Explaining The Design Process

Even though each custom website will have unique requirements,? the design process is fairly similar. Some websites may be adjusted accordingly, but in all the basics will apply.

1.) First,we will discuss your needs for a site either over email, or the phone. Once we get any idea of what you need and size requirements, we will send a "Description of Work" document in either a pdf, or MS word format. We will need your contact information such as business name, address, phone, domain requested etc. This document simply spells out what pages, size, price and other information involving the building of your site. At the bottom is a place to confirm you have read our Terms Of Service, and also address retainer and payment options. You can send back this document either by fax, scanned Email or snail mail.

2.) Once we have the Description of Work and non-refundable retainer ( normally half down ) in hand, we are ready to go! Why do we ask for a retainer? Most of it goes toward purchase and setup of your hosting account, the rest is a good faith start to all the work we will do for you!

3.)The"Getting Started" Document, if we have not send this to you already, you can download a sample above. Now it is important to note that this document is a "helper" in gathering information and materials, for your website, it can be a little "overkill" if something does not apply, just leave it!

4.) We will set up a Client Journal, to track all our correspondence, offer a place to archive notes, and provide a place to upload materials.?

5.) We may also create a "Coming Soon" on your website. At this point we will have your domain registered, and a hosting account set up for this domain. This depends on the what the Description of Work document spelled out, whether we are hosting your website, most common scenario or using an existing account.?

6.) Logo, If you do not have a logo and wish us to design a new one this is where we will work on it. Normally we will put together "about" 10 samples, from these we can refine the final draft. Rarely does this go past 20 samples, if at this stage we have not worked out the right draft, we will recommend getting your logo done by an outside party. After logo is designed we are ready to start design!

7.) The Design itself, once we have all your materials in hand, we will research, and then start a rough draft based on all the information we have received from you, please be patient during this period, as we are working hard to create a unique design, that will be just what you need! This may take 1-2 weeks, but be assured that this patience will pay off for you.

8.) Once we have a rough draft ready we will show it as a sample and remind you that is it a rough draft. At this point we are looking for input from you as to colors, basic graphic etc. We may "fill" in the text areas with filler text that really does not say anything! In case you are wondering it is Latin!

9.) Once the draft is approved by you the customer we will get started on the rest of the pages, using the approved draft we will create a template with which to create all the pages of your site! This process can also take a few days!

10.) Once we have most of the site done, we will post to a temporary location, for you to proof carefully, look for spelling errors, change out any photos etc. Please note we will wait to apply your edits until you have had time to proof the site carefully. Please take your time, maybe even print out the pages, ( Please note: websites do not all print out the same, this does not reflect on the viewabilty of your site on the web! If major reworking is requested, or edits applied continuously this may incur extra changes and at that point we will send you an estimated costs.?

11.) When we have applied all the edits from your proofing we will then post to your hosting account, test any submit forms, and apply any final SEO,( if applicable)

12.) Your site is done! At this point the balance of site quote is due, plus any extra fees that make have incurred.

13.) Feedback, we would love any feedback at the end of this process to let us know how well it worked for you!