Table of Contents

1. Who is this Website Markup Guide for?
2. What is a Website Markup?
3. What is a Website Markup Tool?
4. Why Should I Use a Website Markup Tool?
5. What's the Easiest Way to Get Feedback on Websites Quickly?
6. What Features Does a Good Website Markup Tool Have?
7. What are the Best Website Markup Tools?
8. What are the Common Mistakes in Website Markup Workflows?
9. Which Website Markup Tool is Best for Agencies?
10. FAQs About Website Markups

Key Takeaways (TL;DR)

• Most website projects fail in the feedback stage, not development because messy client feedback causes delays, rework, and budget blowouts.
• Website markup means leaving visual feedback directly on live web pages, not passing screenshots and explanations back and forth.
• A dedicated website markup tool replaces email, Google Docs, PDFs, and Slack threads with a single source of truth for feedback.
• Point-and-click, on-page comments dramatically speed up review cycles by keeping feedback tied to the exact element and page.
• Automatic screenshots and technical details (URL, browser, OS, screen size) remove guesswork for developers.
• BugHerd is built for agency website markup workflows, combining client-friendly feedback, bug tracking, and a built-in task board.

Who is this Website Markup Guide for?

If you build, manage, or approve websites (especially in an agency), this guide is for you; including:

• Web agencies juggling multiple clients, rounds, and deadlines
• Web developers who need clear, actionable feedback (not guesswork)
• Designers who want fewer review loops and more pointed feedback
• Project managers trying to make sure that web development projects run smoothly and that clients are happy
• Clients and stakeholders who want an easy way to leave feedback without learning a new system

If your current website feedback process involves screenshots, long email threads, or random comments in Google Docs… you’re in the right place.

What is a Website Markup?

A website markup is the practice of leaving website feedback directly on a website or a web page by clicking on the exact spot where an issue occurs, and adding comments a comment. Website markups are best made using a website markup tool as they keep feedback connected to the page, rather than reviewers having to take manual screenshots, or describe issues via email, or Google Docs.

Sometimes the term can be confusing and can be interpreted in two different ways:  

• Website markup (for web development collaboration) = visual feedback on websites and pages
• Markup (for developers) = HTML markup and code structure.

In this guide, “website markup” means the feedback workflow where users leave feedback on websites in context so that teams can implement changes.

What is a Website Markup Tool?

A website markup tool is a tool that lets you leave feedback directly on a website by clicking on the page and adding a comment exactly where the issue is.

So instead of writing “the button looks wrong” in an email (and attaching a manual screenshot), you can:

• open the web page (usually staging or live)
• click the exact element (button, headline, image, form, spacing, etc.)
• add a comment like “make this button bigger” or “this text needs updating”

Most good website markup tools also capture the extra context your team needs automatically, like the URL, browser, operating system, screen size, and a screenshot, so developers don’t have to chase people for details.

A website markup tool helps teams and clients give clear, visual feedback on websites, and it keeps all that feedback organised so it’s easier to fix things fast.

Why Should I Use a Website Markup Tool?

You should use a website markup tool because it makes website feedback clear, fast, and impossible to miss.

Most website feedback workflows still rely on screenshots, email threads, Google Docs, PDFs, and ad-hoc comments or random Slack messages. Leaving feedback through these traditional channels often leads to confusion and complete inefficiency, as messages get lost and context is missing. … and then your team spends more time figuring out what people mean than actually fixing anything. Pages change, screenshots get outdated, and suddenly nobody’s sure which version is the “right” one.

A website markup tool solves that by keeping feedback on the page, in context, and organized.

Instead of chasing screenshots, decoding emails, and guessing what someone meant, your team can review the site in context and get changes done quicker.

Here’s what a website feedback tool fixes straight away:

1.  It keeps feedback on the page (where it belongs)

People can click the exact spot on the website and leave a comment right there. No more “the thing near the bottom” messages.

