Website Shenanigans: How to Plan for Drama-Free Web Design

Even if you are not super tech savvy, let me say this loud for the sistahs in the back: Just because you’re not a tech whiz doesn’t mean you can’t have a fabulous, high-performing website that drives traffic, builds an email list, and converts visitors into loyal customers.
Don’t worry, Sis. Here are the steps to prepare, plan, and protect yourself from website drama.

Set Yourself Up for a Drama-Free Process
Prepare Your Content
Collaborate Effectively with Web Designers
Post-Launch Investments
Take the Next Step

Website Nightmares: Let’s Conquer Them
Set Yourself Up for a Drama-Free Process
Prepare Your Content
Collaborate Effectively with Web Designers
Post-Launch Investments
Take the Next Step

Website Nightmares: Let’s Conquer Them

Black women entrepreneurs are more likely to have less resources for marketing and advertising on social media. So building a website to get organic traffic and conversions is even more important when you’re operating on a budget. Building and managing a website doesn’t have to be a horror story. But if you’ve been burned before—or are worried about what might go wrong—here are some common nightmares and how to avoid them:

Your site gets hacked.
You can’t make quick edits to your content.
You don’t have back-end access to make changes.
Communication gaps with your web designer leave you frustrated.
You overpay for an unfinished or unsatisfactory project.
Your designer ghosts you.

Set Yourself Up for a Drama-Free Process

So before you dive into building your website, let’s set the stage for a smooth, drama-free experience. Here are the steps you need to take to stay in control and avoid unnecessary headaches:

Own Your Accounts
Here’s the commitment I need you to make: Own all your accounts and have admin access to everything. That includes your domain name, hosting account, CMS (content management system), and payment details for any plugins or services. Your website is your property—don’t leave critical access in someone else’s hands.
Clarify How Your Website Will Make You Money
Don’t approach your site with a vague plan—get specific. Be clear about the traffic you want to attract, the conversions you’re targeting, and the interactions you need with visitors. Know your website’s role in your business strategy. For example:
- Will you use pop-ups for lead generation?
- Do you need live chat for real-time customer service?
- Are trust badges or lead magnets key to boosting conversions?
Create Organized Folders for Content
Start with a designated space to gather all your materials—logos, photos, and your brand story. Use tools like Google Drive or Dropbox to keep everything tidy. For even more efficiency, access the Website Planning Trello Board in the Sistahbiz Suite App to stay organized. Move high-quality images, timeless service descriptions, and your mission statement into these folders before the site-building begins. This preparation will help keep your website professional and engaging.
Open Accounts and Store Passwords Securely
Take ownership of essential services like hosting, domain registration, and SSL certificates. Sign up for these yourself so you retain full control. Use tools like LastPass or another password manager to securely store your login details. Don’t forget to claim your Google My Business profile and set up payment processors like PayPal or Stripe to ensure your website is ready for business transactions.
If you’re exploring platforms to build your website, this PCMag guide to website builders is a reliable resource for comparing options. Whether you choose WordPress, Wix, or another platform, ensure it aligns with your business’s needs and goals.

Prepare Your Content

Before you start building your website, having your content organized and ready to go is crucial. This will save time, reduce stress, and ensure your site is professional, cohesive, and optimized for growth. Here’s what you need to focus on:

