The Design Process
Each time I discuss a new web project with a client I have a list of questions. You can contact me directly, but we’ll be in a much better starting place if you take the time to fill out my questionnaire. I need to know about your business, who your market is, what your identity and focus are. What is it that you hope this site will do for you? Increase business, tell your clients more about you, give your business a new look? I also like to know what current sites out there appeal to you. You may like the color of one, the layout of another etc. This gives me a better idea of what you may be looking for. Then I need your content – your logo, what it is you want to say, pictures of your product, what colors you want to use, contact information etc. If you need help creating your content; writing that is optimized for search engines or having pictures taken, I need to know that too.
I don’t actually do much graphic design work anymore. My focus is on building a site that works for you, has the functionality that you need and developing a custom theme development from your design ideas. I love working with other designers and making their drawings come alive.
Development
Once the final design is approved and I have all the necessary content, I will begin developing (coding or building) the site. You will have a chance to see it as a live site on my host server before it gets uploaded to your host. At that point final proofing from you and minor adjustments can be made. How long will all this take? Part of that answer depends on you and how quickly I get the necessary content, but in general, from initial conversation to a live site 6-8 weeks.
I don’t provide domain names or hosting, but I can help you purchase them if needed. I personally like Lunar Pages as a host, but you can choose any vendor you like. We should discuss this before you purchase anything so you get the right hosting package for your needs.
Once the site is up, I can provide the maintenance or make it easy for you to make quick changes on your own. I specialize in creating custom WordPress sites which is a content management system that is easy to use and powerful enough for most small business sites. You can also expect a great deal of training during the development process. I actually want you to add most of your own content so that you become familiar with how your site works.
You should also have a marketing plan in mind – how are you going to direct traffic to your new site? Optimizing the text and code for search engines is certainly an excellent place to start, but having external links, press releases and active social networking are all necessary for a successful commercial site.
Not sure what you need or where to start? Then you really need to attend my seminar first! Or, if you just want to know more about me and how I am to work with, then I invite you to look to the right and read some of my testimonials.
Discovery is an essential part of this process, just like the carpenter analogy I like to – “measure twice, cut once.” I encourage you to fill out my questionnaire , or contact me. Either way I will get back to you as soon as possible. Estimates and the first conversation are always free.
Please also take a minute to read my terms.