the WEB design process

Everybody has one (even some peoples’ pets even have one). A website is an essential tool for business, but the creation and maintenance can seem like a mammoth task. In reality, it’s not so bad. Here’s a step-by-step guide of how we tackle web design projects.

STEP 1: planning
a . Comprehensive review of your existing website (if you already have one).
What works? What doesn’t? What features do you want to have? What content needs to change to address your client base, match current trends in web usage, or feature compelling marketing language? We go through every page of your existing website to evaluate the best way to arrange content, then…

b . site map proposal
…we lay it all out in an easy-to-read site map. This is a document that tells you what pages your website will have, and where they will go. A brief description will tell you what content lives on each page. Before any design begins, you have the opportunity to review the site map, and make sure that all essential information has a home.

c . design evaluation
That’s not quite enough information to get started creating a new website for you, however. We also need to know who you are, so we can tell others who you are. You will fill out a short marketing questionnaire, which gives us a basis for conceptualizing a design style that will exemplify your brand – for making a site that looks exactly like you think.

STEP 2: design concepts
Next, you receive static versions of your home page, and a few interior page designs. These will be the building blocks for the rest of your website. We ask that you take a thorough look, and have us get all of the details right where you want them before moving forward.

STEP 3: programming
Now your pages go off to that mystical land called ‘programming’ and when they return, they’re a functioning, fluid website. You can review those same initial pages online as they come together, see how they flow, click around, and view them on a tablet and mobile device to view the responsive features.

STEP 4: content insertion
Armed with a URL, you can check in on your pages any time you like. Each time, you will see more content and photos in place. Something not looking quite right? Don’t worry, we’re probably working on the page at that very moment. And that temporary URL is just for you – your customers won’t see a thing until you want them to. Your existing website will remain in place until the new one is complete and approved.

STEP 5: launch
Once you have reviewed and approved the entire finished website, you tell us when to launch. We like to aim for low-traffic times, because there may be a little down time. Sometimes the transition takes minutes, other times it takes hours or in rare cases, even a full day. Now it’s time for you to spread the word. Announce your new look to clients, send out eblasts, link it on social media…and wait for the clicks to come rolling in!