How to write a website brief — template and examples
A good brief saves money and nerves: you get accurate prices, and the contractor understands exactly what needs to be done. Here is a template you can copy.
A project brief (also called a technical specification) is a document in which you describe the website you need. Don't be put off by the word "technical": a good brief from a customer is a clear description of the task, not program code.
Why you need a brief
- Contractors quote accurate prices instead of a wide range.
- You can compare quotes from different studios on the same terms.
- At the end of the project, it is clear what should have been delivered — fewer disputes at acceptance.
- Fewer "extra charges" for features nobody remembered to agree on.
What to include in the brief
1. About the company and the website's goal
Briefly: what you do, who your customers are and why you need the website. For example: "We sell building materials in Dushanbe and want to receive wholesale supply requests from construction companies."
2. Website structure
List the pages: home, about the company, catalog, product page, delivery, contacts. If there is an example website you like, share the link and explain what exactly you like about it.
3. Features
What the website should be able to do: a request form, a cost calculator, online payments, a customer account, search, filters, several languages, integration with a CRM or 1C.
4. Design
Whether you have a logo and brand identity. Which colors and mood you want. Links to 2–3 websites you like visually.
5. Content
Who prepares the texts, photos and translation. How many products or services need to be published at launch.
6. Technical requirements
If you have preferences: a specific CMS, hosting, mobile adaptation (always needed), loading speed, basic SEO setup.
7. Timeline and budget
When you need the website and what budget you are considering. An honest budget helps the contractor propose a realistic option.
8. What is included in project handover
Access to the website and hosting, editing instructions, the warranty support period and transfer of rights.
A brief template you can copy
- Company: …
- Website goal: …
- Target audience: …
- Pages: home, …
- Features: request form, …
- Languages: Russian, Tajik …
- Design: logo yes / no; websites we like: …
- Content: we prepare the texts / we need a copywriter; photos …
- Integrations: CRM, Telegram, payments …
- Timeline: launch by …
- Budget: up to … somoni
- After launch: support needed / not needed
Common mistakes
- "Make it beautiful and modern" — everyone has a different idea of "beautiful". Give examples.
- No priorities. Mark what is required for launch and what can be added later.
- A hidden budget. If you don't state a budget, you will get quotes that fit neither your price nor your scope.
- A 30-page brief for a landing page. One or two pages of text are enough for a small website.
Where to send the brief to contractors
On GHOST.TJ, a request is essentially a short brief. Paste the text from the template into the request description, and verified companies will send quotes with prices, timelines and a milestone plan. Contractors can ask questions directly in the request conversation.