The first step in designing a successful web site is to gather information. Many things need to be taken into consideration when the look and feel of your site is created.
This first step is actually the most important one, as it involves a solid understanding of you and your business.
Lot of questions will be asked to help us understand your business and your needs in a web site.
From the gathered information we prepare the blueprint of your website.
Sitemap is showing how the content will be placed and organized. We design the user-flow to channel your audience in a way to get the information delivered or bring attention to a product you would like to promote.
After summing up the gathered information to a blueprint the next step is to design the look & feel of your website.
At this phase the we are discussing design and color options.
Our goal is to determine the look what would work for the target audience and perfectly mirroring your brand essence.
The actual site creation takes place at this point. The determined look & feel and user flow binds together shaping your website.
The website can be designed in different platforms, depend on your needs.
Mainly we work with 3 solutions:
- Static HTML site
- CMS (Content Management System) like WordPress
- Outsourced solution like Shopify
See below for more detailed description.
At this phase final details getting in place and the site will be final tested before publishing it.
We test the links so the user-flow works as designed. Checking the full functionality of forms and redirect them from the test environment to yours. Final testing for compatibility between browsers and devices, ensuring the site is viewed as perfect as possible.
We talk about two kind of maintenance after the site is published.
1. Keep on developing the content. One way to bring returning visitors to your site is to offer new content or products on a regular basis.
2. Keeping the technology up to date. The site has to be updated to the latest browsers to make sure the content is viewed properly. Also have to take care of security updates to make your site safe from hackers and malwares. Depending on what website platform you chose, how high is your maintenance level.
Website options
Static site
HTML coded
Advantages:
- Little to no maintenance
- Low host requirements
- Self hosted solution
Disadvantage:
- No automatic updates
- No additional features
- Content update cost
CMS based
WordPress
Advantages:
- Easy to update
- Powerful features
- Full control & ownership
- Self hosted solution
Disadvantage:
- Learning curve
- Maintenance fee
Outsorsed
Shopify
Advantages:
- Easy to update
- Powerful features
- Good security
Disadvantage:
- Limited web-design
- Learning curve
- Monthly fee