Why preparation matters
Builders can design and write, but they can't confirm your facts, approve your copy or log into your accounts. Those steps sit with you. Preparing them before the project starts is the most effective way to keep a launch date. MendRev's published launch times, for example, start counting from when your content and setup payment are received.
For *what* goes on the pages, see what to put on a service-business website. This checklist covers *what to have ready*.
Accounts and access
- Domain: you know the registrar and can log in, or can invite your builder. See domain ownership.
- Email: you know who provides it, so DNS changes don't break it.
- Google Business Profile: you can access it, so details can be kept consistent with Google's guidelines for representing your business.
- Existing website: login or hosting access if anything is being kept or redirected.
- Analytics and Search Console: existing accounts, if any.
- Booking, payment or CRM tools that the site needs to link to.
Invite people as users rather than sharing passwords.
Verified business facts
- Legal and trading business name, exactly as it should appear.
- Phone number(s) and which one goes on the site.
- Address, and whether it should be shown publicly.
- Hours, including after-hours or emergency arrangements you actually offer.
- Services you offer — and ones you don't.
- Areas you actually serve.
- Licence or registration numbers, if relevant, with where they can be verified.
- Warranties or guarantees you actually provide, in your own terms.
- Published prices, if you publish any.
Files you own
- Logo in the best format you have (vector if possible).
- Photos you have the right to use — your team, vehicles, premises, work (with customer permission where needed).
- Genuine reviews or testimonials you have permission to use, with their source.
- Any documents customers need (care guides, forms).
Decisions and people
- One approver who can sign off copy and design.
- Who receives form enquiries, and a backup person.
- What the main call to action is — call, quote form or booking.
- What's out of scope for this project.
- A realistic review time for each round of feedback.
Launch plan
- Date that works (avoid your busiest week).
- Who updates the Google Business Profile link if the URL changes.
- Who tests the forms and phone links on launch day.
- For redesigns: the redirect plan.
What MendRev does with missing facts
On MendRev sites, anything we can't verify is left as a clearly labelled box for you to fill — we don't invent reviews, licences, awards or service areas.
Questions
What if I don't have good photos?
Real, simple photos of your team, vehicles or work — taken on a phone in good light — are often better than stock. If you use stock, don't present it as your team or your work.
Do I need to write the content myself?
Not necessarily, but you need to provide or confirm the facts. Someone writing for you can't invent your licences, service areas or experience.
Sources and further reading
- Google's guidelines for representing your business support.google.com
Official documentation changes. Check the current version before you rely on a rule, limit or setting.
Next step
See a site built around your real details.
Look at sample layouts (fictional previews, not client work), read published website pricing, or ask for a free concept preview.
Already happy with your site? Website Maintenance covers monitoring, a monthly form test, backups and edits.