You’re thinking about a website, but you’re not sure exactly how it works. How long does it take? How much does it cost? What will I need to provide? These are questions we get all the time. In this article, we will take you through a general overview of the website design process and how it all works.
1. Website Consultation
We always like to start with a consultation. This can be anything from a phone call to a sit down meeting with your team. During the consultation we go over several things and ask questions to help us better understand what we’re doing for you.
- What does your business or organization do?
- What are your goals?
- Who are your customers?
- What do you want out of your website?
- What is your budget?
These questions, as well as several others, help us determine the best website solution for your specific situation. We don’t build “cookie-cutter” websites. We build custom websites that are unique to your goals. This is also where we discuss with you what to expect to get in return from your website investment. After the consultation, we move on to the content collection phase.
2. Content Collection
Often the most time consuming part of the process, this is where we gather whatever content you may or may not have. Anything and everything from photos to text content and social links. You’re might be thinking “What if I don’t have any content to provide you?”. Well we have made it our goal to make this process as painless as possible. We not only can write your text content, but we also have our own professional photographer on staff. Our photographer can capture anything from a storefront business, to product photography and employee head shots to use on your website. Best part about this? The photos belong to you so you can use them across the board.
3. Initial Design
In short, this is where we come up with a general layout of what your site will look like. We get with you and decide on colors, fonts, and more to make sure the design goes in the direction that you want. After all, it is YOUR website.
In this phase we also discuss with you the importance of placement. Website design is more than just doing what looks good; it’s doing what works. We show you how intelligent design can help you capture a customer’s attention and help you get them directed where you want them to go. After all, what good is a website that looks good but doesn’t provide you return on your investment?
4. Website Mockup
Alright, we have your content, we’ve picked out colors, and we know what customer’s your trying to target. Now we provide you with the initial design. This mockup is just a draft and we expect several changes. We show you the website and let you go through everything and make changes as needed. Some website designers will get really upset when you ask them to change something they have created. At Ignite Creative, we expect these and have no problem making the changes you request. We will also provide you with honest feedback about the changes you request and explain to you the pro’s and con’s of each change.
5. Final Design
We’ve all agreed on a design…and its PERFECT! You’re happy, we’re happy, and your client’s will be happy. So we move forward with the final draft. This is where we “set everything in stone” and prepare for your website launch. We proofread, optimize your site for different devices, and start on your SEO plan. Did we forget to mention that SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is included in our prices? We stay “hip” on Google’s ever-changing algorithm to ensure that your site is optimized to perform at its best. Setting meta-tags and headings, image alt-text, and more.
6. Launch
It’s time. We get ready for the big launch. Facebook announcements are scheduled, testing is done, and you’re ready to show your shiny new site to your customers. It’s like Christmas…a website Christmas. Like when you got that new outfit in school and had to walk to the front of the classroom to sharpen your pencil that didn’t actually need sharpened. Like when you got your first car and found every excuse to drive it somewhere.
7. Support
This is where we find that most web designers fall short. We can’t count how many clients have came to us and told us that their designer dropped off the face of the earth after the final invoice was paid. Because of that, we have made this step a priority. We maintain your website FOR FREE for one month after the launch. That includes: minor updates, tweaks, changes, technical support, and more. Do we stop there? Absolutely not. Even if it’s 6 months down the road, and you’re not paying us for a maintenance plan, give us a call. We’re glad to help you.
Well that is the web design process in a nutshell. Of course there is A LOT more to it than we have talked about here. If you have any questions, or want to get started with your website, give us a call! (417) 527-8083
