1. Define the minimum content model
List the pages and repeatable content types needed in the first year: services, case studies, articles, team profiles, locations or products. This reveals whether a simple page builder is enough.
- Homepage and primary conversion page
- One repeatable content type
- Contact or booking flow
- Required languages and markets
2. Build one real page
Use your actual copy, images, form fields and mobile layout. A template demo hides the small editing decisions your team will repeat every week.
3. Test the business workflow
Submit the form, book an appointment, publish an article and hand editing access to another person. Confirm where customer data goes and who receives each notification.
4. Price year two, not only month one
Include the plan, domain, email, extensions, transaction fees and outside help. Check renewal terms and the cost of adding editors or sites.
5. Record the route out
Document domain ownership, analytics access, content export and what would need rebuilding on another platform. Portability is easier to protect before launch.