Analysis - The initial phase involves the setting of
objectives and goals, a survey of the competition and an idea
of your company’s hopes and desires for your web site. Proper
analysis of a company’s real needs enables appropriate solutions
to be proposed in line with established budgets. Not everyone
needs a web site the size of Amazon.com or Microsoft.com .
Creation - At this stage, the overall concept of
the web site's presence is established: defining the page
look, the navigational ergonomics and the web site structure.
Content management needs, together with their technological
solutions, have already been taken into account for maximum
effectiveness.
Feedback - The feedback phase is vital to a professional
web site. This will insure accurate representation of your
company and be pleasing to you, the owner. Efficient methods
allow clients to monitor their projects’ progress stages and
to participate to the fullest in the construction of their
web sites. Yes, we believe in the philosophy that,"The customer
is always right", ... but that still does not preclude us
from informing clients as to what will and will not work.
We are professionals and give necessary and educated advice
when needed.
Launch - The launch phase consists of carrying out
final checks in terms of technology and use. Optimizing content
for the various search engines and services also involves
promotion to target audiences, on-line submissions, and the
necessity of on-line partnership strategies.
Maintenance - One of the most important aspects of
a website’s success is its evolution and maintenance. Updates
should be simplified and adapted to customer needs. Analyzing
site usage and new marketing opportunities will ensure a permanent
competitive edge as markets and technologies evolve.
The Initial Meeting
This meeting usually take place at your office or via the telephone,
and takes about an hour. They are completely free and without
obligation. The initial meeting is an exchange of information and
ideas. We'll answer any questions you have, and find out what kind of
web site you are planning or considering. The purpose is to provide
you with enough information to allow you to decide whether you want to
go on to the next step, the writing of an estimate.
Estimate Preparation
If, after the initial meeting, you decide to go forward, I will
spend more time gathering information, usually by email or phone,
and write a detailed estimate for the potential web site.
Signing of Contract Rich's Web Design prepares a complete contract including a detailed
description of the planned web site and a cost estimate. 50% of the
total estimated cost is due upon signing of the contract.
Content Gathering
Text and graphic content must be gathered before most work can
begin on the site. I will prepare a Content Checklist to assist you
in pulling together the text, logo, graphics, and photographs needed
for the site.
Page Layout Drafts
When site content has all been gathered, page layout and visual
design begins. The site's main page is designed first. Rich's Web
Design produces a draft based upon the content, needs, and
preferences provided, and uploads this site to a private location
on the Internet where the client can view it. The client's feedback
is solicited, and this feedback used to produce a second draft.
Once more, client feedback is used to make another round of changes,
and these changes are expected to produce a final draft. The same
process is used for secondary pages, and any other page designs
required for the site.
Coding of Actual Pages
The approved page designs are now used as templates. Text and graphic
content is "plugged in" and adjusted for a perfect layout. Dynamic
page code is added to page templates.
Final Site Testing
The site is thoroughly tested. The actual pages are uploaded for
the client to review for any minor changes or corrections, and I
test the pages on numerous browsers, on different platforms, and
at different browser window sizes and resolution settings,
correcting any remaining errors.
Site Launch
Payment balance is due and the site is uploaded to its
own domain and is now "live".