Planning a website is like planning a movie. You need to know the story before you build the scenes. That is where a storyboard helps.
In web design, a storyboard helps you visualize the steps a visitor takes on your website. It helps you plan the user’s journey before you start designing, from the moment they land on your website to the moment they take the action you’ve designed for them. At Gray Coyote Digital, a Houston-based agency serving clients across the U.S., we rely on storyboards to create user experiences that feel intuitive, polished, and purposeful.
Let’s take a closer look at how storyboards work and how you can create one for your next project.
What Is a Storyboard in Web Design?
A storyboard is a set of simple sketches or frames that map out each step a user takes on your website. It tells the story of how someone will use and interact with your site, from start to finish.
Just like in movies, each frame of the storyboard shows what the users see, what they click, and what happens next. You can hand-draw these steps with a pen and paper or use design tools. What matters most is mapping out the user’s path before any real design begins.
Some key elements of a web storyboard:
- Frames/panels to illustrate each page or screen state.
- Arrows show navigation paths and decision points.
- Notes that describe interactions, copy, or functionality.
Why Use a Storyboard for Websites?
There are many good reasons why a storyboard matters in web design:
- It helps you plan your website before you build it.
- It visualizes how people will move from one page to another.
- It reveals problems early, like dead ends, endless loops, or needless steps.
- It makes collaborating with your team easier to share ideas.
- It saves time and money during the design phase.
Ultimately, a well-crafted storyboard becomes your project’s guide for shaping decisions, aligning teams, and ensuring your website delivers the experience users expect. It brings clarity and direction to your web project, long before any pixels hit the screen, making it easier to design with purpose and build with confidence.
Storyboard vs Wireframe: What’s the Difference?
Some people mix up storyboards and wireframes. Both are tools that help you plan, but they are not the same.
- A storyboard focuses on the steps a user takes. It tells the story.
- A wireframe focuses on the layout and visual hierarchy. It maps what the site looks like.
It is best to use a storyboard first, nailing down the user’s journey. Then, you can move to wireframes once the direction is clear.
When Should You Use a Storyboard?
You should use a storyboard at the very beginning of your project. It is most helpful during the planning stage, especially:
- Outlining a direction before starting any design processes
- When mapping out key user experiences and core functionalities
- Helping guide wireframes and mockup creation
A well-crafted storyboard keeps everyone aligned and makes the whole process easier and smoother.
How to Create a Storyboard for Web Design
You don’t need to be an artist to create a storyboard. Follow these simple steps:
1. Define Your Goals
What do you want users to do on your site? What actions should they take? Do you want them to book a call, buy a product, or fill out a form? Start there.
2. Know Your Audience
Think about who is using your site. Create user profiles or personas. What do they need? What problems are they trying to solve?
3. Break down the Journey
List each major step the user takes. For example:
- They land on your homepage
- They click “Services.”
- They read about your offer
- They fill out a form
4. Sketch Each Frame
Draw one frame for each step. It doesn’t need to be anything fancy; even stick figures and boxes will work. Use arrows to show how users move from one frame to the next.
5. Add Notes
Write short notes next to each frame. Describe interactions and explain what happens on each page or screen.
6. Review and Update
Share your storyboard with your team, gather feedback, and refine until the flow feels smooth.
Tools You Can Use
Whether you prefer analog or digital, pick a tool that fits your workflow:
- Pen and paper
- Figma
- Adobe XD
- Miro
- StoryboardThat
Pick the one that works best for you and your team.
Example of a Website Storyboard
Let’s say you own a small bakery and your goal is to get online orders.
Your storyboard might look like this:
- Homepage frame: Hero image/banner with a “Shop Now” button.
- Product list frame: Grid of product thumbnails with prices.
- Product detail frame: Photos, description, quantity selector, “Add to Cart”.
- Cart frame: Order summary and “Checkout” button.
- Checkout frame: Address and payment form, “Purchase” button.
- Confirmation frame: Thank you message and order confirmation number.
Each step is a simple drawing with notes about what the user sees or clicks. It shows the full journey from start to finish.
Tips for Better Storyboards
Here are a few extra tips for making better storyboards:
- Keep it simple: It doesn’t have to look pretty, as long as it conveys the user’s journey.
- Focus on the user journey: Make sure you understand what the user’s end goal will be, from start to finish.
- Show decision points: Include alternative paths, and understand that not all users are the same.
- Get feedback early: Run internal review sessions to make sure everyone is on board and to help find any weak points.
- Update your storyboard as things change: As feedback comes in or requirements change, make sure to update the storyboard accordingly.
A well-crafted storyboard lays the foundation for a website that feels intuitive and meets business goals and user expectations. They are a great first step in the web design and development processes. At Gray Coyote Digital, we guide clients through the process to ensure clarity, alignment, and efficiency from day one.
Ready to plan a website that truly resonates with your audience? Contact us to help bring our story to life.
