what to expect when you work with us
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First step - Get to know you and your business and gather information
The first thing is a no-obligation discussion in person or on the telephone about your business or practice and how you see your website fitting into your business plans. Usually this initial contact includes my associate, Bruce Skewes of Web Perspectives. Bruce creates the website designs that make our websites unique. He also handles the images, graphics and the bulk of the technical side of website development.
Where we can, we sit down with you for an in-depth exploration of what you want your website to do for your business, how you see this happening and what ideas you already have about how it might look and feel. If we can't meet with you face to face, we talk on the telephone.
During this initial meeting we like to get a feel for you and your business and to develop some rapport. We answer any questions you have about websites, how they work, search engines, costs, etc and give you a quick rundown of what to expect when you do business with us.
At this point we ask for copies of any promotional material you are currently using so that we can ensure as much as possible that your branding is consistent over different media. This also provides us with information to use as we add content to your site. If possible, we prefer 'soft' digital copy, i.e., the electronic version because this saves us time and you money, but we do also work with 'hard' copy.
From this discussion we create a summary of what you want for your website. We use this summary as our brief while we are developing or editing your site so it is important to us to get it right. The summary outlines what was discussed at the meeting, our understanding of your requirements, an estimate of costs and a suggested time schedule.
Step Two - Develop the concept
Once we have agreed on the summary and brief for your site, we create a draft design that incorporates the design features such as logos, images and colours that you have communicated to us. The draft design does NOT include your information. Information is added once you have OK-ed the design. What the design does include is a sample home page with menu or menus for the information that will be added later. At this stage we ask you to take a close look and give us feedback.
Step Three - Create a first draft of the site content
Once you are satisfied with the design, we add the content you have provided. Usually there is plenty information from our first meeting plus the additional promotional material you have provided. If we feel that more information for your site visitors would be useful, we will tell you what we think would be helpful and give you some examples if required.
We ask you to review the draft once the content is added and let us know of any changes or amendments you want.
Step Four - Upload your site
Once you approve the final draft, your website goes 'live'. If you have not already done so, you can start inviting family, friends and clients to visit and give you feedback.
Of course, that is not the end! As your business evolves, so should your website. By adding regular content, you update your visitors on your business and encourage the search engines to rate your site more highly.
Read more about Search Engines, what they do and how they work ...
