Web Designers can often get caught up in the technical portion of the web design process. However, a successful Web Designer considers the whole planning and approval process when outlining the Web Design Process. Well Designed Websites incorporate more than just aesthetics. They include functional layouts, Search Engine Optimized content, and an appealing organization of the website as a whole.
Each element of your custom-built website should lead towards your business’s end goal - whether to drive more sales or educate on a topic.
Step #1 - Goal Identification
You and your designer should have a brainstorming session where you lay out the needs and wants of your business. For example, why do you want a website? What are you hoping to accomplish with your website? Here you should explain and identify your website goals and get responses from your designer on time estimates, communication guidelines, and other expectations. Your brainstorming session is where you and your designer set the tone for your working relationship moving forward.
Step #2 - Content Transfer
For your web designer to build a website that encompasses the essence of your business, you will need to provide content for your website. Here, you will provide anything you want to use on your website. The content will range from titles and phrases, entire blog posts, about me articles, product information, pictures, current logos, branding information, and anything else you feel necessary to provide to your designer. If your designer is also working on your branding and logo design, here is where they will implement that section of your project.
Step #3 - User Interface Planning and Design
With the information provided during your brainstorming session and your content transfer, your designer will get to work.
First, they will build your site map. The site map is the organization of your website. It outlines which pages your designer will create and how they will interconnect.
Next, your designer will take your vision and start working it into wireframes. These are sketches or renditions of what your website will look like. The wireframes are their original design for your website.
Lastly, they will create a mood board or branding board. The mood board will serve as your overall aesthetic for your website. It will include your site’s fonts, colors, font sizes, and general mood inspiration.
With each of these beginning elements completed, here is an excellent spot for your designer to send you the work completed thus far for approval. You will want to let your designer know what you love and what you would like changed. Things that may seem like minor tweaks later on, may be simpler to fix now than after your designer builds your website.
"Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works." – Steve Jobs
Step #4 - Website Implementation
Once you have approved the initial designs, your designer will begin implementing the ideas into an actual, presentable website. They will work off of your approved plans to build a tangible product that you and your clients will be able to interact with. The pages will be organized and linked to comply with your sitemap. The designer will combine your content with the overall format of the pages to encompass your business. Your branding will show through in every aspect of the website to make it your own. After your designer has implemented your website, they will send it to you for approval. You will want to let them know of any tweaks or updates you would like.
Pro Tip - Make sure to send all correction and update requests via a single email. Many designers will give you a limited number of revisions to your website included in your contract before charging you for additional project work.
Step #5 - Mobile Optimization
Your web designer will take your browser-designed website and ensure it is compatible with mobile devices. Much of today’s web traffic is accessed through mobile devices. Your designer will ensure that your website fits and responds appropriately to smaller screen sizes to look clean and professional on any viewing platform.
Step #6 - Testing
Your web designer will now test your website to the fullest extent possible. Their goal is to ensure that you have a solid platform for your business free of typos and errors. Most web designers will click through the whole website manually. However, some web designers may also use third-party software to check for any broken links or other errors. This process ensures you get the quality and professional website you request.
Step #7 - Client Training and Launch Day
Chances are you hired a web designer because you are unsure where to start or how to maintain a website. After completing your website, some designers will give you access to edit the site on your own, and some won’t. As a web designer myself, I like to schedule training with clients to show how they can make updates on their own. For example, we could lead you through simple ways to update your events information, blog posts, product links, or anything else you may implement on your site. Finally, your designer will help you launch your website, and you can start seeing the impact you have made on your business!
Pro Tip - Many web designers will also help with this for a project rate past your web design contract. You may want to ask if this is a service they are willing to provide in the future.
Remember these Steps throughout your project.
These seven effective steps will help you understand the relationship between your business and your chosen hired web designer. Be sure to ask questions when “interviewing” your potential web designer to make sure it is an excellent fit for you and that you will be happy with the process and results.
Are you interested in getting help with a website following these steps? We are happy to help!