The goal
What the website must deliver: calls, quote requests, sales.
Website design · 2026 edition
Writing a website brief: the outline and an example
Without a brief, three providers give you three quotes that are impossible to compare. With two to five clear pages, you get fair prices and a website that matches what you wanted. Here is the outline to follow.
- The 10-section outline
- A filled-in example
- Key clauses
Updated October 2026Rules checkedNo jargon
The brief in 30 seconds
In short
A brief describes what your website must do, for whom, with what content, by when and for what budget. For a small business website, two to five pages are enough. It should set out the goal, the pages, the features, who supplies the text and photos, the languages, the legal requirements and, above all, who owns the website and the domain name. The more precise it is, the more comparable the quotes and the fewer the surprises.
Content
Pages, text, photos, and who supplies them.
Timing and budget
A date and a realistic range.
Ownership
Website, domain name and access in your name.
The outline in 10 sections
Use these headings as they are in your document. A few lines per section are often enough.
A filled-in example: a plumber in Bristol
A fictional example, to show the level of detail expected.
| Section | What he writes |
|---|---|
| Goal | Receive call-out and quote requests, mainly from phones |
| Visitors | Households in Bristol and within 20 km, often in an emergency |
| Pages | Home, Emergency repairs, Bathrooms, Water heaters, Past work, Contact, legal pages |
| Features | One-tap call, WhatsApp, form with photo upload, enquiries in a spreadsheet |
| Content | Text written by the provider and approved, 20 photos supplied by the client |
| Timeline | Live within 3 weeks of receiving the photos |
| Budget | Between €300 and €800, maintenance optional |
| Ownership | Website, files and domain name in the business's name |
With this document, every quote answers the same questions. You can finally compare prices for the same work.
The points you must never forget
These are what prevent disputes. Have them included in the quote or the contract.
Transfer of rights
Depending on your country, the creator may keep the copyright unless it is transferred in writing. Ask for a written transfer stating which rights are transferred, their scope, their duration and the territory. Get it in black and white.
The domain name in your name
You must be the registrant. It is your address, not your provider's.
Access and a copy
Login details for the hosting and the website, and a full copy handed over on delivery.
Acceptance testing
A checklist to go through before signing off: pages, forms, mobile, speed, legal notice.
From a one-page site to a website that works for you
Choose the package that fits your business. The price is fixed in advance.
Simple Website · 1 page
A one-page website, simple and professional, to be present online.
- 1 mobile-friendly page
- Your copy and your logo
- WhatsApp button
- 1 round of changes included
- File delivered, ready to publish
Essential Website
For a small business that wants a serious website, fast.
- Up to 5 pages
- Copy written for you
- Basic SEO
- Contact form
- Publishing included
Multilingual Pro Website
To reach customers in several languages.
- 5 to 10 pages
- 2 or 3 languages
- Full SEO
- Form linked to a tracking spreadsheet
- WhatsApp button and direct contact
Website + Automations
For a website that works for you, day and night.
- Everything in the Multilingual Pro Website
- Quotes calculated and sent
- Orders recorded automatically
- Automatic invoices and reminders
Online Presence Pack
Everything you need to exist on Google, set up for you.
- Domain name in your name
- Professional email address
- Business Google account
- Your website registered with Google
Options, for every offer
- €29Domain name purchase and setup
- €49Going live on hosting
- €39Extra page with copywriting
- €59Translation, per language
- €19/monthWebsite monitoring and alerts
The website and the domain name are in your name. Simple Website: text and logo supplied by you, going live as an option. Indicative prices.
Add to your brief what the website will do on its own
The "features" section is the right place to plan automations from the start.
Form linked to a spreadsheet
All enquiries in one place, dated and sorted.
Automated quotes
Form answers fill in a quote ready to send.
Appointment booking
The customer picks a free slot and you are notified.
WhatsApp on every page
A pre-filled message based on the page visited.
Your questions, our answers
How do you write a brief for a website?
Follow a simple outline: business, goal, visitors, pages, features, content, style, constraints, timing and budget, then what happens after launch. Two to five pages are enough for a small business website.
Is a website brief mandatory?
No, but it is strongly recommended. It makes quotes comparable and serves as a reference if there is a disagreement.
Should you include your budget in the brief?
Yes, a range helps the provider suggest a suitable solution. Without a budget, quotes go in every direction.
Who owns a website built by a provider?
Depending on your country, the creator may keep the copyright unless it is transferred in writing. Make sure the contract sets out the transfer of rights and the ownership of the files.
How long does it take to write a website brief?
For a business website, usually half a day, if you have already thought about your services and your customers.
Is there a website brief template?
Yes: the 10 sections on this page make a solid base. Our dedicated guide offers a complete template to fill in.
Sources: your country's copyright law (transfer of rights) · the rules of your domain name registry (registrant) · Directive 2000/31/EC on electronic commerce · GDPR.
General information, up to date as of October 2026. It does not replace advice from a professional.
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