to showcase the positive impact your product or service has had on others.
Call-to-action [Repeated]:
Every page on your website should have a clear call to action. On the home page, it could be a button that encourages visitors to sign up for a free trial, schedule a demo, or contact you for more information.
Social proof:
Displaying logos of recognizable brands. People that have used your product or service. This wil help establish credibility and trust with visitors.
Note – Caution
When it comes to featuring your product or service’s features and benefits on your website homepage, it is important to keep it brief and to the point. Visitors to your website are likely to have a short attention span, and too much information can overwhelm them and cause them to leave your site without taking any action.
It is important to consider creating a separate page for each product or service you offer. This allows you to provide more in-depth information about each offering and helps to avoid cluttering your homepage with too much information. By having dedicated pages for each product or service, you can provide more detailed descriptions, images, and customer reviews. This allows visitors to learn more about what you offer and makes it easier for them to decide to purchase.
STATS
Here are some noteworthy statistics about visitors’ time spent on web pages:
According to a study by Chartbeat, 55% of visitors spend less than 15 seconds on a website.
The same study found that visitors tend to scroll quickly down the page and spend more time reading content that is located higher up on the page.
A study by Microsoft found that the average attention span of a human being decreased from 12 seconds in 2000 to just 8 seconds in 2015.
A study by Google found that the average time a visitor spends on a website is just 15 seconds.
Another study by HubSpot found that the optimal length for a blog post is around 2,100 words, which takes the average reader about 7 minutes to read.
Links and Citations
The study I referenced for statistic number 4 is called “How People View and Engage with Search Results” by Google. You can find more information about the study and its findings on the Think with Google website:
The specific section of the report that discusses the average time visitors spend on a website is on page 2 under the “Key Takeaways” section.
PRODUCT Page
The content is aimed at clients who are building their first website. It is intended to be a guide and resource for our website clients
Product title:
The name of the product should be clear and descriptive.
Product image:
High-quality images of the product from different angles should be used.
Product Description:
The description should be clear, and concise and include key features and benefits.
Technical specifications:
List of technical specifications of the product.
Reviews and ratings: Customer reviews and ratings should be displayed.
Focus on Benefits:
When creating product descriptions, focus on the benefits that your product can offer to your customers. Instead of just listing features, explain how your product can solve their problems and make their lives easier.
Use High-Quality Images:
Visuals play a crucial role in your product page. Use high-quality images that showcase your products from different angles and in various settings. This helps customers visualize how the product will look in their life.
Include Social Proof:
Customer reviews and testimonials can help build trust and credibility with potential customers. Display customer reviews on your products page to showcase positive feedback from happy customers.
Getting together the Content for your website is often a challenge.
A helpful way to think of this content is to break it down;
WHO – who is this for?
WHY – Why do they need it?
WHAT – What can it do for them?
HOW – How do they get it?
And for added inspiration, look to your own sales emails to past customers.
And, have faith, this is your territory and domain. No one knows your products better than you.
SERVICES Page
Creating a Services page is a crucial part of establishing an online presence for your business.
This page is specifically designed to showcase the services your company offers to potential clients. A well-crafted Services page can help your website visitors understand your offerings and inspire them to take action
Here’s what you need to know about creating a successful Services page
Key Components of a Services Page:
Service Descriptions:
The most important aspect of a Services page is the description of the services offered. Your descriptions should be clear and concise and should highlight the unique features and benefits of each service. Use language that resonates with your target audience, and be sure to include relevant keywords to help with search engine optimization (SEO).
Visuals:
Including images, videos, or infographics can help to visually convey your services and grab the attention of your website visitors. Visuals can help to break up text-heavy pages and make your content more engaging.
Testimonials:
Including testimonials from satisfied clients can help to build trust with potential customers. Positive reviews and recommendations from previous clients can be a powerful tool in converting website visitors into paying customers.
Call to Action:
Every Services page should include a clear call to action (CTA) that encourages visitors to take the next step. This could be a button that leads to a contact form, a phone number to call, or an option to schedule a consultation.
Pricing:
While not always necessary, including pricing information can be helpful for potential customers who are looking to compare services and make informed decisions.
If you choose to include pricing, be sure to clearly outline what is included in each package or service.
Services Page: the Benefits
Increased conversion rates:
By clearly showcasing your services and making it easy for potential customers to take action, you can increase the likelihood of converting website visitors into paying customers.
Improved SEO:
By including relevant keywords and descriptions on your Services page, you can improve your search engine rankings and increase your visibility to potential customers.
Establishing credibility: By including testimonials and case studies, you can demonstrate your expertise and build trust with potential customers.
STATS
According to a survey by HubSpot, 72% of consumers who did a local search visited a store within five miles. This underscores the importance of having a strong online presence, including a well-crafted Services page. (Source: HubSpot)
Businesses with customer reviews on their website generate 74% more leads than those without. Including testimonials and reviews on your Services page can help to build trust with potential customers and increase your lead generation. (Source: SEO Tribunal)
Notable Quotes
“Your Services page is your chance to tell your story and demonstrate your value to potential customers.”
– Neil Patel, digital marketing expert.
“Your Services page should be focused on the benefits of your services, not just the features. Highlight how your services can solve your customers’ pain points.”
– Brian Clark, founder of Copyblogger
FAQ’s
This can be a valuable addition to your page. It depends on the type of service and the amount of content. No hard and fast rules about this one. pages. It is the first thing visitors see when they come to your site, and it needs to make a great first impression. The key components for the home page, ex
ABOUT Page
When building a business website, the home page is one of the most important pages. It is the first thing visitors see when they come to your site, and it needs to make a great first impression. The key components for the home page, excluding the header and footer, are:
Hero section:
This is the first thing visitors see when they arrive on your home page. It typically includes a large image or video.
Value proposition:
This is a brief statement that explains what your business does and why it’s unique. It should be easy to understand and communicate the benefits of your product or service.
CTA
A clear call to action that encourages visitors to take action.
portant pages. It is the first thing visitors see when they come to your site, and it needs to make a great first impression. The key components for the home page, ex
Caution
portant pages. It is the first thing visitors see when they come to your site, and it needs to make a great first impression. The key components for the home page, ex
STATS
portant pages. It is the first thing visitors see when they come to your site, and it needs to make a great first impression. The key components for the home page, ex
Links and Citations
portant pages. It is the first thing visitors see when they come to your site, and it needs to make a great first impression. The key components for the home page, ex
