The first step is to decide that you
need a website. If you are a cautious consumer, your next step is to investigate
how to choose a good web developer. Now what?
Here is an outline of the steps it will take to build your website.
- Scope of your project
The first step is to define your needs, referred to as the "scope". You have many options that we will narrow down to what suits you.
- Quote
I will then prepare an outline of how I intend to carry out each aspect of your website, an estimate of my timeline and a budget.
- Data collection
I will likely need information and/or photos from you in order to begin.
- Mockup(s) of your website
Depending on our agreement, I will present one or more of my ideas. Once you approve of my designs, I begin developing your site.
- Progress reports
I keep you apprised of my progress as I go along.
- Milestones
It is common to check-in at certain key milestones during development. This keeps me on track and offers you the opportunity to give feedback, (significant changes at this point can affect the original quote).
- Testing and optimization
Once your website is finished, it is tested for web standards and browser compatibility. This is also when it is optimized for search engines and when maintenance tasks are set-up.
- You establish your web presence
Finally, your site goes live on the internet and tada! you have a website.
