How does the web design process work?

Are you interested in having a new website designed or perhaps have already engaged a Design Studio to complete a site for you, but you are still a little unsure how the design process works?

Here is a basic outline of how Ed Hosting & Design handles the process, from start to finish!

Average completion time for a basic website is 2-3 weeks.

This will always vary from build to build – some sites can be built in a matter of 2-3 days and other projects may run into 4 or more weeks.

Typically, the biggest causes variance in build time is the revision process and also the collection of any text or wording, referred to as copy or images from the client side – as this is very much linked to the type of website build and the clients expectations or time to find to to gather site copy and images.

 

Ed Hosting & Design can of course assist with sourcing site copy and images – just ask when having your quotation done.

STEP

1

Initial Consult

This is generally a quick chat with Ed Hosting & Design, in which you will discuss your requirements, expectations and a loose budget. Once you are happy that we are the right designer for your task and we confirm we are able to handle the project…we will proceed to the next step.

STEP

2

Longer Consultation

During this process, you will discuss the in-depth requirements of your website, and what you require it to do. Our developer will take some notes during this phase. At the end of the process we will have enough information to provide you with an accurate quote.

In some cases, steps 1 & 2 may be during the same meeting.

Its not unusual for both steps to be completed via email.

STEP

3

Quote & Initial Payment

Ed Hosting & Design will provide you with a written quotation, generally within 24 hours.

There is often a 10-15% variance on the quote, to take into account unexpected variations.

Once you are happy, you will be required to make a “commencement” payment to proceed, generally 40-60% of the total quote. The balance will be due on completion of the project. Commencement payments are usually non-refundable.

Estimated Time: 15-45 Minutes.

Method / Type: Email or phone.

Estimated Time: 30-40 Minutes.

Method / Type: Email or phone.

Time Frame: Within 48 hours

Method / Type: Email

STEP

4

Data Collection

Once the Commencement Payment has been received, Ed Hosting & Design will contact you to collect information related to your site build.

This will include things such as your logos, text for pages (unless you are engaging our copy writers), images, colors and fonts. We have a few nifty ways of getting this info – so don’t worry, its not an overly complicated process from your end.

STEP

5

First Round Revisions

Our designers will work up an initial draft concept. This is generally just the first page, including headers, footers and some basic content. Sometimes a contact page or another page may be added into the mix. The aim of this process is to get the back end structure in place and show you the vibe and style of the site.

Revisions and feedback are vital at this point – so before the process proceeds too far – so you will be asked to review the site and confirm you are happy with the way things are moving.

NOTE: At this stage, the site is far from functional – think of this as a pencil sketch!

If you don’t like the draft at this point – don’t worry! We can scratch it and start again. (But this doesn’t often happen!)

STEP

6

Second Round Revisions

When the first round revision has been signed off and you confirm you are happy with the style and vibe, our designers will continue adding the remainder of the content.

This will include optimising the mobile layouts, adding remaining text content and images as well as finalising any function, eg buttons, links, eCommerce checkouts and lots more cool stuff. We are seriously close to completion at this point.

Once we have completed this, you will be asked to run another eye of the site – and make any adjustments or tweaks.

Time Frame: Within 72 hours

Method / Type: Email or online.
Time Frame: 2-4 days
Method / Type: Email and/or phone.
Time Frame: 5 – 7 days
Method / Type: Email and/or phone.

STEP

7

Final Revision & Hand Over

This is it! Your site is nearly ready to launch.

You will be asked to do one final pre flight check – and confirm you are happy to launch.

At this stage, Ed Hosting & Design will run a final eye over the site and make any last minute adjustments to the site and layout.

Speed and security optimisations will be made – then the final payment will be processed and BAM – your site will be launched!

You will also receive the Hand Over Document and the keys to the site Admin – then, the site is all yours to do with what you please from this point onward!

STEP

8

Post Hand Over

Once the site hand over is complete and you have taken charge of the site. Ed Hosting & Design offer a 7 day warranty period, to fix any issues or glitches on the site. (Assuming these haven’t been caused following the hand over process). There are, of course, some cases where fixes will be covered by warranty for a longer period – but as a web site is a fluid product and complete access is handed over during Step 7 – the warranty period is limited.

The site build is now complete and you can choose to manage or update the site yourself, or call upon Ed Hosting & Design to assist with any changes or tweaks.

STEP

9

Car Servicing?

Like a car – you need to service and maintain your website – if you dont, it can be costly.  No matter how well built the site is, if it’s not updated and looked after, it will become insecure and buggy.

You can engage Ed Hosting & Design to complete periodic maintenance on your site or you can choose to keep the site up to date yourself.

