Website Design Process

Planning--

The Estimate: Take some time to think about what you want your website to do for you. Will you need any special functionality, i.e. guestbook, shopping cart, forms to collect visitor information? Visit some websites of similar businesses and write down what you like and dislike about them. Find at least two website designs that you really like and jot down their web address so you can submit it with your Estimate request. Once you have done this you are ready to submit an Estimate request. Remember your Estimate is free and you are not obligated to anything.

Determining Your Needs: Once your request is received it is time determine what type of website will best suit your needs. You will be able to view mock-ups of potential website layouts. Once your needs have been analyzed you will receive your Estimate. Occasionally you may need to provide more information or clarify your request, you will receive an email if this is needed.

The Contract: Once we have agreed on the details of your website, the expected length of time it will take to complete, and the estimated price, you will receive a contract to review, sign, and return with your deposit. The signed contract and 50% deposit is required before work will begin on your website.

Design Phase--

Project beginnings: The initial skeleton of your website will be created at this time. You will be required to submit your graphics and content for inclusion in your pages. The actual length of time required to get your site ready to launch is dependent on the complexity of the site and the promptness to which you deliver required items neccessary for completing your pages.

Graphics: Candidates for your logo & stock photo options will be presented for your approval along with any desktop publishing templates that you have requested. These will then be incorporated into your site's design.

Development: All agreed upon pages for your site will be coded. Possible types of pages include - the main page, sub-pages, site-map, response & contact forms, shopping cart, image gallery, product page(s), other interactive pages, etc.

Testing: Your pages will be tested for the following - standards compliancy, accessibility, search engine readiness, cross browser compatibility, grammar and spell checking, link functionality, and script/programming functionality.

Design progress: periodically you will be able to view the progress of your website's design. You will be notified by email and given a link to view your site. You are encouraged to comment, ask questions, or make suggestions.

Launching Your Site--

Domain Name & Web site hosting: Once your site is complete the next step is to secure your domain name and web hosting package. If you already have these available, you will need to submit the information before your website can be uploaded. If you do not already have this information we will assist you in acquiring the items needed.

Final payment: the balance of your account is due at this time. Once received, your website will be launched and will become accessible via your domain name. Final testing of your site's scripts/programming must be completed at this time. You will receive any needed login information and instructions for administering your site. Lastly, your site will be submitted to search engines.

Fine tuning: minor adjustments/changes to your site are included free for two weeks after the date of launching.