We have provided the step-by-step web site development process below for new clients and potential new clients to fully understand our method for building new websites from concept to deployment
Our Process
- Information gathering: When you inquire as a potential new client, our first objective is to understand the requirements of your project. We gather this information during a short consultation, in which we find out such things as:
- Business / personal information (industry, company, bio history, the business model, etc.
- Number of pages required
- The objective of the website, sell products, get people to contact you, etc.
- Number of products
- Design details
- Who will supply the images and text (the client, a marketing agency, or us
- Any multimedia requirements, such as streaming video
- Any special custom applications, such as specialized web forms that are unique to the type of industry
- If Search Engine Optimization will be involved
- Submit Quote: Once we have gathered all of the necessary information, we are then ready to submit a cost estimate and project detail for the new project.
- Quote Review: A second short consultation then takes place to discuss the cost estimate that has been submitted to you, at which point any necessary changes can be made to the quote.
- Agreement: When both parties are clear on the cost estimate and the project requirement has been finalized, an agreement is signed by both parties stating the nature of the project and any specifics in terms of payment (typically payment occurs as half down to start, 1/4 percent on project content implmentation 1/4 percent upon completion unless it is a special contractual circumstance.)
Project Commencement
- Custom/Template Design: After we have recieved the initial down payment to begin the project, we initiate the template design process. This is where the overall web site template is created in Photoshop by our graphic designers. Most projects include 2 designs that the client can choose from, plus one revision to whichever design the client chooses.
- HTML Template Conversion: After the template design for the website is finalized, the design moves into the "HTMLization" phase, in which the template is converted to HTML, CSS, and any Javascript that may be involved, or if it is a Flash-based web site, then it is at this point that the flash development process begins.
- Site setup and configuration: Once HTMLization is completed, we setup the hosting account on our server and point the domain name to it.
- Database Setup and configuration: We then setup the database and connect it to the web site's source code.
- Gathering and Populating Content: At this point we make sure that we have collected and/or created all necessary content for the site's innerpages so that we may begin populating the site's information pages, product catalog, member section (if applicable) and so on.
- Custom Application Development: If the project requires any custom programming, this takes place while content is being populated on the site.
- Add-on module setup and configuration: If the site includes any add-on modules such as link exchange, helpdesk, Affiliate program, pay-per-view streaming video, or member's-only sections, it is at this point that those are setup, configured, and tested for reliability.
- Final Revisions: projects typically include 2 sets of revisions, in which the client may submit a list or spreadsheet with any site revisions that are required.
- Final Testing: We usually allow 2 weeks for any necessary testing to ensure the new web site's reliability. During this time our staff attempts to "break" the site in as many ways as possible using a multitude of scenarios and simulations so that when the site goes live, there are no surprises and we can be confident that it is in full working order.
- Take Site LIVE: After the necessary testing has completed, we point the domain to our server by changing the nameserver records (NS) inside the control panel where the domain name has been registered.