10 Steps to a Killer Web Site

We can meet in person, via email or on the phone. Call 63980242 to talk. If you are comfortable with the idea, I will record our conversation so I can listen to it when I do your site mock-up (this is FREE – see next point).

Most people like to meet the person they are dealing with. I fall into that category myself, but I’m open to working solely via the web and telephone. In many cases, my first meeting is also the last physical one I have with a client. I currently work for clients I met only once five or six years ago.

If you want to just get on with it (because you’re tired of web design shopping) send me as much information about your website by filling in this form and I’ll send you a home page mock-up.

This is FREE. Yeah, you read that right. Based on your web site design brief (and / or a recorded conversation [see above point]) I will create a mock-up of your website for FREE and send it to you via email. This usually takes a week. You’ll get a main .jpg file (which can be viewed directly in your inbox or printed out) of your potential web site home page.

If requested I can also do another mockup. In 90% of cases, this is usually enough to win over a new client’s heart, but not always.

If you decide I’m not the designer for you : that’s fine. I can’t please everyone. There are many web design companies – some who may be better suited to your particular industry or requirements. I know many of the guys who work there, so perhaps I can recommend someone. Feedback on this original design – particularly your constructive criticism – is what will put us on the same page. So don’t hold back.

The first thing I want from you is as much content you want on the new (or revised) site. This means all the images, movies, sounds, site text and maybe a bullet-point list of your proposed site structure. Once I have this information I can work on a quote and your site mock-up. It also gives me a clear idea of what functionality, feel and imagery you need.

In a case where I’m importing content from your old web site I may not even need this. You can change all the text and images via the web site back end very easily.

At this point, I will send through the paperwork, explaining exactly what it is I will do for you. You will also get a deposit invoice and an itemised list of prices for additional things we may have talked about for the longer term. My invoice terms are 50% up front with the remainder on delivery. The 50% allows me to buy domains, space, set up servers (or work on yours) and any licenses / releases I need for specialist graphics, music, photos, software etc.

To set up your server, email (if necessary) and any associated software, I will need access. If I’m hosting your website, then access is not an issue. I may need to install WordPress, Joomla or Drupal on your server, so if you already have one, I’ll probably just need a username and password. I can work with any system you already have in place. Most hosts are set up to run this software. If not, and you insist on using a particular server, I can also build xHTML / CSS websites without a back end. If your site requires custom work with a computer programmer (which will be reflected in the quote) I’ll usually contact him / her around now.

This phase usually takes about one week if there are no complications.

Upon receipt of your first invoice, and once I have passwords, I can start building your web site. Stages 1 through to 4 usually take around two weeks. You’ll see something within a few weeks and I may request additional information or simply contact you for feedback. We’ll be in constant email contact for the rest of the process. All emails are logged and saved (with attachments) for future reference.

Given everything is running smoothly, the entire process should take no longer than 8 weeks (maximum).

Once the server is ready, I hide your real site behind a password-protected area so that only you can see me working on the design and give feedback (before it goes public).

Here I get the whole layout and navigation structure working. I then add logos, images, pages with text and backgrounds, adjust colours and custom-build forms or other interactive elements. At this stage you are invited to work with me on your site. I actually like that. I sometimes do this at the client’s business address, over the phone or via email.

I also coach clients on how to add new pages to your site or modify and change existing ones. I do this over the phone, in person or by email with clear subject lines so that you can file them into your “how to” folder.

Once I’m happy with the design and how the site is working, I’ll check to see if you are also happy. It’s often the case that a client is happy but I’m still keen to make a button or an image just that much slicker. I may be working on your behalf, but I also have pride when it comes to design. Throughout this process we are always in contact.

Once you are happy with everything, I send the final invoice for outstanding costs and once that is paid . . .

We call you up and make the site accessible to the public while you’re on the phone. Or I can launch the site on a pre-arranged date.