SEO Keywords
Start by identifying the keywords your target audience is searching for. These should reflect your business’s core services, products, or niche. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest to research relevant terms, and organize them by priority. Your SEO keywords will guide your content strategy, helping your site rank higher in search engines.
Copy for Each Page
Write or gather copy for every page of your website, including:
- Homepage: A strong headline, clear value proposition, and calls to action (CTAs).
- About Page: Share your brand story, mission, and what sets you apart.
- Services/Products Page: Include detailed descriptions, benefits, and CTAs.
- Contact Page: Make it easy for visitors to reach you with simple forms, email, or phone details.
Evergreen Content (Blogs)
Plan for blog posts that remain relevant over time. These could include how-to guides, industry tips, or answers to common customer questions. Blogging boosts SEO and positions you as an expert in your field. Make a list of evergreen topics and outline them before launching your site.
Lead Magnet Content
Lead magnets are valuable, free resources you offer in exchange for an email address, such as an ebook, checklist, or template. Prepare this content in advance and plan where it will appear on your site—whether as a pop-up, landing page, or sidebar feature.
Images
High-quality visuals are essential for a polished website. Ensure all images are optimized for web use to prevent slowing down your site. Organize:
- Professional headshots and team photos.
- Product images or service-related visuals.
- Stock images that align with your brand.
- Infographics or custom designs to illustrate key points.
Bios
Craft professional yet relatable bios for yourself and your team. Highlight your experience, expertise, and unique qualities. Use a tone that reflects your brand—friendly, approachable, or authoritative. These bios can go on your About page or individual team pages.

Collaborate Effectively with Web Designers

Outsourcing your website can be a game-changer, but to get the best results, approach this relationship strategically:

Choose the Right Designer
Look for designers with solid portfolios and glowing reviews. Review at least 3-5 of their previous sites to ensure their style aligns with your vision. Choose someone you enjoy working with and who communicates effectively. Your designer should listen to your requests, understand your goals, and align with your vision, while also bringing their expertise and creativity to the table.
Match Their Expertise to Your Needs
Ensure your designer specializes in the type of website you need. For example, a long-form sales page for a service-based business is very different from a Shopify store. Avoid mismatches—don’t hire a “WordPress guy” for a Shopify site or vice versa.
Document Expectations Clearly
Communicate your vision clearly and put everything in writing, including deadlines, deliverables, and any specific features you need for conversions. This will help avoid misunderstandings later.
Prepare Your Materials
Have your branding and content files ready before the project begins—logos, photos, copy, and any other assets. Be prepared to quickly provide access to platforms they need to complete the work efficiently.
Agree on Payment Terms
If you don’t know the designer well or don’t have a strong recommendation, avoid paying in full upfront. Opt for milestone payments, such as partial payments midway through the project, and the remainder upon satisfactory completion.
Review and Understand the Contract
Always have a contract in place. Read it carefully and make sure you understand the terms, including:
- Refund policies
- Project cancellation fees or terms
- How conflicts will be handled
Ask Questions and Take Your Time
Don’t rush the process. Ask as many questions as you need to fully understand what you’re getting into and ensure you’re confident in your choice.
Collect Examples You Love:
Find 4-5 websites that inspire you to share with your developer. Note any elements – colors, navigation, and layout – that you prefer (or dislike) and be ready to communicate your preferences to your designer.
Ask for a Page Builder
Ensure your web designer uses a page builder or CMS that allows you to make updates easily after the site is complete. Options like Elementor, Divi, Beaver Builder, or the built-in Shopify editor let you edit content, images, and layouts without needing to rely on your designer for every tweak. This gives you more independence and ensures your site remains manageable over time.

Post-Launch Investments

After your website is live, the work doesn’t stop there. A successful website requires ongoing care and attention. Here’s what to focus on post-launch:

Learn Your Backend
Take the time to familiarize yourself with the back end of your website. Invest in learning how to manage basic tasks, like updating content, checking analytics, and understanding plugins or SEO strategies. It’s okay to learn at your own pace, but make it a priority. Every step you take builds your confidence and becomes an investment in your business’s growth and sustainability.
Prioritize Maintenance
A well-maintained website is essential for smooth operations. Consider paying for a webmaster or subscribing to a maintenance plan. This ensures someone is regularly:
- Checking for and applying updates.
- Managing plugins.
- Troubleshooting mishaps or handling small requests.

Regular maintenance protects your website from potential vulnerabilities and keeps it running efficiently, allowing you to focus on growing your business. When you buy a car, you change the tires, get oil changes, etc. Your website is an asset that also requires care.

Take the Next Step

Sistahbiz is here to help you get started. Inside the Sistahbiz member platform, The Suite, you’ll find tools to plan and optimize a website that works for your business. From planning checklists to expert-led workgroups, our tools and resources make it simple to succeed.