Website Design Process
Step One: Identifying Your Website Goals
During our initial meetings about your website, I'll try to determine your answers to the following questions:
What do you hope to accomplish with your website?
Are you looking for an online brochure, will you use your site to publicize upcoming events and register folks for those events, wanting to connection with your community or congregation, are you looking to sell products or services on your website. Who are your customers? Your answers to these questions and others will guide my recommendations for the type of site for your organization and how it should be marketed.
What kind of look do you want your site to have?
Corporate and polished? Casual? Simple? Friendly? Are there site designs that you admire, that you want to avoid? Should your site have any special features?
Step Two: Design Phase
Design Schemes
After becoming familiar with the kinds of website designs you like and the type of site you are seeking, I will create three schemes of a homepage and a typical interior page. We will meet to discuss and refine them to your specifications prior to beginning the actual coding of the website.
Site Navigation & Structure
We'll discuss the kinds of content you'd like to feature on your website & how the pieces will fit together. Crucial in our discussion will be strategies for incorporating good search engine optimization practices in structure of the site.
Step Three: Website Construction
Once we have determined the design and structure of your website, I'll code a test site for you to review, and then build on that test site to construct the remaining pages of your website. During this time you will provide site text, which I can edit if you like, images and any other graphics you would like on the site.
Site Testing
The site will be uploaded on the web in a test directory for final testing of design features and review. Activities during this phase include testing the site in a variety of web browsers, html and css code checking, site accessibility review and site usability and design review by your co-workers and associates.
Step Four: Site Launch
The site is launched and begins a 30-day review period. During this time any corrections to the site content, structure or design features are performed as part of the service agreement. In addition, any site update training is provided as outlined in the service agreement.
Other Web Opportunities
Blogs
A blog is a great way to communicate with your clients and customers, announce new products or services, and engage in dialogue with your members of your industry. I design and develop blogs using Wordpress, a flexible, easy-to-use, open-source platform. I will link your blog seamlessly into the rest of your website and make it easy for clients and customers to visit your blog from your site and vice versa.
WordPress Content Management System
Depending on the size of your site and how frequently you expect to update it, WordPress, a popular content management system (CMS) may be a good option for the construction of your website. I typically customize Wordpress for my clients creating a custom design and maximizing search engine friendliness.
