Many clients have asked us how the process actually works and what happens throughout the development of their website. This page tries to explain the process from start to finish and gives you an idea of what you should look for at each step. While we would prefer you use our services, we felt it more important that you have some idea of what you should be getting no matter who you go with.
This is just a guideline, your development project may have needs that are not addressed here.
Project Phases
Needs Analysis
This is where it all starts! You need to think about what you want. Some questions you may want to ask yourself are:
- Why do I want a website?
- What do I want my website to do?
- Do I know what I want my site to look like?
- Are there websites similar to what I want mine to look like?
- What do I want to call my website?
Website Development Quote
This is the part where the designer decides if he can do the project and quotes you a price accordingly. It is almost impossible to tell who the overpriced divas are and who the underpriced gems are. That's the bad news. The good news is, if you feel comfortable with someone and they have a portfolio of sites that look nice, chances are they are giving you a good deal.
Remember we just talked about designer's asking too many questions? This is where it really begins to pay off. If a design company doesn't ask too many questions and gives you a price that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Take a close look at their portfolio. Do all of the sites look the same? Go to the sites, they have listed. While it may be hard to determine if the site is real or just a fake to fill a portfolio, look around and see how it works. Doing some homework at this point in the game may seem like a pain in butt, but it's better to weed them out now instead after you have sent them some money.
Website Desgin Contract
Some companies require you to sign a contract before they will begin work. If that is the case, make sure they spell out what exactly they intend to do and when they will have it completed. The more detailed the contract, the better leverage you have if they don't follow through.
Initial Deposit
Ah... the part that you aren't really looking forward to. The dreaded deposit. This is the point where you must commit to a designer and let them begin their work. Most credible companies will require some form of upfront payment showing that you are not wasting their time. It sounds harsh, but that is the reality of it.
Hopefully you have done your homework and chosen someone you feel really comfortable with. After this point, they are on the clock and should be doing everything possible to meet your expectations. One item of note here, your designer should be working hard to finish your project but they also should be keeping you in the loop as to what is going on. If they aren't taking the time to update you in a timely manner, don't hesitate to ask them. After all, you are paying them.
Domain name registration / Website Hosting
In order for visitors to find your website, you must have a domain name. You have to register a domain name with a domain registrar. There are several to chose from. We include this service with all of our packages. Keep in mind however, registering a domain name is only the first part to getting your site on the web. You also need a place to host it. Most hosting companies also offer domain registration as part of their offerings.
There are thousands of hosting companies to choose from. Finding the right one requires lots of research. We include hosting as part of our service, but if you wish to go it alone, we recommend HostMonster. They are not expensive and offer great service.
Website Concepts
Your designer should provdie you with a concept design based on the timeframe set forth in your contract. Usually within a week of them beginning the work.
At this point, don't worry if it's not fully functional. It's not supposed to be. The main concern here is that it looks like you want it to. Make sure the colors fit well and give off the image you want to present. The functionality will come later, right now it's all about the look.
This is your chance to have the designer make modifications to the design until the final desired look is achieved. Once the final desired look is achieved, the mechanics of how your site works can be added.
Project Begins
Once all of the haggling over price is over and you have paid your initial deposit, the fun really begins. In this phase, your designer will begin working on the framework of your site.
You will need to let them know the navigation links you would like (such as home, about us, services, etc) and supply all text and/or product information to be included on your site. In addition, you may also supply material such as company logo, personal photos, etc, if desired.
If you have any guide sites you would like them to refer to when designing your site or if you have any preference as to colors, style, now is the time to let your designer know.
For E-Commerce sites that require us to enter products for you, we will need you to supply an Excel spread sheet listingthe following: Product Name, Unique Product ID Number (if any), Product Description, Options (if any – size, color, etc), Price, Approximate Weight, Number in Stock, as well as the product photos named in correspondence with the Product ID Number on the spread sheet.
Ideally, all of the above information should be supplied prior to your designer getting started. Any delay in obtaining this information will only serve to delay your site going live.
In Progress Viewing
We establish a private directory for your new website on our testing server so that you may view the website development progress at any time. In addition, your project manager will inform you via email when extensive updates to the site have been made so you can review the most recent progress.
Not all companies do this, so find out beforehand how they will keep you informed of the progress made during development.
Website Development / Coding Phase
Programming / Coding
This is the nuts and bolts phase of developing your website. Here is where the developers step in and code everything so that it works properly. This is were those cool features begin to show up on the test server (if they have one).
Remember, unless you are told that it's ready for testing, it may not work the way you expect it to if you preview your site before it's ready.
Your website will include some of the items listed below.
Website Pages
Based upon your contract and the final design you selected, we create as many static or dynamic pages as needed to complete your site.
Website Navigation
Navigation links or drop down menus, and rollover effects, if desired, are completed.
Site Map
Creation of a site map page is done which includes easy one-click access to all pages of your site. Note: E-commerce sites are not usually mapped due to the nature of their creation.
Site Content
Incorporation of your logo, photos and text content is included in all projects.
CSS Stylesheet
CSS Stylesheets are used to define font faces, styles, sizes and colors for consistency throughout the site.
Website Favicon
A favicon is a small image that displays in the address bar and on the favorites menu when someone bookmarks or adds your website to their "Favorites". Creation of a favicon is included in all custom website development projects.
Response Forms / Email Contact Forms
We always recommend at least one contact form for your visitor’s convenience. Using a contact form, a visitor can email you directly from your website without needing to open their email program. This is especially convenient if a visitor is not using their own computer when their email program is not available.
Search Engine Readiness Check
Meta Tags, Page Titles, Page Heading, Alt Image Tags, Link Text, and Page Body Text evaluation and adjustment where needed throughout the website. At no time can we guarantee when or where the search engines will place your website within their search results or directory.
Browser Compatibility Testing
Your website is tested on a variety of operating systems and browsers to insure proper display and functionality.
Grammar & Spell Check
Before the website is launched, a grammar and spell check is performed to insure there are no mistakes.
Dead Link Check
A thorough check for misdirected links and missing files is performed just prior to as well as after the launch of the website.
Forms / Programming
Any email contact forms and/or programming features included in your project are tested to confirm they are functioning as required.
Final Payment
Final payment is always due before we take the website live on your domain. Upon receipt of final payment, you will be emailed a final/paid in full receipt.
Launch Website
All necessary website files and scripts are copied to your domain and databases are setup.
Error Testing
After the website is live, any interactive programming and scripts are tested to verify proper function. Since the design and testing phase often occurs on a different server, it is very important to once again verify that everything is working correctly after taking the website live.
Instructions & Documentation
When necessary, any documentation needed to use the administration functions of your website is included in PDF format.
Search Engine Submission
Hand submission and automated search engine submission occurs after launching, testing and fixing any issues there may have been.
Minor Adjustments / Changes
Every designer handles this part differently. Some make minor changes at no cost while others charge a fee. We recommend finding out before they start.
Avix Design will do minor adjustments to the website at no charge as long as your account is current. Minor changes include adding changing text, adding or changing photos, etc. Any major revision requests will require additional discussion and possibly incur a fee.