A website isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a critical investment in your business. And if you’re investing in an agency to design and build your site, that investment isn’t just about money. You also need to invest your time and energy.
Not only is it the right and respectful thing to do, but it ensures your website is well-planned, well-executed, and launches on time—instead of dragging on for months in revision limbo.
So, how do you make sure you’re pulling your weight in the process?
1. Get Your Content Ready—Before the Project Starts
At Aether Digital, projects typically kick off 2-3 months after the deposit is paid and contract is signed. That might sound like a long time—but it’s actually your window to get everything in order so the project runs smoothly.
Use this time to:
- Gather logins & access for things like domain hosting, email marketing platforms, and any third-party integrations.
- Work on your website copy—or, if writing isn’t your thing, hire a copywriter to do it for you.
- Organize a photo shoot or source stock imagery to visually represent your brand.
- Complete any pre-project homework (such as brand questionnaires, mood boards, or strategy docs) ASAP.
A great way to avoid overwhelm? Block out an hour each week to chip away at these tasks so they don’t pile up.
2. Provide Meaningful Feedback (Not Just “I Don’t Like It”)
Not all feedback is created equal. The most helpful feedback:
✔ Clearly identifies an issue
✔ Explains why it’s a problem
✔ Suggests a possible solution (while being open to better ones)
If something feels off, don’t just say, “I don’t like it.” Instead, explain what’s not working for you—whether it’s the layout, readability, tone, or alignment with your brand.
Pro tip: Use screenshots or screen recordings to show exactly what you mean—it saves everyone time.
Most agencies have a preferred format for feedback (like a list in a shared doc or project management tool). But if you have a different communication style—say, you’d rather jump on a video call—just ask! Flexibility varies by agency, but at Aether Digital, I’m happy to adapt if it means clearer, faster communication.
3. Respect Deadlines—They’re There for a Reason
You’re probably not the only project on an agency’s plate. Timelines exist to keep your project (and everyone else’s) on track.
If you’re asked to provide feedback within five business days, don’t let it sit for two weeks—otherwise, you risk delays, missed launch dates, and potential extra fees. Some agencies even have a clause stating that if feedback isn’t provided in time, they’ll move forward without it.
And yes, I get it. Life happens, business happens, and website tasks often drop to the bottom of the list. But if you’re serious about your business, you need to stay engaged, respond promptly, and commit to making this project a priority.
After all, if your website isn’t a priority for you, why should it be for your customers?
Final Thought
Your website is more than just a project—it’s your digital storefront, your brand’s home, and a key player in your business success. So, if you’re ready to invest in a professional site, make sure you’re also investing your time to get the best outcome possible.
Because a great website isn’t just built—it’s built with intention, strategy, and the right level of commitment.