So, you’ve decided to build your own website. Maybe you’re using a template, or maybe you’re starting from scratch. Either way, one thing’s for sure:
The blinking cursor is taunting you. Again.
Because building a site isn’t just dragging and dropping pretty things. It’s planning pages, writing words, gathering images, and figuring out what even goes where.
Let’s simplify the website planning process, especially if you’re a DIY-er who wants this to be functional and not melt your brain. You don’t need a fancy system. You just need a repeatable one.
Why Website Planning Needs a System (Especially for DIYers)
The biggest trap I see with DIY website projects? Getting stuck in the loop of “I’ll just wing it” and then hitting a wall.
How decision overload slows your launch
Here’s what that usually looks like:
- Designing your homepage before knowing what you’re even offering
- Getting lost in fonts and forgetting your contact form
- Creating a beautiful layout… with no content ready for it
Sound familiar?
This kind of disorganized DIY isn’t your fault. You’re trying to build something and figure it out at the same time. That’s where a system comes in – so you can build with confidence, not chaos.
The value of repeatable processes for small biz owners
A good website system means:
- You know what to work on (and in what order)
- You reuse your checklist with every new launch or update
- You spend less time thinking and more time doing
Planning once = peace of mind every time. Whether it’s your first site or your fourth.
The Step-by-Step Planning Checklist for DIY Websites
Let’s break it down into what you actually need to plan before you start building. Grab a doc, use my template (coming soon!), or just jot this down in a notebook.
Homepage must-haves
This is your welcome mat, not your full story.
Your DIY homepage should:
- Clearly say what you do and who you help
- Highlight 1–3 key offers or services
- Include a CTA (“Book Now,” “Browse Services,” “Get in Touch”)
- Have branding and messaging that feels like you
Keep it short, clear, and skimmable. Done is better than crammed.
What to include on your service pages
Each offer or service should have its own page (or section) that answers:
- What is this, and who is it for?
- What’s included?
- How does it work?
- How can someone book or contact you?
If you’re using a template, these can be pre-formatted for clarity. You just plug in your words. Think Mad Libs, but for booking clients.
Contact, About, and other essentials
Contact Page:
- Simple form
- Email/social options
- Reassure them: “I’ll reply within 48 hours,” etc.
About Page:
- Tell your story, but make it about the client’s journey too
- Add a photo and call-to-action (yep, even here)
Other nice-to-haves:
- Blog
- Testimonials
- Lead magnet/freebie opt-in
These can be added later, don’t let them block your launch.
Turn Your Workflow Into a Reusable System
This is where you stop starting from zero.
Save your planning guide as a template
Once you go through this process once, save it. Seriously.
Your next site refresh, new service launch, or mini sales page project? It’ll take half the time.
You can keep it in:
- Google Docs
- Notion
- A printable checklist
- Inside the instructions that come with your website template
How to tweak it for different projects
Templates are flexible. That’s why they work. You can:
- Skip pages you don’t need
- Add custom blocks for a course or podcast
- Adjust tone depending on your audience
You don’t need a brand-new plan every time. Just tweak what you’ve already built.
Using your checklist for rebrands or client sites
If you’re the go-to “tech friend” in your circle, this will make you a lifesaver. Share your planning guide with friends, clients, or collaborators.
Use it when:
- You’re helping someone else launch
- You’re rebranding your own biz
- You’re switching platforms
Planning Doesn’t Have to Be Hard (Even If You’re DIY-ing)
You’re building your own site because you’re scrappy, resourceful, and probably a little stubborn (in the best way). That’s amazing.
But you don’t have to figure it all out from scratch.
Keep it simple, clear, and repeatable
Write your content before you touch the design. Know what goes on each page. Then plug it into your template and go.
Planning like this helps you launch faster, feel less stressed, and avoid that “oh no, I forgot the contact form” moment at midnight.
Encourage consistency over perfection
Don’t get caught up trying to make everything perfect.
Instead:
- Make it clear
- Make it helpful
- Make it yours
That’s what your dream clients care about.
Curious about using AI to help write your website content? Grab my FREE AI Tip Sheet and get started the right way!
You’ve got this. And if the DIY part ever feels like too much, you know where to find me.
