Our clients sometimes ask us what actually happens throughout the website development process. This page outlines the typical 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.
Initial Contact
At the initial contact (which would typically be via phone or email) we will find out some basic information about your needs and expectations – and what you wish to achieve with your web site. Contact Us for a free site development guide which gives you an overview of some of the issues that you should be considering when looking at building (or re-designing) a web site.
Requirements Analysis
Following the initial contact we will arrange a meeting (or teleconference) to discuss in detail your specific requirements for a web site. This would preferably be face to face, but can also be undertaken very successfully via phone.
At this meeting we will find out more about your business – it’s important that we gain and understanding of your products/services so that we are better able to discuss the options and possibilities that a web site may be able to offer you.
We will talk about sites that you like, who your competitors are (and what they are doing on the web), design guidelines (including logos and colour schemes), site structure and layout options , and also discuss domain names and hosting.
As an outcome of this meeting we will have a pretty good idea about what your expectations are, and what you would like to achieve with your site.
Proposal & Quotation
As an outcome of our initial consultation and requirements analysis we will provide you with a proposal and formal quotation. Our proposal will contain a detailed description of your needs and our recommendations (including domain names and hosting if applicable). We will usually also provide an outline of the proposed site structure, design guidelines, and an indicative time scale.
The quotation will wherever possible, be a fixed price, however if certain elements of the site aren’t fully defined, may include some estimated costs. If relevant we may also provide costs for extra optional functionality to enhance or improve the site.
Acceptance
If you are happy with the proposal and quotation, you would provide us with approval to proceed along with an agreed deposit.
Design
During the design phase we would typically prepare a number of sample designs (based on design guidelines discussed at the initial consultation). You would review the designs, identify what you liked (and what you didn’t) and we would then work with you to develop a final design for your approval.
We are also able (and happy) to work with your own graphic designer, or if you prefer can recommend one of the graphic designers that we use.
Development
Once a design has been approved, we create a master site template, which we then use as the basis for generating the rest of the pages in the site – although there will usually be some variations from page to page to cater for specific page requirements.
When the overall site structure is in place (probably “dummy” pages with little or no content) we can start to plug in the site content. Usually you will be in the best position to provide this content, however we can work with you to ensure that content is developed to make the most of Search Engine friendly keywords and phrases. We can also refer you to a specialist copywriter.
Throughout the site design and development phases we will incorporate Search Engine Optimisation techniques to ensure that you site is search engine friendly.
Review & Testing
Throughout the design and development process, you will be given opportunities to review and approve the site design, structure and functionality.
You will also have the opportunity to undertake a final round of testing prior to Launch of the site. We will not launch the site until we have received your approval.
Launch
Upon Launch the site will be given a final test to ensure that all functionality is working correctly in the Live environment.
Marketing & Promotion
Following Launch we can assist and advise you on promotional and marketing activities such as email marketing, search engine marketing (SEM), or even traditional adverstising and marketing options.