The Web Site Design and Development Process:
Web page design is a process of conceptualization, planning, modeling, and execution of electronic media content delivery via Internet in the form of technologies (such as markup languages) suitable for interpretation and display by a web browser or other web-based graphical user interfaces (GUIs).
There are numerous steps in the web site design and development process. From gathering initial information, to the creation of your web site, and finally to the maintenance and updating to keep your web site up to date and current.
Remember, this is just a guide, your project may have needs that are not addressed here. If you’re ready to request your free, no-obligation quote, just fill out our 007 Free Quote form or give us a call at 1-256.281.9546.
We may have questions for you to help clarify certain issues and we will express those before quoting on your project.
Phase One: Information Gathering
Needs & Analysis:
The first step in designing a successful web site is the gathering of information. Many things need to be taken into consideration when the look and feel of your site is created. This first step is actually the most important one, as it involves us working close with the client in order for us to get a solid understanding of the company we are creating for. It involves a good understanding of you and what your business goals and dreams are, and how the web can be utilized to help you achieve those goals.
During this process I will work to determine if you will need any special functionality or interactivity with your visitors; consider the type of 007 custon design style which will display your company and/or product in a manner second to none.
If you have not already done so, you will want to take some time to think about what you wish to accomplish with your new website. Here are a few questions to keep in mind during this stage of your project.
- What is the purpose of this website? (credibility, visibility, sales, branding, information, communications, identity) etc.
- Who is my target market?
- What kinds of visitors do I want to attract?
- What are my goals for each type of visitor?
- What will make them want to stay for awhile and also return?
- What content should I include to satisfy my purpose and fulfill my goals?
- What and how many pages will I need for the content?
Phase Two: Planning
Using the information gathered from phase one, it is time to put together a plan for your web site. This is the point where a site map is developed.
You will need to let us know the navigation links you would like (such as home, about us, services, etc), also needed will be all text and/or product information to be included on your site. You may also want to supply us with any other materials that might be used in the developement process such as company logo, personal photos, etc, if desired.
Site Map:
The site map is a list of all main topic areas of the site, as well as sub-topics, if applicable. This serves as a guide as to what content will be on the site, and is essential to developing a consistent, easy to understand navigational system. The end-user of the web site – aka your customer – must be kept in mind when designing your site. These are, after all, the people who will be learning about your service or buying your product. A good user interface creates an easy to navigate web site, and is the basis for this.
Preferences:
During the planning phase, 007 Design Series will also help you decide what additional technologies would help enhance your site and what is needed for these to be implemented. Elements such as interactive forms, e-commerce, newsletters, memberships, flash, etc. will be discussed durring the planning of your web site.
If you have any sample sites you would like us to refer to when designing your site or if you have any preference as to colors, style, etc. please offer that information as well.
Project Begins:
Ideally, all of the above information should be supplied prior to us getting started on the body of your design.
Your project will actually begin upon receipt of your deposit and contract. Once this is recieved Lee Bailey, Jr. will email you to give you his direct contact information and if needed a list of items which you will need to review if additional items are required. This type of comunication will continue over the course of development.
Work will commence on your scheduled start date. Lee Bailey, Jr. will contact you on that day to confirm that we are getting started.
Phase Three: Graphic Design
Design and Graphics:
According to Lee Bailey, Impacting prospective customers with modern high end graphics that include Flash intros, Streaming Video, and color scemes on your website will project the image and professionalism matching those of a very large and successful company. Compete by employing high end new technology resources that go from showing information with images to employing audio, flash video or animated multimedia presentations with voice over!
Remember a website that impacts SELLS MORE !
Custom Designed Website Concepts:
We will provide you a custom designed home page concept for your project. In most cases, we will be able to provide this design within 7-10 business days following your start date. Most of our clients leave the design concept descisions up to Lee in order to take full advantage of Lee’s extrodinary graphic talents.
After you have reviewed the design and approve it, we will continue to make modifications to the design until the final desired impact is achieved. Once the desired high imapct look and feel is achieved, we will create the interior page layout, convert the design to HTML or php, add programming, etc.
In Progress Viewing:
During the entire design process we establish a private directory for your new website on our testing server. This enables you the ability to view the you projects development progress at any time. In addition, Lee Bailey, Jr. will inform you via email when extensive updates to the site have been made so you can review the most recent progress.
