Website design process
The basic steps to getting your business online. If you already have a website, see Phase 1.Register your domain name
Your domain is the name of your site, also referred to as the URL. If you haven't already done so, you should check your domain's availability and register it. There are several sites you can go check on the availability yourself, like register.com or godaddy.com.Secure hosting provider
This is the service that will host your site and it doesn't have to be where you registered your domain. I can suggest various reputable providers. Eventually, I will need access to the hosting provider so that I can upload all the files and images I have created for your site. I can assist you set up this FTP access when the time comes as well.Phase 1
Once a design service agreement is signed and returned, I will begin to create initial design layouts. This initial layout or "demo" is non-functional and the purpose is to show what the site will look like. This is the time to provide text, images, keywords, descriptions, and any relevant material for the site. This is also the best time to make layout changes, it becomes more complicated into the next phases and more costly.Phase 2
In this phase, the layout that you have approved will be developed into the website. All the content should be in place by now. The goal is for the site to have the look and feel you want. You will be kept up-to-date on the progress as you will be approving the work as it happens. The site starts to have functionality and testing will be done on various browsers to ensure compatibility.Phase 3
During this phase it is important to be certain every page is in place, that the content has been completed and edited to perfection, and that most of the bugs have been worked out—and there will be bugs! Pre-live testing will be completed to check functionality. Upon final client approval, the site will be launched or made "live." The URL will also be submitted to search engines.
Then that's it. Your business is officially online!
How long does it take to develop a site?
While there are many factors to consider when determining how long a website will take, a good estimate is between 6 to 12 weeks.How much will it cost?
Every website is different, which makes it difficult to give a flat price for any particular site. Below are general price ranges:Simple Website: $500 - $2,500
Complex Website: $1,500 - $25,000
Basic Static Website: $100 - $200 per page
Website Maintenance: $25 - $45 per hour
SEO monitoring with monthly reports: $120 per year