Web Design Process
Getting Started: ANALYZE and PLAN
It is critical to the success of your web site to carefully consider your goals and objectives. Before designing anything, you need to brainstorm and define the goals and purposes of the web site. For example, are you trying to promote a product or service, teach people a skill, drive people to your retail location?
Other important questions to answer include:
- Who is your target audience? Who will be using this site?
- What will the users (audience) do when they visit your site?
- What information or content is needed? How will you collect this information?
I will work with you to understand your business and help define your web site goals.
Once your goals are defined, I will prepare a proposal and price quote based upon the work involved.
Upon your approval, I will begin working on some web site mockups and defining the web site architecture (navigation).
Materials to be included in your web site should be submitted as soon as possible. Examples include: rate sheets, brochures, photos, documents with the company logo on them, etc. The sooner I have these materials, the sooner I can begin creating your site.
After discussing the mockup site(s) and answering any questions you may have, a design is decided upon and used as the basis for creating your web site.
I begin building your site with the home page. The Home Page is the most important page on your web site because of it's visibility and function. After the home page comes the secondary or sub-pages of the web site. These are created based on the earlier agreed upon design.
Quality assurance is a critical step in web site development. The site is tested to ensure functionality, consistency, and flow.
When you are ready, your site is made "live" and accessible to anyone on the web.
Once the site is live, you can begin any online or off-line marketing efforts to generate traffic to the site.
The #1 web site promotional method is Search Engine Marketing. Comprehensive search marketing involves paid placement, paid inclusion and organic search engine optimization. I am a Certified Search Engine Marketing Specialist and can help you successfuly promote your web site. Learn more about my search engine marketing services.
I am dedicated to exceeding your expectations in service, reliability, and professionalism. After your web site is completed, I will make minor* revisions for 30 days at no charge.
*Minor changes include text changes and other site updates. This does include the creation of new pages (restrictions do apply).
Payment
A deposit is due before I can begin working on your web site. This amount is subtracted from the final cost of your site. The balance of your payment is do upon completion of your site. For more details on pricing and rates, please consult my rates page.
Domain name and hosting
One of the most critical steps to the succes of your web site is the selection and purchase of your domain name. It is never too early to complete this step. Domain name registration and web site hosting fees are seperate from any design fees for your site. Learn more about my domain name services.
