Home / Web Design Process
How I WorkMy web design process
Building a website shouldn't feel confusing. Here's exactly how we'll go from our first conversation to launch day, one step at a time, so you always know what's happening and what comes next.
The process at a glance
- 1PlanMeet, set goals, and agree on a quote
- 2DesignSee a mockup and request changes
- 3BuildEvery page coded and tested
- 4LaunchFinal review, then your site goes live
From first meeting to going live
Every project follows the same four phases. You'll know what I'm working on, what I need from you, and when to expect the next step.
Initial Meeting
We talk through your goals, colors, and layout so your site fits your business.
- Agree on a quote
- Sign the contract
- First half of payment
- You send your text and photos
Design Created
I turn your ideas into a design mockup so you can see the look before anything gets built.
- I email you the mockup
- You approve or request changes
- We fine tune it together
Site Development
I build every page using today's design standards, so it's fast and looks great on any screen.
- I email you with any questions
- You reply when you can
- Pages built, coded, and tested
Final Approval
You review the finished site and I make any small adjustments you'd like.
- Final review together
- Small tweaks made
- Final payment
- Your website goes live!
Here's how your website comes together
No guesswork and no surprise bills. Each step builds on the last, and you get a say before anything moves forward.
- 1Plan
Initial meeting
We start with a conversation. If we're both local, I'd love to meet in person. If not, a phone or video call works just as well.
I'll walk you through how everything works, then ask about your business, the layout you're picturing, and the colors you like. We'll figure out how many pages you need and what each one is for. I'll also ask you to send me three websites you like, so I get a feel for your taste.
Contact formsOnline storeBlogPhoto galleriesSlideshows - 2Plan
Your quote and first payment
Once I know exactly what you need, I'll put together a price and a time frame. When we're both happy with it, we sign a simple contract and you pay the first half. That's when work officially begins.
- 3Plan
Send me your content
Now I need the good stuff. Your logo, your photos, and the words you want on each page. Have ideas for graphics? Send those too. I can design just about any kind of graphic into your site.
Email is the easiest way to get everything to me. Missing a few pieces? That's fine. We'll work it out together.
- 4Design
Initial design
Using everything we talked about, I'll create a mockup so you can see the look and feel before anything gets built. I'll email it over for you to review.
This is the best time to make changes, so speak up about anything you'd like different. Once you give it the thumbs up, I move on to building the full site.
- 5Build
Building your site
This is where your site comes to life. I build every page using your content, with the approved design as the guide. Most sites are built on WordPress, so you can update them yourself later.
Everything is built to today's standards. That means fast loading, a layout that adjusts to phones and tablets, and solid search engine basics from day one. If a question comes up along the way, I'll email you.
Mobile friendlyFast loadingWorks in every modern browserSEO basics built in - 6Launch
Final review
Time to look at your finished site together. I'll send you a preview link or screenshots so you can see it working before it goes public.
Look it over closely. If anything needs a tweak, email me a list and I'll let you know what I can adjust.
- 7Launch
Final payment and you're live!
Once the final payment is in, I put your website online. That's the fun part. Your new site is out there working for you.
Need a home for it? I also run SurfCityHosting.com, so I can host it, keep it updated, and back it up for you.
What to have ready
You don't need all of this on day one, but the more you have, the faster your site comes together.
Three sites you like
Links to websites whose look or layout you love. They don't have to be in your industry.
Your logo
The highest quality version you've got. No logo yet? I can help with that too.
A list of pages
Home, About, Services, Contact, and anything else you know you'll need.
Your text
The words for each page. Rough drafts are totally fine. We can polish them later.
Photos
Pictures of your team, your work, your products, or your space. Real photos beat stock every time.
Features you want
Things like a contact form, an online store, a blog, or event calendars.
Not sure where to start? That's what the first meeting is for. Bring whatever you have and we'll fill in the gaps together.
Ready to get started?
Step one is just a conversation. Tell me a little about your project and I'll get back to you with ideas and a free quote. No pressure and no jargon.