Planning a Blog Post Structure for Explaining How to Brief a Designer Without Design Skills
Many business owners need a new website but have never written a design brief. The good news is that you do not need design skills to brief a designer well. You only need a clear structure. This article gives you a simple blog post structure you can follow when explaining how to brief a designer, aimed at readers with no design background.
Start with the Goal of the Website
Begin by helping your reader define why the website exists. A designer cannot make good choices without knowing the purpose. Ask readers to write one sentence that describes the main goal, such as getting more enquiries or selling products online.
Next, list the top three actions a visitor should take. This turns vague wishes into concrete targets. A short numbered list works well here, for example:
- Request a quote.
- Book a call.
- Download a price guide.
Describe the Audience and the Feeling
Non-designers often struggle with words like "modern" or "clean". Explain that feeling words are still useful if they are paired with examples. Ask readers to describe their typical customer in two or three sentences.
Then ask them to name three websites they like and one they dislike. This gives the designer real references instead of abstract opinions. A simple table can organise this information clearly.
| Website | What works | What to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Example A | Clear menu | Too many colours |
| Example B | Strong photos | Slow loading |
List the Pages and the Content
A website brief should include a page list. Ask readers to write every page they think they need, then mark which ones are essential for launch. This prevents scope creep later.
For each page, ask for the main message in one line and any content that already exists, such as text, images, or logos. A bullet list keeps this section tidy and easy to scan.
- Home page
- About page
- Services page
- Contact page
Set Practical Limits and Priorities
Designers need to know about budget, timeline, and technical limits. Encourage readers to state a realistic budget range rather than hiding it. Also ask about deadlines and any must-have features, such as a booking system or a blog.
Finally, explain that priorities matter more than perfection. A useful rule is to rank features as must-have, nice-to-have, and later. This helps the designer propose a plan that fits the budget.
"A clear brief saves time, money, and frustration for everyone."
Finish with a Simple Review Step
End the blog post by telling readers to review their brief before sending it. Ask them to check that every sentence is specific and free of jargon. If a friend cannot understand it, a designer may struggle too.
Then suggest a short follow-up call to talk through the brief. This gives the designer a chance to ask questions and gives the client confidence. With this structure, non-designers can brief a designer clearly and get a website that matches their real needs.
