If you’re a marketing agency offering web design services, you’re likely familiar with the challenges of the discovery phase in website projects. Oftentimes, clients may not have a clear vision of what they want, making it crucial to ask the right questions that help them define the overall vision and purpose of their website.

At Syzmic, we consider the discovery phase of a website project to be the most important, and we have several reasons why. Firstly, it provides an opportunity to connect with the client on a deeper level, gaining a comprehensive understanding of their business and its unique needs. This connection lays the foundation for a strong working relationship and ensures that the final product aligns with the client’s goals.

Another important aspect of the discovery phase is avoiding scope creep. Scope creep refers to the continuous expansion of project requirements and features beyond the initially agreed-upon scope. By thoroughly exploring and defining the project scope during the discovery phase, you can prevent misunderstandings and ensure that both you and your client are on the same page from the outset.

Additionally, the discovery phase is an excellent opportunity to showcase your agency’s value proposition. By asking insightful questions and actively listening to your client’s responses, you can demonstrate your expertise and ability to deliver tailored solutions. This establishes trust and credibility, setting the stage for a successful collaboration.

To help marketing agencies streamline the discovery process, we have compiled a comprehensive list of questions that are essential for accurately quoting a website project. These questions cover a wide range of topics, ensuring that no crucial aspect is overlooked. At Syzmic, we have integrated these questions into an online submission form, making it convenient for our clients to provide the necessary information. If you have a WordPress site, you can easily create a similar form using the Gravity Forms Plugin. We have even prepared a quick video tutorial on how to install it. You are welcome to use the template below on your agency’s website:

Contact Information:

• Name
• Email
• Phone
• Business Name

Tell us about your business!

• In a few sentences, describe what your business does.
• What services/products do you offer?
• Who is your target customer?

Your Current Site:

*Note: We use conditional logic for this question. If the user selects “No,” they will jump straight to “Building your new site.” If the user selects “Yes,” they will proceed to “Recreating your current site.”

Do you currently have a website? (Y/N)

NO: *Skip to “Building your new site”

YES: Recreating your current site:

• Who is your hosting provider?
• Do you have a logo?
• Do you have access to your logo files?
• Do you have a brand guide?
• What do you want to change about your current website?
• What is the overall goal of your new website?
• What pages do you want on your site? (e.g., Home, About, Services, Contact)
• Is there any new functionality you want on your site? If yes, do you have specific software in mind?
• Please add the URLs of any websites you like. These can be competitors in your industry or websites you simply admire.
• What do you like about the websites you listed?
• Are there specific keywords or phrases you are trying to rank for on Google?
• Did you have a specific budget in mind?

Building your new site:

• Do you have a logo?
• Do you have access to your logo files?
• Do you have a brand guide?
• What is the overall goal of your new website?
• Please list the specific pages you’d like to have on your website. (e.g., Home, About, Services, Contact)
• Is there any specific functionality you need on your website? If yes, do you have any software in mind?

Conclusion

The discovery phase of a website project is a crucial stage for marketing agencies offering web design services. It presents an opportunity to connect with clients on a deeper level, gaining valuable insights into their business and goals. By asking thoughtful questions and actively listening, agencies can understand the clients’ vision and purpose for their website, setting the stage for a successful collaboration.

Moreover, the discovery phase helps to prevent scope creep by defining the project scope and requirements upfront. This ensures that both parties have a clear understanding of the project’s boundaries, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings and delays down the line. By thoroughly exploring and documenting the client’s needs and expectations during this phase, agencies can provide accurate quotes and establish realistic timelines.