Most people are unaware of what kind of commitment it requires on their part when hiring a web designer. As much as anyone would like it to be, the fact of the matter is, it's not as simple as telling your designer what you want and then have it magically appear some time later. The bottom line is that it requires a significant amount of investment of time on your part as the client if you care about the end result (and what client doesn't?). So, here are some tips to make the process a little smoother and a lot less hectic for yourself.
1. Try to line things up for your slow season
Many businesses have a busy season. That's certainly no time to work on that huge site redesign or rebranding effort. If you're going to be busy dealing with your influx of leads, sales, etc., you'll likely have little time to give feedback in a reasonable amount of time. That will delay the progress your design team can make and delay when that site goes live or the 32-page catalog goes to print.
2. Be aware of the schedule
Sometimes you just get busy. It happens. If it does and you're at the beginning or middle of a project, be sure to take note of the project schedule. Every project has one, so make sure you're aware of when you're supposed to send in your copy, images or other content to the design team, or when they expect feedback from you.
3. Respond in a reasonable amount of time
This relates to #2: when it's time to give your feedback, be sure to do so in a reasonable amount of time. Waiting a week or 2 to tell your designer that you're not liking the direction of the whole thing not only will frustrate them, you're going to have delays. The quicker you can provide feedback, the more likely you'll get your project done by that deadline you gave at the beginning.
4. Don't wait to write your content last-minute
Clients will sometimes choose to write their own copy. That's fine and dandy, but don't wait until the last minute to do so. It's best to get a rough draft done early so that 1) your design team can see what kind of info you plan on having and 2) you can see the copy inserted into the design early on. Plus, if your design team spots anything that could really use some changing in order to help your site, there's a better chance that it'll be spotted early on rather than toward the launch date.
5. If you're going on vacation, say so
Yes, you deserve that 2-week long vacation; no one will argue that. But if it happens to fall during the course of a design project, it's always a good idea to let your designer know. That way, while you're away sipping margaritas by the shore, your design team can work on other parts of the project that don't require sign off or feedback.