The Web Design Process
The second most common question we get at bwh Web Designs relates to how the whole web site process works. If you’re not familiar with the steps in creating a web site, the idea can seem daunting. While it is possible to create one by yourself, you’re better off hiring an expert – just as you would hire an expert to create your will or do your taxes.
Step 1 – The initial meeting
We like to have an initial meeting with new clients first. Ideally, this is an actual, in-person meeting. This may not be feasible – we have clients that are over 1,700 miles from us. The initial meeting helps us get a better idea of what your needs are. Here are some questions to get you started:
- What does your company do?
- Do you have an existing logo or brand?
- What is the primary goal of your web site?
- What information do you wish to provide online?
- Who is your target audience?
- Who are your competitors?
- What are 3 sites that appeal to? What do you like about them?
- What are 3 sites you don’t like? What about them don’t you like?
- What is your budget and timeframe?
Step 2 – The Proposal
Based on our initial meeting, bwh Web Designs will create a proposal tailored to your needs. This will outline your entire web site. It’s a detailed document that will describe the plans for your web site. Once you’ve reviewed your proposal, a deposit will get your site started.
Step 3 – Domain Names and Hosting
At some point you’ll need to decide on a domain name. Some clients come to us with a domain already purchased. Or, we can purchase it for. We’ll discuss your domain name during the initial meeting. Hosting is another mystery that we can help with. Once we create the files for your site, we need a place to put them that’s accessible from the internet. That’s what hosting is about. bwh Web Designs offers hosting for our clients at a reasonable price.
Step 4 – Web site creation
This is where the work is. We’ll first create a design for your review. Then we’ll work on content – which will always require input from you. How long does this take? That all depends on the size and design and complexity of your site. We’ll give you a better idea when we create your proposal.
Step 5 – Your web site is complete
Once we complete your web site, we'll ask you to review and test it. Once your satisfied with your site and make the final payment, your site will go live. Step 6 – And Beyond In one sense, a web site is never really finished. You should keep your web site fresh by frequently updating the content. You also need to work on promoting your site. Your web site should be listed on all of your print material. There are many, many ways to promote your site – both online and off line. We’ll provide information to help you with that promotion, as well as submitting your sites to the major search engines. Still have questions? We welcome your calls and emails. Give us a call at 210 383 5842. If we don’t know the answer, we’ll get it for you. Contact bwh Web Designs today for a no-cost, no-obligation quote on your web site!