But either way, do not neglect your site!

 

Time Frame: 7 – 8 Days
Method / Type: Email and/or phone.

Time Frame: After completion

Method / Type: Online

Time Frame: Ongoing

Method / Type: Variable

* Please note, all time frames are approximate and may vary. The function and order of the steps may also be altered on occasion.

STEP

1

Initial Consult

This is generally a quick chat with Ed Hosting & Design, in which you will discuss your requirements, expectations and a loose budget. Once you are happy that we are the right designer for your task and we confirm we are able to handle the project…we will proceed to the next step.

Estimated Time: 15-45 Minutes.

Method / Type: Email or phone.

STEP

2

Longer Consultation

During this process, you will discuss the in-depth requirements of your website, and what you require it to do. Our developer will take some notes during this phase. At the end of the process we will have enough information to provide you with an accurate quote.

In some cases, steps 1 & 2 may be during the same meeting.

Its not unusual for both steps to be completed via email.

Estimated Time: 30-40 Minutes.

Method / Type: Email or phone.

STEP

3

Quote & Initial Payment

Ed Hosting & Design will provide you with a written quotation, generally within 24 hours.

There is often a 10-15% variance on the quote, to take into account unexpected variations.

Once you are happy, you will be required to make a “commencement” payment to proceed, generally 40-60% of the total quote. The balance will be due on completion of the project. Commencement payments are usually non-refundable.

Time Frame: Within 48 hours

Method / Type: Email

STEP

4

Data Collection

Once the Commencement Payment has been received, Ed Hosting & Design will contact you to collect information related to your site build.

This will include things such as your logos, text for pages (unless you are engaging our copy writers), images, colors and fonts. We have a few nifty ways of getting this info – so don’t worry, its not an overly complicated process from your end.

Time Frame: Within 72 hours

Method / Type: Email or online.

STEP

5

First Round Revisions

Our designers will work up an initial draft concept. This is generally just the first page, including headers, footers and some basic content. Sometimes a contact page or another page may be added into the mix. The aim of this process is to get the back end structure in place and show you the vibe and style of the site.

Revisions and feedback are vital at this point – so before the process proceeds too far – so you will be asked to review the site and confirm you are happy with the way things are moving.

NOTE: At this stage, the site is far from functional – think of this as a pencil sketch!

If you don’t like the draft at this point – don’t worry! We can scratch it and start again. (But this doesn’t often happen!)

Time Frame: 2-4 days
Method / Type: Email and/or phone.

STEP

6

Second Round Revisions

When the first round revision has been signed off and you confirm you are happy with the style and vibe, our designers will continue adding the remainder of the content.

This will include optimising the mobile layouts, adding remaining text content and images as well as finalising any function, eg buttons, links, eCommerce checkouts and lots more cool stuff. We are seriously close to completion at this point.

Once we have completed this, you will be asked to run another eye of the site – and make any adjustments or tweaks.

Time Frame: 5 – 7 days
Method / Type: Email and/or phone.

STEP

7

Final Revision & Hand Over

This is it! Your site is nearly ready to launch.

You will be asked to do one final pre flight check – and confirm you are happy to launch.

At this stage, Ed Hosting & Design will run a final eye over the site and make any last minute adjustments to the site and layout.

Speed and security optimisations will be made – then the final payment will be processed and BAM – your site will be launched!

You will also receive the Hand Over Document and the keys to the site Admin – then, the site is all yours to do with what you please from this point onward!

Time Frame: 7 – 8 Days
Method / Type: Email and/or phone.

STEP

8

Post Hand Over

Once the site hand over is complete and you have taken charge of the site. Ed Hosting & Design offer a 7 day warranty period, to fix any issues or glitches on the site. (Assuming these haven’t been caused following the hand over process). There are, of course, some cases where fixes will be covered by warranty for a longer period – but as a web site is a fluid product and complete access is handed over during Step 7 – the warranty period is limited.

The site build is now complete and you can choose to manage or update the site yourself, or call upon Ed Hosting & Design to assist with any changes or tweaks.

Time Frame: After completion

Method / Type: Online

STEP

9

Car Servicing?

Like a car – you need to service and maintain your website – if you dont, it can be costly.  No matter how well built the site is, if it’s not updated and looked after, it will become insecure and buggy.

You can engage Ed Hosting & Design to complete periodic maintenance on your site or you can choose to keep the site up to date yourself.

But either way, do not neglect your site!

Time Frame: Ongoing

Method / Type: Variable

* Please note, all time frames are approximate and may vary.  The function and order of the steps may also be altered on occasion. 

Ready to go?

Get an instant quote, online now!

Questions?

Get in touch today!