The Design Process

Getting Started

Web site design is a collaborative process between the web site client (you) and the web designer (me). I work with you to develop the best design and layout possible bringing our experience in both design and business development into the process. We will work with you to think through the content development process. To get started, each of my clients will need to think through what will be included in their web sites. To do this, I suggest doing the following:

1. Create an outline of what you want your website to say, the information you want to provide to your potential customers.
2. Collect URLs (web addresses) of sites you like (for their color scheme, layout, theme, etc.), preferably of businesses similar to yours.
3. Write the content — flesh out your outline. It doesn't have to be a lot—people don't want to read essays; just the necessary details.
4. Assemble photos to be included. Take photos or hire a photographer if you haven't already. If you have quite a few, burn them onto a CD. You can also purchase stock photography online. Visit our links page for recommended stock photo sites.
5. Think about and write down your keywords—what keyword phrases will people search on to find your website. Keep your keywords in mind when writing your content. We will want to include them in the page titles, headings and body copy to help search engines index your site most effectively.

What I Do

You've heard the saying “Form Follows Function.” I believe it's true and we apply that philosophy to the websites we design. I can't determine what the site will look like until we know what it will contain and how it needs to function. So I work with clients to understand their needs so that their website will succinctly communicate their product and/or service.

The list below outlines the steps involved in my systematic approach to designing the best site possible to meet your needs.

1. Analyze client's goals and objectives
2. Determine best solution to meet needs
3. Develop site plan
4. Make revisions, if needed; get client approval
5. Collect content — text, existing images from client
6. Creative process begins — develop look and feel — produce sketches in Photoshop
7. Client approves design/page templates
8. Build site
9. Beta test
10. Upload site to "test server" for client review
11. Upon client approval, site goes "live"