Process

Our first order of business is to create a working site map. This is a document that shows the global, hierarchical view of a website’s pages and content. Think of this as a table of contents of the pages of your website. This can be a short process if you have a few pages, or a longer process if your site is large. We will set your main navigation menu and any sub-menus you might need. I will ask you to send me a simple outline of your expected site page and I will put that into a visual flowchart using WriteMaps for you to review. We edit this until we get it just right.

At this time, it's a good idea to start gathering your website content (your page text and photos). You can always send content as you have it ready!

With the site map we complete, we move on to prototyping. In this step, I'm creating what I would call a "black and white" version of the design draft of your website. A prototype is a "no design" website framework that I can share with you in a browser window. It represents your sitemap at work with clickable website navigation. It basically gives you an idea of how your navigation menu will work before we add your logo, images, text, colors, and fonts (any design).

I first set up hosting for this prototype mock-up, install WordPress and your database. I am installing and configuring close to 20 plugins and features needed for your site to function properly, adding basic safety features and testing mobile responsiveness. We work out your website foundation and functionality first, then add the design.

Once we have approved the prototype that includes your site map, we turn that into the basis for our design. This is when we create the "look and feel" of your design, or in other words, our design templates. I also add more plugins that might be needed for your end result.

• I will first work on completing a layout template for your homepage.
• Once you approve that, I will complete a basic internal page layout template.
• If your project has a unique feature, like a portfolio page, I will create a template example of that as well.

The size of your site will determine the number of pages that I create during the design phase. You will approve what's complete here to move onto the full development of the site. We check functionality on major browsers and devices.

You've approved your homepage, basic page template, and any special pages if applicable.

I will now develop the remaining pages using our design.

I will ask for any remaining content I need from you to complete the website. I will test website forms and functionality. I finish the complete development of your website in this phase and continue testing in major browsers and devices.

After we’ve made it through development, we should have a completed website.  With your approval, we publish to your hosting and once again test in major browsers and devices. I again test forms and functionality.  I connect your site to your Google Analytics account so we have data to track and report website traffic. I also add any 301 redirects needed if we changed any existing page URLs (redirects only apply if you had a site we are replacing).

Learning how to use your website is an option. Some clients prefer to have WebCami Site Design do all their maintenance, somewhat to do it all on their own and others want a combo of the two.  We will schedule an in-person training if possible or on video chat if needed. This is usually one half to one hour of time.

WordPress requires back end maintenance.  Just like apps on your phone, WordPress needs updates and many are security-related. I will enroll you in my WordPress Care Plan for a free month so you can evaluate the service.  I provide daily backups, virus scans, database optimization, and monthly reporting.

I will provide 30 days of support after launch to make sure any bugs/small changes have been ironed out and that you are confident using your new website. You'll also receive follow up information, resources, tips, and tools that will make managing your site easier.

You may want to entertain adding an SEO package or more advance care plan services.  Whatever the need, I will be here for you to consult.