The process we follow to deliver our websites is a tried and tested system which avoids common problems sush as inaccurate estimates of cost and time, feature creep and ultimately client disappointment.
We recognise that most clients just want a price estimate to help them plan and we are happy to provide 'ballpark' estimates but we always stress to clients that for an accurate quotation we do need to understand what we are expected to deliver. And as a client you will surely want to be clear on what you will receive for your money.
In summary the process is:
1. Estimate stage - we have a conversation with you to understand broadly what your requirements are e.g. business objectives, design requirements, number of pages, hosting & email requirements etc. For simple websites we are often happy to provide a fixed price quote at this stage.
2. Specification stage - if your functional requirements are complex or bespoke we will suggest that development time can be reduced if we have an agreed functional specification. A functional specification is also useful in allowing you to obtain quotes from several prospective suppliers secure in the knowledge that all are meeting your requirements rather than their interpretation of your needs. We are of course happy to complete specifications even when we are not involved in the bid process.
3. Instruction - to secure our services we require a deposit to be paid . The deposit is usually 50% but may vary depending upon our quotation.
4. Design Stage - the visual design of the website is but one element and to get it right we also need to plan how the content is laid out on the web pages and how the site structure infuences the site's navigation menus. So for all but the simplest sites you can expect us to wireframe the page layouts and sitemap the site sturcture as well as graphical mockups of at least the home page.
We require signoff of the design before proceeding.
5. Site content - we will often require at least a high level understanding of your content at the design stage since content obviously affects page layouts. To help you prepare your site content (text, images etc) we provide a useful proforma for page content (and ecommerce website product data) and helpful advice so that you fully consider search engine requirements such as page meta tags which writing your content. If you require we can also supplement your knowledge of your business/products/services with our copyright skills.
5. Site build - conversion of the visual design to a html/css website, incorporation of a CMS, ecommerce shopping cart etc is often done in parallel to your pulling together your website's content. Often we have completed the website build ahead of the client finishing their page content.
6. Review and sign off - the finished website is reviewed and signed off prior to making the site live. The balance of our fee is now due.
For more information and some detail behind the above process the following article provides a useful read, click to read.