It removes back-and-forth questions

Good markup tools automatically capture the important stuff (like the URL, screenshot, browser, and screen size), so developers don’t have to ask for extra details every time.

It stops feedback from getting scattered

Everything stays in one place instead of being spread across email, Slack, Google Docs, PDFs, and random screenshots.

It makes review rounds way faster

When everyone can see what’s open, what’s resolved, and what’s already been said, reviews don’t drag on for weeks.

It’s easier for clients to use

Clients don’t need to learn project management software just to give input. They can simply click, comment, and move on.

In short: a website markup tool saves time, reduces confusion, and helps your team ship websites faster with fewer revisions.

Bottom line: screenshot + email markup doesn’t scale. It creates confusion, slows delivery, and makes website reviews way harder than they need to be.

What's the Easiest Way to Get Feedback on Websites Quickly?

The easiest way to get feedback on websites quickly is to make sure you're using the right website feedback tool.  But before you do that, it's important to establish your the project workflow, determine exactly when you'll be requiring feedback, who will be providing the feedback, and how it will be managed.

Step 1: Get alignment before anyone starts building

Before you touch design or code, make sure everyone agrees on what you’re making and how feedback will collected and managed.

• Lock in the goal of the project (new site, redesign, landing pages, etc.).
• Confirm who will be involved in the project.
• Confirm who’s approving what (so you don’t end up with 12 “final decision makers”).
• Decide where feedback lives (hint: not email and not messy Google Docs threads).
• Pick a single review tool early — BugHerd is great here because it’s built for client-friendly, on-page feedback, and integrates deeply with project management tools.

This step can be tedious, but it’s what stops the project from turning into chaos later.

Step 2:  Map the site and rough in the layout

Now you need to set up the structure so the team isn’t guessing what pages are needed.

• Outline the main pages and navigation.
• Sketch quick wireframes to work out layout and hierarchy.
• Do a content sweep: what stays, what needs updating, what’s being written from scratch

If an agency skips this part, the build usually ends up with scope creep and rushed decisions right before launch.  Using a tool such as Figma is great because you can collaborate with your clients and get them to leave feedback right within the Figma file.

Step 3: Get feedback on your web design

Once the structure is clear, you can design the site and invite your clients to provide feedback on the design.  Using BugHerd you can upload an image or a PDF, send your clients a link, and they can start marking up changes right away.  No login required.  Other tools that can be used for feedback on designs include Ziflow and Zeplin.

Step 4: Set up a staging site and get feedback on web pages (this is a big one)

Instead of collecting feedback through random screenshots and scattered messages, run review rounds directly on the staging site using a website markup tool like BugHerd.

• Clients click on the page and leave feedback exactly where they see an issue.
• The team gets visual feedback that actually makes sense.
• Comments stay tied to the right page and the right element.
• Nothing gets lost across tools or inboxes.

This is also where agencies get faster approvals, because clients feel confident giving feedback when it’s so easy.

Step 5: Receive ongoing feedback even after the project is completed

Once your website is live, make sure users are able to give you feedback on a continual basis so that your website is always bug free, accurate and up-to-date.

BugHerd's Public Feedback feature is 'always on' and enables your website visitors to leave feedback at any time.  No login is required.  Visitors just comment on an issue and click send.  All feedback flows straight to an inbuilt Kanban task board in BugHerd, helping you keep on top of changes.

What Features Does a Good Website Markup Tool Have?

A good website markup tool should make it super easy for clients to leave clear feedback on a website, and just as easy for your team to turn that feedback into action without chasing extra info.

Here are the key features to look for:

1) Point-and-click comments on live web pages

A good tool lets you click anywhere on a website and pin feedback to the exact element. That way comments stay tied to the page, not floating around in email threads.

2) Automatic screenshots with every comment

Each piece of feedback should come with an automatic screenshot, so developers and designers can instantly see what the reviewer saw (without asking for proof or context).

