Website Development Process 
You know your company, product or idea. I know web design. We'll work together to build a website that fits your needs and meets your goals.
Step 1: Planning: We start by talking about the basic scope of the project, what the goals of the website are, roles and responsibilities, etc.. The worksheet found on this page is helpful in providing a starting point. Print it out and answer what you can but don't worry about completing the worksheet before our initial meeting. We will use it as an outline for the items we need to discuss. The more time spent planning, the less problems along the way or once your site is live.
Step 2: Brainstorming site design & organization: After we've met (or communicated via phone or email) and I have a better understanding of your needs and goals, I brainstorm about the design elements of your site for the look and feel of your site. I then put together a proposal for your approval. This proposal will include the site navigation layout to show how the site will be organized, a proposed layout of each page with proposed colors, fonts, placement of photos, graphics, charts and illustrations, a materials schedule and a contract. All elements of the proposal materials must be approved and submitted before work on your website can begin. As part of the initial materials, you will be asked to provide some content which may include photos, text, information, etc..
Step 3: Development: Now that the initial materials have been submitted, I begin building your website. The site layout, content, graphics and backend are created and all pieces are brought together. The development takes place behind the scenes and will not be able to be viewed by the public until the project is complete. You will be given a link so that you can see the progress.
Step 4: Testing: Although your website is tested at every step, I also put the site through a final testing phase where I thoroughly test everything to make sure all the elements are working properly.
Step 5: Review Website: You review the website for any final changes/additions/deletions.
Step 6: Completion of last changes: I make any final changes that are required.
Step 7: Promotion/Advertising your site: I promote your site to search engines and directories. You can now start advertising your new web site!
Step 8: Set up maintenance plan: Once your site is up and running, you will need to maintain it and keep it up to date. You may also want to change things as your company evolves. I can take care of that for you. For a small monthly fee, I will make the updates you need and keep the site error free. As part of your maintenance plan, I will watch your sites' stats and make adjustments to improve your search engine rankings each month. I also keep track of your domain's expiration dates so you will never be surprised that your site is down or that you lost your domain name because it expired without your knowledge. You will be responsible for keeping me informed of any content that needs to be updated.
Please understand that this outline is meant as exactly that, an outline, and cannot cover all possibilities. There are an infinite amount of variables that can affect the project steps and timeline. Things may not be as clear cut as these steps. Some steps may have to be repeated to create an acceptable presentation, some may get moved around, you may need more time for content development, etc., etc.. Please use this as a guide to the web design and development process but understand that it is merely a basic example, not a blueprint.