Professional Stock Photography:
All projects include use of professional photography images. Using our Stock images, pictures and graphics can certainly decrease the cost of the project. If a client requires professional photography which we do not currently possess, an additional fee may apply.
Phase Four: Development
The developmental stage is the point where the web site itself is created.
At this time, 007 Design series will create and include all website development programming and coding into your new custom website design. This will also include (Based upon mutually approved 007 Project Quote) any special features or add-on elements such as:
- any visitor interactivity
- videos
- interactive forms or questioneres
- flash animations
- or e-commerce shopping carts
All elements such as these are implemented and made functional during this phase.
We will completely test all items on your website prior to it’s launch.
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 Content:
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.
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.
e-commerce:
For e-commerce sites that require us to enter products for you, we will need you to supply an Excel spread sheet listing the 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.
CSS Stylesheet:
CSS Stylesheets are used to define font faces, styles, sizes and colors for consistency throughout the site.
Site Map:
Creation of a site map page is done which includes easy one-click access to all pages of your 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.
Phase Five: Testing
At this point, 007 Design Series will attend to the final details and test your web site. We will test things such as the complete functionality of forms or other scripts, as well testing for last minute compatibility issues (viewing differences between different web browsers), ensuring that your web site is optimized to be viewed properly in the most recent browser versions.
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. However, we strive to get you the highest rankings possible.
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.
Error Testing:
Before the website goes 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.
Phase Six: Delivery and Launch
Launch Website:
All necessary website files and scripts are copied to your domain and databases are setup.
Minor Adjustments / Changes:
Minor adjustments to the website are included at no charge for up to two weeks after the website has launched (maximum of up to 3 hours labor). Minor changes include adding changing text, adding or changing photos, etc. Any major revision requests may require additional discussion and possibly incur a fee.
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.
Search Engine Submission:
Hand submission and automated search engine submission occurs after launching, testing and fixing any issues there may have been. We submit your site to over 100 search engines worldwide on a regular basis in order to keep your ranking in a top position.
Phase Seven: Maintenance
The development of your web site is not necessarily over, though. One way to bring repeat visitors to your site is to offer new content or products on a regular basis. 007 Design Series will be more than happy to continue working together with you, to update the information on your web site. We offer maintenance packages at reduced rates, based on how often you anticipate making changes or additions to your web site.
CMS (Content Management System):
If required you or your staff may be able to update your own content, we can provide a CMS (Content Management System) that can be implemented to your web site. This is something that we would need to decide upon during the Planning stage. With a CMS, 007 Design Series will utilize online software to develop a database driven site for you.
A web site driven by a CMS gives you the ability to edit the content areas of the web site yourself. You are given access to a back-end administrative area, where you can use an online text editor (similar to a mini version of Microsoft Word). You’ll be able to edit existing content this way.
It’s really up to you as to how comfortable you feel as far as updating your own web site. Some people prefer to have all the control so that they can make updates to their own web site the minute they decide to do so. Others prefer to hand off the web site entirely, as they have enough tasks on-hand that are more important for them to handle directly.
That’s where the support of 007 Design Series comes in, once again, as we can take over the web site maintenance for you – one less thing for you to do is always a good thing in these busy times!
SEO and SES:
007 Design Series offers other important web maintenance items which include SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and SES (Search Engine Submission). This is the optimization of you web site with elements such as title, description and keyword tags which help your web site achieve higher rankings in the search engines. The previously mentioned code validation is something that plays a vital role in SEO, as well.
Optional Add-ons:
Optional Add-ons pricing will vary. To obtain pricing, please inquire about the specific add-on you wish to include. Optional Add-ons may be limited by what programming languages your host supports.
- e-commerce Store:
- Flash Design and Animation:
Adding a flash video to your website can make your web site come alive while increasing your conversion rates. We offer several website video products in the form of video presentations, online video spokespersons, flash video banner ads, flash video headers, flash video PowerPoint presentations, and much more. Having a flash video on your website allows you to introduce your company with your own custom message. - Site Search:
- Secure Forms with Database Back end (SSL Encryption):
- RSS Feed Aggregator:
- News/Article Posting:
- Photo Gallery:
- Guestbook:
- Community Forum:
- Events Calendar:
- and many many more…
Contact us for a FREE no obligation quote, give us a call at 1-256.281.9546 or use our secure communications form.
We use Web Templates from i3dTHEMES.com as our base template for most all of our custom designs.