3) Technical details captured automatically

This is a big one. Every comment should automatically include things like:

• the page URL
• browser
• operating system
• screen size / viewport

4) A built-in task board

The best tools turn feedback into tasks tasks that your team can manage.
Look for a simple board view (like a Kanban-style workflow) so you can track what’s to do / in progress / done.

5) Clear assignments and priorities

You should be able to assign feedback to the right person and set a priority level, so teams don’t waste time fixing low-impact stuff first.

6) No login for clients

Clients should be able to leave feedback without jumping through hoops.
Guest access or simple invites are important so feedback doesn’t slow down approvals.

7) Support for multiple file types (not just websites)

It’s a huge plus if the tool can also collect feedback on things like:

• design files (e.g. prototypes)
• images
• PDFs

Because real projects usually involve more than just web pages.

8) Integrations with the tools your team already uses

A good markup tool should plug into your existing workflow — like project management, bug tracking, and team chat — so your dev team isn’t forced to copy and paste feedback manually.

Bonus features that are nice to have:

These aren’t always required, but they’re genuinely helpful depending on your team:

9) Video or screen recording for tricky issues

Some bugs are hard to capture in a screenshot (hover states, animation glitches, weird scrolling issues). Built-in video recording makes those issues way easier to understand.

10) Scrolling screenshots for long pages

Great for long landing pages, where the issue isn’t visible “above the fold.”

11) Duplicate detection or comment merging

In agency reviews, multiple people often report the same issue.
A feature that helps merge duplicates saves time and keeps the task board clean.

12) Approval and sign-off mode

If you run formal client approvals, having a “sign off” step or round-based approval tracking can make life easier.

What are the Best Website Markup Tools?

What are the Common Mistakes in Website Markup Workflows?

Even the best website markup workflows can fall apart if the wrong tools or processes are in place. From unclear website feedback to inefficient review cycles, these mistakes slow down web development teams and frustrate clients. Below are the most common pitfalls, and how to avoid them to keep your visual feedback process clear, scalable, and effective.

1. Lacking a structured review process

An unstructured review process leads to missed comments, duplicated work, and endless revisions. If feedback isn’t organized or prioritized, progress stalls. Choose a markup tool with a built-in task board so every comment includes context, ownership, and status. A structured system keeps teams aligned and ensures nothing slips through the cracks.

2. Relying on Google Docs for website feedback

Google Docs works well for documents, but it’s a poor fit for reviewing web pages. Clients struggle to explain which page, element, or screen size they’re referring to, and teams are left guessing.
Instead of forcing website feedback into Google Docs, use annotation tools designed for live websites. With tools like BugHerd, users can add comments directly to web pages, eliminating ambiguity and speeding up the revision process.

3. Making It Hard for Clients to Leave Feedback on Live Websites

If clients can’t leave feedback directly on live websites, you’re adding friction to the process. Requiring registration or extra steps discourages participation and delays reviews.
The best website markup tools let clients add comments directly on the page—no login required—making it easy to collect feedback in context and move projects forward faster.

4. Using the wrong website markup tool

Trying to juggle website markup, bug tracking, and client feedback across disconnected feedback tools (or relying on email alone) creates chaos fast. When comments, screenshots, and tasks live in different places, teams waste time hunting for context instead of fixing issues.
A dedicated markup tool that centralizes website feedback, visual feedback, and task management in one place is essential. Tools like BugHerd combine markup, bug tracking, and a task board so every comment becomes actionable.

5. Ignoring different devices, browsers, and screen sizes

Feedback that doesn’t account for different devices, browsers, or operating systems often misses critical bugs. Issues that appear on mobile or specific screen sizes can easily be overlooked.
A strong website markup workflow captures metadata automatically so teams understand exactly where and how an issue occurred.

Which Website Markup Tool is Best for Agencies?

BugHerd is best for collecting client feedback on live websites because clients can point, click, and add comments directly on pages, while BugHerd takes screenshots, captures the browser, operating system, screen size, and URL as data, and turns every comment into a task to manage on a task board. It’s ideal for agencies and web teams who want faster approvals and fewer review rounds. It is less suited for teams that only review design files and never need on-page context.

