the design process
Planning / Initial Design Phase
In this phase we spend time with the client and have in-depth discussions about what the website needs to deliver (any special functionality or interactivity) for your visitors.
If any content, logos and images need to be obtained, they are organised at this stage either by the client or by our company.
To make things easier for you, if there are other websites that you like please let us know.
After the planning has been decided and discussed with us we will draw up two screenshots of what your website could look like. If you like the design we will move on to the next stage, if not we can do another design with you.
You will need to let us know which navigation links you would like (such as home, about us, contact us, 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.
Analysis of Design
Based on information you provided when requesting your design examples, we attempt to determine your needs, what you are expecting from your website, and try to get a feel for your industry. The more detailed you can be about your business the better the design will be.
Please provide any of the following;
- Logo's
- Brochure's
- Images of Business
- Past Marketing Material
Website Development Contract
Once we have come to an agreement on design and price, we will prepare a website development contract for you to review, sign and send back. For any developments under $1000 a contract will not be required.
Domain Name Registration / Website Hosting
If needed, we will immediately secure your desired domain name (pending availability) and include the first 2 years of service. The domain is registered in your name with your information and you will be the only registrant contact on file.
If you require hosting services, we can recommend various hosting services depending on what your site will need. Our clients usually host their websites with Melbourne IT and they have great server uptime, lots of features as well as good customer support.
Building / Constructing Phase – Approved Design
Work will commence on your scheduled start date. The developer in charge of your project will contact you on that day to confirm that we are getting started.
All website development programming/coding to run any special features/visitor interactivity on your website is completed and tested. Based upon your contract and the final design you selected, we create as many static or dynamic pages as needed to complete your site.
Creation of a site map page is done which includes easy one-click access to all pages of your site.
Incorporation of your logo, photos and text content is included in all projects. Custom logo design is available for an additional fee, please inquire if interested.
CSS Stylesheets are used to define font faces, styles, sizes and colors for consistency throughout the site.
Creation of a favicon is included in all custom website development projects. A favicon is a small image that displays in the address bar and on the favorites menu when someone bookmarks your website.
Creation of a contact form if outlined in contract/package. This helps the functionality of the site as a visitor can email you directly from your website without needing to open their email program.
Testing Phase
We can 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, you will be informed via email on updates to the site that have been made so you can review the most recent progress.
Once the system has been completed, it is uploaded to the client’s servers and tested once again to insure the site has been uploaded without incident. Once we are satisfied there are no longer any “bugs” on the live system, we will then turn the system “live” for company use.
Search Engine Check Phase
Meta Tags, Page Titles, Alt Image Tags, Link Text, and Page Body Text evaluation and adjustment where needed.
Going Live Phase
All necessary website files and scripts are copied to your domain and databases are setup.
Please note all payment is due before we can upload and go live with a completed website.
Minor adjustments to the website are included at no charge for up to two weeks after the website has “gone live”. This only includes adding or changing text, adding or changing photos, etc. Any major change requests will require additional discussion and possibly incur a fee.
