What is a typical website project like?

Below I will outline a process timeline that a typical project might follow. As we all know things vary from project to project, but this should give you a good idea of what comprises a typical project.

Project Scope: Exactly What Do You Need?

The first step in talking about doing your project is to determine exactly what it is we’re talking about doing. Quite frequently I am asked how much a site costs and this is a legitimate question. But what we have to do is figure out what kind of site you are talking about creating. To borrow an analogy from construction, you can build a bungalow, or you can build a mansion. So what we have to do is figure out what purpose your site is going to serve and what you expect your site to do for you.

Project Budget: More Than A Mechanic, Less Than A Lawyer

First and foremost, working the web is a time-based business. When you have me perform work for you, ultimately what you are paying for is my time, my talent, and my expertise garnered from 13 years of web development experience. As a result the more you are wanting to have to done, the more time it requires, which is key in determining project cost.

Project Kickoff: Initial Design

After meeting with you, and collecting any and all materials that you wish to comprise the project, I will provide an initial design concept (providing more than one will increase the project cost). Once I have your feedback and/or revisions, I will make any changes required to the design and then again provide the design for your review. Assuming you approve the design, we’ll move on to the next step.

Website Production: Making The Design Into Code

With an approved design ready, I then produce the design into web-optimized graphics and valid XHTML / CSS. This is where expertise comes into play: you don’t want insanely heavy graphics on your page slowing it down, and you don’t want bloated, error-laden code that search engines will have a hard time crawling. Having bad code reduces your site’s search engine visibility. I handcode each any every site I develop, and I make sure the code validates throughout the life of the project. Valid code (XHTML / CSS) ensures that your site has been built with expertise as well as ensures proper display of your site on mobile devices like the iPhone, which are only going to become more and more prevalent moving forward.

Website Production: Implementing A CMS

Not all projects use a CMS (Content Management System), but I encourage most of my clients to use a CMS where appropriate because it allows them to update their site when they want to, as often as they wish. Clients can login and manage their site from a password-protected administration area. Usually a CMS like WordPress or Expression Engine will help accelerate the development of a website, particularly when a website needs to do something for the client (collect leads, list inventory, etc.). At this stage I will take the produced design and apply that to the templating system of the CMS, and also code in any custom functionality needed.

Website Testing: Ensuring Functionality and Satisfaction

Once the website reaches the appropriate stage we’ll perform website testing to make sure all aspects of the site work as specified and to your satisfaction. My success is based on your success, so I will work closely with you here to bring the project to successful completion.

Website Launch / Post-Launch: The Site Goes Live & Beyond

By this stage this should be the most uneventful part of the project from a work standpoint, but sometimes there are small tweaks that need to be made. If they are relatively minor and within the scope of the project these can be made — no problem. If support is needed that is within the project specs, I’ll make it right. If additional functionality is needed that wasn’t part of the original project then we can quote that out as touch-up work and get it done for you. The point is here is that I stand behind my work and I will be there to help you get the most out of your site.

Website Search Engine Visibility

If you’re looking to have your site show up well in Google, Yahoo, Bing, and other search engines, we can enact an ongoing website search engine visibility plan. Here’s some more on that If you’d like to learn more how a website search engine visibility campaign can help your site.