BugHerd also offers a chrome extension via the Chrome Web Store that supports visual feedback and bug tracking tool workflows for websites.

Who is BugHerd designed for?

BugHerd is designed for agencies, creative teams, and web development teams managing multiple client websites.  It's also designed for project managers who want a client‑friendly project management system that turns client feedback straight into tasks so that they can be easily managed and actioned.

What are the key features of BugHerd?

The key features of BugHerd are:

• Visual point‑and‑click markups tied to exact elements on a web page.​ Clients and stakeholders simply use the arrow icon to click directly on any element and drop a pin/comment (like sticky notes on a page).
• Capture feedback via video and leave feedback on multi-step interactions, animations, and anything else that’s difficult-to-describe with written words alone.
• Automatic screenshot & tech details captured with browser, OS, URL, screen size, resolution, etc.
• Task tracking via a built‑in Kanban board to assess, assign, prioritize, and action feedback.   BugHerd also keeps clients updated by allowing them access to the task board (you determine the level of access), for real time visibility, especially on critical issues.

• BugHerd has deep two-way integrations with all project management tools such as ClickUp, monday.com, Asana, Trello, Jira and more; as well as supporting integrations with collaboration tools like Slack & Microsoft Teams, and developer tools like GitHub. BugHerd also has a fully featured API and Webhook support enabling custom integrations with any application.
• No client login required.  Clients and stakeholders are sent a link and they can start leaving feedback right away without having to set up a login.

How much does BugHerd cost?

• Standard: $42/month (5 members - unlimited projects - unlimited guests)
• Studio: $67/month (10 members - unlimited projects - unlimited guests)
• Premium: $125/month (25 members - unlimited projects - unlimited guests)
• Custom: Custom pricing available for large teams

Find out more about what's included in each of the BugHerd pricing plans.

Does BugHerd offer a free trial?

BugHerd offers a free 7-day trial where you can check out all of the features. No credit card is required.

You can also book a 1:1 demo with a BugHerd product specialist where all of your questions will be answered on the spot.  

“Love the ease in which our clients can give feedback on our websites and request revisions.”  - Corinne F, Agency Owner, G2 review

FAQs About Website Markups

How do I provide feedback on websites without confusing the team?

To provide feedback without confusing the team, make sure to use a markup tool that pins comments to pages and captures the browser, operating system, screen size, and screenshots automatically, so the team can implement changes quickly.

What is the easiest way to collect feedback from clients?

The easiest way to collect feedback from clients is to use a markup tool that lets clients click on live websites to share feedback, because that reduces back-and-forth and keeps the review process organized.  BugHerd is the easiest website feedback tool for clients to use.

Which tool should I pick if I’m currently using Google Docs for site feedback?

If you're currently using Google Docs for website feedback, switch to using a website markup tool for on-page feedback, and keep Google Docs for copy drafts only. Google Docs is fine for writing, but it’s not built for visual feedback on pages.  BugHerd is easy to use for both clients and teams, and it is great value for money.

What is a bug tracking tool and how does it relate to on-page markup?

Some bug tracking tools are also great for on-page markups (eg. BugHerd).  They enable users to simply pin feedback right where an issue occurs on a web page.  Other tools simply help teams track issues through statuses and ownership, while on-page markup helps teams capture issues in context on the page. The best workflows combine both: markup to capture, and a task board to manage.  BugHerd is the perfect tool for both.

Is registration required for clients to share feedback?

It depends on the tool. Some tools allow guest links with no signup required, while others require an account. BugHerd does not require clients to start an account or log in.

What’s best for communicating design changes during web development?

The best way to communicate design changes during web development is to use on-page markup and visual feedback pinned to pages, so instructions are obvious and implementable.  BugHerd is great for both website feedback as well as design feedback.

“BugHerd’s intuitive visual feedback system eliminates guesswork, making website feedback and collaboration a breeze.” - BugHerd: An Honest Review - Medium