Web Design Process
INITIAL COMMUNICATION
Questionnaire: this gives me an overview of your business, goals and what you hope to achieve as a result of working with me.
Discovery Call: after I’ve read through your answers, I’ll reach out to set up a call so we can talk in more detail and answer any questions you may have.
Project Quote: if we both feel good about working together, I’ll write up a quote which includes your project details, timeline + investment.
Design Agreement: once the quote has been accepted, I’ll write up the design agreement for us.
Client Account: I’ll get your client account set up and send you your login info + first invoice.
WEBSITE STRATEGY
Branding Questionnaire: the branding questionnaire is designed to do a few things: First it helps me understand your brand on a deeper level so we can create a powerful message that resonates with your target audience. Second, it will help guide my research so we can create an effective strategy and third, it will collect the essential info I need to set up your website, SEO, analytics and any other functionality you may need.
Research: before we start designing, I’ll research on your industry, competition, target audience and website analytics data (if available), so I can begin brainstorming the best plan of action for your site. This process usually takes about 1-2 weeks.
Content Planner: after I’ve completed my research, I’ll create a Content Planner to make gathering content super simple for you. The Content Planner includes your page structure, the exact elements to include on each page + links and/or screenshots of other websites in your industry to give you some visual examples.
StoryBrand Framework Guide: as a bonus, I also include a summarized version of the StoryBrand Framework + worksheet. The StoryBrand Framework explains the 7 elements of a highly effective message and is used to write great novels, movies, books, plays, and in your case, a powerful brand message that resonates with your target audience and inspires them to take action!
Strategy Consultation: once the website strategy phase is complete, I’ll reach out so we can schedule a call to go through everything together. I’ll share what I discovered during my research, explain my thought process and answer any questions you may have. If you have feedback or would like to make any adjustments to your strategy and content planner, you are more than welcome to share your thoughts so we can revise the plan as needed.
CONTENT CREATION
Google Drive Folder: I’ll set up a private Google Drive Folder where you can upload all of your website content. The GD folder includes a blank doc for each page of your website so you can easily write out your text or copy and paste it from a software of your choice. You’ll also find an image guide that shows you how to label your images, what format they need to be in, minimum size requirements + a list of my favorite stock photo sites.
Graphic Design: If you’re working with my graphic designer, she’ll set up a call with you at this time to gather any additional info she needs to start creating your brand assets. If you prefer to work with your own graphic designer, that’s ok too. I’m a good team player! 😊
DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT
Desktop Design: now that all your content is ready for the site, it’s time to start designing! I usually begin with the desktop version although it depends on your business and target audience. This process usually takes about 2-3 weeks.
Client Feedback: after the initial design is complete, we’ll set up a call to go through everything together. I’ll explain my thought process and listen to your feedback. If there are any revisions that need to be made, I’ll take note during our call and send you a preview link once complete.
Integrate Additional Functionality: after the desktop design is complete, I’ll start integrating any special plugins, apps or software you require.
Mobile Design: and optimize your website for tablet and mobile.
Client Feedback: we can set up another call at this point to go through the mobile versions together or if all looks good, I’ll move on to testing.
Testing: I’ll go through page by page to make sure everything is working properly and loading correctly on different browsers and screen sizes.
POST DESIGN
Transfer Website: after we’ve confirmed everything looks good, I’ll transfer the website over to your host.
Testing: I like to do one more round of testing here to make sure everything transferred over properly.
Foundational SEO + Analytics: this is broken up into 2 phases. A portion of the SEO can be done while I’m designing the website and the second half needs to be done once we transfer the site over to your host. I’ll finish the second portion now.
Training Call: I want to make sure you’re comfortable with your new website so before you launch, we’ll schedule a call so I can show you around the dashboard and how to make basic edits/updates on your own.
Launch: once you feel confident, it’s time to share your new website with the world and celebrate!
Post Launch Support: I include 2 weeks post-launch support should you have any questions or run into any issues after launching. Longer or ongoing support is also available.
Have questions? Interested in working with me? Get in touch here.