This guide will provide an outline of the steps in a website design and development project. This list is not meant to be all-encompassing and your project may have needs that are not specifically addressed in this guide.
Planning Phase
Information Gathering
If you have not already done so, please take some time to think about your new website.
- Why are you considering a new website?
- What do you want your new website to accomplish? For example:
- Will the site be an informational/educational site?
- Will the site be an e-commerce site?
- Will there be revenue streams from the website (i.e. advertising)
- Will there be an RSS feed(s) on the website?
- Will the site have a blog?
- What do you like about your current website (if applicable)
- What do you dislike about your current website
- Do you have an idea how you would like your new website to look?
- Do you have color preferences?
- Do you want streaming music/video on your website?
- Do you want photo galleries on your website?
- Do you need any special functionality or interactivity with your visitors (i.e. newsletter signup, guestbook)?
Write your “answers” down. The more information you can provide us, the easier the process will be. Be as detailed as possible.
Pre-Design
As you begin to provide us with information, we will begin to understand what you expect from your new website. This is why it is so important to be as detailed as possible. We will undoubtedly have and ask many questions as we approach the very interactive design phase.
Once we have a complete understanding of your needs and desires, we will prepare a flat-fee quote.
At the end of the planning phase, after we have come to an agreement on everything relating to your website, we will present you with a development contract to review and sign. Once we receive the signed contract, we will enter into the design phase.
Design / Development Phase
Design
The design process is very interactive and you can expect us to be in close contact with you throughout this phase. Based upon the information you provide us, discussions that we have, and scheduled design meetings, we will begin to actually design your website. The first design steps will generally be in the form of storyboard drawings and sketches that provide a rough draft and outline of your website and/or any animation sequences. As we progress through the design process we will continually provide samples for you to review and approve.
Throughout the process, you will have the opportunity to review and approve progress. The process will not stop until you are completely satisfied with the look and functionality of your new website.
Development
In the Development process we turn the design drawings into an actual website. We write the HTML, create any Flash animations, write the CSS code to achieve the desired look, and program functionality for your website. There is typically no clear transition point between the design and development phases as coding often begins while still clearly in the design process to demonstrate functionality or a specific look.
All of the pages that make up your website are created. Navigation links are coded and tested. A site map is created (strongly recommended for any site with over ten pages), and any forms are created. We recommend an email form to allow your visitors to email you when their personal computer or email client is unavailable, such as from work or school.
You will continue to have the opportunity to review and approve progress throughout the development phase.
Completion Phase
Testing
Your website is tested on multiple operating systems and web browsers to verify cross-browser compatibility and insure proper display and functionality.
We optimize your website for search engines. We set and/or adjust META tags, Page Titles, Alt Image Tags, and Links throughout your website. We verify there are no broken or dead links.
Grammar and spelling are checked throughout your website.
All forms and programming scripts are checked for proper operation.
Publish
Prior to publication, you will have the opportunity to give final approval of the website.
After your written approval of the website, we upload all website files and scripts to your domain. Databases are setup as necessary and e-commerce functions, blogs, RSS feeds, etc., are verified (if part of the website).
Initial website testing was performed on our servers. It is critical that all functions be tested again after the website is online on your host servers. Proper operation of all scripts and forms is once again verified online.
Completion
After your website is published and all the testing is completed, we provide you with a disc containing all the website files. When necessary, you are provided with any help files, documentation, or instruction manuals pertaining to your website (shopping cart administration, store administration, blog administration, etc.) in PDF format.
Your website is submitted to all the major search engines.
Minor changes and modifications are included for up to four weeks after publication of your website. Minor changes are defined as changing or adding text, changing or adding pictures, etc. Major website revisions will require discussion and may incur additional costs.
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