The web design process is structured to incorporate "best practices" gathered from years of engineering/project management experience. The goals are to ensure a quality website, maximize Internet visibility, facilitate client input/feedback, and promote client satisfaction.
The process is characterized by a series of phases from "Discovery" through "Launch" punctuated by a series of informal "Checkpoints" separating the web design phases as described below. Please note that the checkpoints are meant to be guidelines (mileposts) and are flexible (no paperwork). Every project is different, so think of the phase descriptions as a way of organizing the tasks comprising a website design development.
Discovery
Discussion with you, the client, to understand your preliminary goals, to understand Civano Web Design, and to understand the process of working together
Review your current website if applicable
Identify websites you like (and don't like), looking at style, structure, features, etc.
Review the competitive environment, discuss realistic SEO goals
Discuss the information from the Discovery Phase leading to an articulation of the Vision for the new website
Checkpoint - Mutual agreement on the Vision, general style, core functionality, and sufficient clarity of goals to move to the Concept Phase
Concept
Concepts developed for review. Deliverables include site map, page template(s), style alternatives, navigation schemes
Brainstorm session to encourage the creative process in search of "breakthrough ideas" for your website
Identify content to be supplied by you, e.g. text, photos, logo artwork (We often help here.)
Preliminary project proposal to define the scope of the work
Checkpoint - Client approval of project proposal
Design
Finalize the template design to serve as blueprint and foundation for the website
Implement a key page using the template to serve as a "draft" to prototype the "look and feel"
Implement the navigation menus to validate the concept from a user perspective
Client gathers content material and creates new items (We can help as project needs require, e.g. text editing, photo editing, photography if in Tucson)
Checkpoint - Client review approval of prototype; Review of schedule for development phase, including plan for all client material submission
Development
This is when all the detail work to complete the website is accomplished per the planning from the Design Phase
All the client-supplied material is integrated into the prototype; please note that this content needs to be supplied in timely fashion if there is a schedule to be met
You are able to view progress on-line during the project
The meta data (visible to search engines) is added as part of a comprehensive design-for-SEO strategy
Finally, the site is thoroughly tested to verify that all functionality is working as expected on multiple web browsers
Checkpoint - Client review and approve of website; Plan for launch finalized
Launch
Move from the private development site area to the public target domain (URL)
Launch-related SEO activity as depending on client preferences, e.g. Google Adwords, link development, etc.
Training if applicable: Client Portal orientation, Internet marketing, newsletter option
Client Role:
? project goals
? style preferences
? brainstorm ideas
? identify content
? give timely feedback
? participate in decisions
? supply content
? review & approve
? training, (optional)