Web design process
Here's a description of a typical website design project to give you an idea of the steps involved in the creation of a new website. Revamping an old website would go through a similar process.
First meeting
I meet with you either face-to-face or using telephone, fax, e-mail and snail mail to examine your existing promotional materials - logo, brochures, photographs, etc., and develop together our ideas about the structure of the website. Applying my expertise and experience to your ideas and situation, we come up with a plan for the overall scope of the site, within the context of your budget, and define the next tasks for each of us. We also advise you on the choice of domain name(s) and register them if you haven't done so already.
Creating the draft website
HolmPage designs the overall look of the site and asks for your feedback. I aim for a design that we are both satisfied with, that looks professional, and that works well and downloads quickly even on modem connections. I do not start with a template as some web designers do; rather I create a unique look for your site. I ensure that the design works in all browsers commonly in use and that it will work with screen resolutions as low as 800x600 (the lowest common resolution nowadays) so that users never have to scroll sideways.
I also design a website architecture and navigation system that makes it easy for users to find their way around.
Once you have approved the overall design, I create the pages, allowing for variations to emerge from our discussions.
I set up a draft site for you to review. You are encouraged to have employees, friends and relatives look at it at this stage and make suggestions.
Search engine optimization
I optimize for search engines as we build the site. This includes identifying keywords and key phrases with you and using other tools, copy editing to incorporate keywords and phrases as much as possible and/or advising you on how to do so, building meta tags, and so on. The goal is for people looking for your services to be able to find you on search engines. We only use acceptable techniques of search engine optimization, not ones that could get your site banned for spamming.
Publishing your website
I publish your website on a reliable server with an affordable hosting package. You will then be able to receive e-mail addressed to you@yourdomain.com!
Search engine submission and site promotion
I submit your site to the major free search engines and directories (nowadays, primarily Google, Yahoo, MSN Search, Open Directory etc.). I advise clients to do research online to find business directories specifically related to their business, and submit their site, and also to find sites related to their business with which to establish reciprocal links. This process is ongoing and vitally important to getting your site well placed in the search engines and found by prospective customers. Much of it is better done by you than by us, because you know your field best. However, if you want me to take on this task, I can.
Linking to your site from my website, and from mine to yours, helps both of us in the search engine game.
Quality control
These steps are actually performed as the site is being built. I edit text for grammar, spelling and good “web style,” and check all internal and external links to make sure that they work. I make sure all images are optimized for the web so that they look good and download quickly. I take great care to ensure that your website is professional.
Maintenance service
I am pleased to provide a responsive and timely update and addition service. Depending on your needs, we can set up a maintenance contract, or charge you straight time at our current rate. Text changes can be as little as $10. All we need is an e-mail or fax from you - nothing could be simpler!
Do it yourself
If you would like to be involved in editing or adding your own content, I can set you up and train you to do so.
Ownership and copyright
I assign the copyright of your web site to you. I do not intend to
hold your site ransom to your continued business with us. If you want
to work with another web designer in the future, I will cooperate in
the transfer and only charge you for the time required to do so.
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