What steps are involved in building a web site?

  1. Define the web site. Our initial consultation with you is absolutely free of charge and obligation. Intended as an exchange of information, we find out what your needs are for a web site or web application and we answer any questions you have.
     
  2. Draw up a proposal. Based on the initial consultation (and possible follow up), we draw up a proposal detailing the pages and features your web site will have and the associated costs.
     
  3. Draw up a work agreement. Once you have accepted our proposal, we prepare our standard work agreement for you to sign. One quarter of the total cost of the web site is due upon signing the agreement.
     
  4. Gather materials. During this phase we work with you to gather all written copy and images that will be used on the web site. The details of this content affect the design and navigation structure, so this phase must be carefully completed prior to organizing and building your site.
     
  5. Prototype the site. We provide you with a full-color design and layout for the home page based on the content and preferences you've given us. We place the design on a test web site for you to look at. We'll want your feedback so that we can make changes and create another draft, if necessary. We refine the design until you are completely satisfied.
     
  6. Construct the site. Once you approve the prototype, we translate it into fully functioning web pages. For each page of your site, we integrate the content. We make sure that your message is simply but accurately communicated and includes the vital “key words” that research has shown are the correct ones to draw viewers to your site. We construct hyperlinks and forms and any special effects such as animation, audio and video content. If your site will contain a database and programming for special features, we develop these now.
     
  7. Review and incorporate feedback. The site is thoroughly gone over by us and by you to make sure it is ready to go live. Any wrinkles are ironed out.
     
  8. Make the site live. Once you are ready, we upload the completed web site to the host server and make sure it is accessible.
     
  9. Make the site findable. At this time, we submit your site to the free search engines and directories so that they know it is live. We suggest a plan for submitting your web site to the search engines and directories that charge a fee.
     
  10. Maintain the site (ongoing). We want your web site to remain fresh and current. We are always available when changes are needed. Most minor updates to the site can be completed by the next day, and many times the same day we receive them from you.