Start with a visitor action
For each page, define the audience, their request and the next step: phone call, form, reservation or purchase. Record where the enquiry goes and who handles it. If advertising is required, agree on landing pages and measurable events right away so you don't have to redo the structure after launch.
Continue with: Advertising landing pages: a pre-launch checklist.
Separate content and features
Make a list of pages, languages, forms, integrations and templates. For texts, photos and translations, indicate the person responsible and the date of completion. Check the choice of theme on a real long title, table and mobile form. Paid plugins, annual licenses and hosting are discussed separately from development.
Continue with: Hourly development: estimates, rates and acceptance.
Determine how to accept the result
The criteria must be valid: the editor can independently change the text, the form delivers the request, the mobile menu works, old URLs are redirected, important pages have metadata. Add a list of included edits and the procedure for approving new features to the estimate. Base prices help to orientate; the final volume is fixed before the start.
Is it possible to choose a theme after starting work?
It is possible if the structure and functions are already defined. Changing the theme after layout and configuration of plugins may require re-adaptation and checks.