Web Design Process
1. Gathering Information
This is the first step in designing a successful website. I will need to get a good understanding of your company. I will discuss your project requirements, your goals, who you want to attract to your site an what you want them to find when they get there. This discussion will take place by telephone, e-mail or in person (when local).
2. Planning
I will send you a form - Planning your Website, this will help you describe your business needs and requirements. Based on your responses I will create a site map, pages to be included and how they link together. I will then send you a contract form with the site map.
3. Design
If you accept the site map and return the contract with the deposit, the work on your site will begin. I’ll need the content including logo, text, photos, graphics, etc that you would like to use on your website. It is important that you work closely with me, exchanging ideas, until we arrive at the final design for your web site.
4. Development
At this point I will take all the text and graphic elements and use them to create a functional website. I use only valid XTML, CSS code that complies with current web standards.
5. Testing
I validate the code and do a walkthrough of the site.
6. Final approval and Launch
After the site has been tested and the final design approved and the final payment made, the site will be uploaded to the server and tested.
7. Maintenance
There is nothing worse than visiting a website that contains outdated information since the site hasn't been updated in years. Your website needs regular maintenance if you want people to keep returning, you should add new content and update existing material regularly.
You shouldn't assume that once it's online, you can forget about it.