How it works.
To make sure everything goes smoothly, there are four steps to taking your goals and turning them into a website that meets or exceeds those goals. Establishing clear objectives and using tested planning methods is the best way to get results; a great website - by any standard. Download webgoals.doc and fill it out. Even if you already have a website, this is a good tool to review.
Every business is unique, which means each website will be different. Getting your website ready doesn't need to be complex or time consuming. But by taking things 'step-by-step,' we're less likely to miss something that could be important later.
Step 1: Creative and Technical Specifications
1.1 - What do you need?
Start with a review of your web goals to determine the purpose and scope of the web site: identify the desired outcomes; core purpose; specific design direction.
(a) Who do you need to communicate with or attract?
(b) Is your website a part of a larger marketing effort? What role does it play? (communication, e-commerce, membership, resource)?
(c) What material does your business want to present and in what priority?
This information is used to establish a list of communication objectives and clarify the technical requirements list. These elements are critical. Design and technical requirements need to work together. Determining your goals is the best way to get you the results you expect.
1.2 - Concept Development Session
If appropriate and necessary, we can having meetings with staff or departments to make certain the final product meets your objectives. This is the stage to discuss other aspects, including how best to illustrate your business or service, interface design, color, etc. It is important that the design is what you and your visitors expect and want.
1.3 - Technical Requirements
The technical requirements of your site are also critical to determine up front. Establishing the technology needs of the site helps to determine a realistic timeline and budget.
1.4 - Presentation of Design Direction
This presentation will start the ball rolling towards the sites realization in an html mock-up that will be posted to a password protected page for you and your core staff to explore.
Step 2. Design Decisions
2.1 - Making you look good.
After a direction has been selected, the design undergoes refinement.
This will provide you the chance to fine tune the interface and address any navigation issues that have emerged. This refinement stage ensures that we generate a functional, exciting and successful web site that your customers and/or members will want to come back to again and again.
2.2 - Final Design Approval
Once we reach this stage, the information can start to flow into your site.
Step 3. Production
3.1 - Coding your pages
Once approved, production of the site will commence. Content needs to be completed by this stage in the process. In other words, everyone who is contributing to the description of your business or service should have materials available in edited form at this stage.
3.2 - Final Presentation
Once completed, a presentation of the site is made for you and your staff, making certain that all technical and production issues have been resolved and your new website meets final approval. The site can be posted to the server of your choice for final evaluation and approval and the site will be launched.
Step 4: Delivery and Support
4.1 - Delivery
Upon receipt of final payment a CD with all core image and html files will be delivered to you and any passwords transferred. (While the project planner addresses this question of ongoing maintenance - even if you would like me to retain access to your server for future site enhancements and additons, an archive of materials and control of the server will be delivered regardless.)
4.2 - Support
Should there be issues as you take control and manage your site or its' content, I remain ready to answer questions, guide you through hosting and maintenance issues, or further support the project's development as the site evolves. Your success is important to me.
