Many clients have
asked us how the custom website design process actually works and
what happens throughout the website design process. This document
explains the process from start to finish and gives you an idea of
what you could expect when working with us. This is just a
guideline, your development project may have needs that are not
addressed here.
Decision / Planning Phase
If you have not already done so, you will want to take some time to
think about what you wish to accomplish with your new website.
Determine if you will need any special functionality or
interactivity with your visitors; consider the type of design style
which appeals to you and then be sure to let us know.
Analysis
Based on the information you provided when requesting your website
design quote, we attempt to determine your needs, what you are
expecting from your website, and try to get a feel for your
industry. This is why it is important for you to be as detailed as
possible when requesting your quote. We may have questions for you
to help clarify certain issues and we will express those before
quoting on your project.
Website Development Contract
Once we have come to an agreement on project details, timeline and
price, we will prepare an online website development contract for
you to review and submit. After submitting your contract you'll be
taken to our secure online payment area where you can pay the first
half of the agreed upon website costs.
Initial Deposit, Balance and Start Date
The contract and 50% deposit is required before we schedule a time
slot for your project. The remainder of your balance will be due
upon project completion. Once we have received your 50% deposit and
contract we will provide you with your project start date. All
projects are scheduled on a “first come, first served” basis.
Domain name registration
If needed, we will immediately secure your desired domain name
(pending availability) and include the first year of service. The
domain is registered in your name with your information and contact
details. After the first year, the registrar will contact you to
renew the domain name at under $10 per year.
Website Hosting
If you had requested hosting services, your hosting would be setup
and your new domain pointed to the hosting server. We would setup
your email accounts and provide information for setting up Outlook
or email forwarding. All our hosting accounts include your own
control panel with tools such as website statistics and much more.
For pricing and hosting details see our
hosting page.
Graphic Design
Phase / Project Start
Upon receipt of your deposit and contract, we will email you to confirm receipt of your
deposit/contract, give you our direct contact information and
possibly provide a list of items which will be needed from you over
the course of development.
You will need to supply all text and/or product information to be
included on your website pages. In addition, you may also supply
material such as company logo, personal photos, etc, if desired.
If you have any example website you would like us to refer to when
designing your site or if you have any preference as to colors,
style, etc., please offer that information as well.
For E-Commerce sites that require us to enter products for you, we
will need you to supply the following: Product Name, Unique Product
ID Number, Product Description, Options (if any – size, color, etc),
Price, Approximate Weight, Number in Stock, as well as the product
photos named in correspondence with the Product ID Number.
All of the above information should be supplied after submitting
your contract but before the agreed start date for your website.
Your Website Design
Your designer will develop the main page of your website. The page
is placed online into a test folder and your designer will email you
to review the design. In most cases the designer has a very good
idea of what you want so you'll be pleased with the design. You can
elect to have changes made at this time. If for any reason you're
not happy with the design, your designer will either make changes or
even start a new design if necessary. After you have reviewed and
approved your website design we will continue with the interior
pages. In most cases we will be able to provide your completed
website within one week following your start
date if we have all your text and information to complete the
website.
Site Content
Incorporation of your logo, photos and text content is included in
all projects. Custom logo design is available for an additional fee,
please inquire if interested.
Professional Stock Photography
All projects include use of professional stock photography images
from our current collection to help establish site theme, if needed.
You may also provide us with images you may want on your website.
Response Forms / Email Contact Forms
We always recommend at least one contact form for your visitor’s
convenience. Using a contact form, a visitor can email you directly
from your website without needing to open their email program. This
is especially convenient if a visitor is not using their own
computer when their email program is not available.
Search Engine Optimization
Meta tags, page titles, keywords, etc., are placed into the source
code of your website. These are hidden tags that search engine
robots use to determine where to place your website into the search
engine indexing. At no time can we guarantee when or where the
search engines will place your website within their search results
or directory.
Forms / Programming
Any email contact forms and/or programming features included in your
project are tested to confirm they are functioning as required.
Launch Website
All necessary website files and scripts are copied to your domain
and databases are setup.
Error Testing
After the website is live, any interactive programming and scripts
are tested to verify proper function. Since the design and testing
phase often occurs on a different server, it is very important to
once again verify that everything is working correctly after taking
the website live.
Final Payment
Final payment will be deducted from your credit card after the
website is online, tested and approved by you.
Instructions & Documentation
When necessary, any documentation needed to use the administration
functions of your website will be emailed to you or sometimes it may
be necessary to discuss this by telephone.
Search Engine Submission
Hand submission and automated search engine submission occurs after
launching, testing and fixing any issues there may have been.
Minor Adjustments / Changes
Minor adjustments to the website are included at no charge for up to
30 days after the website has launched. Minor changes include
changing text, adding or changing photos, etc. Any major revision
requests will require additional discussion and possibly incur a
fee. |
