Our Website Design & Development Process

Below is the proven framework we guide every client through. It shows exactly what happens, when it happens, and what we’ll need from you to keep your project moving.

Our 5-Step Website Design Process

Most projects launch 4–6 weeks after we receive your final content. Larger, more complex website builds follow a custom schedule in your proposal.

1. Kick-Off & Content Gathering

 

  • Complete the Intake Form to give us your basic project details

  • Sign your Website Development Agreement (digital—no paper shuffling)

  • Submit the 50% project deposit to lock in your start date
  • Schedule and attend a planning call or meeting to review goals, pages, and content deadlines

  • Complete our Design Preference forms so our team can capture your visual style

  • Upload all copy, photos, and domain credentials via your private link

Clock starts once all content is in.

  • 15% 15%

2. Design Direction

  • We design the Home page plus one key sub-page and set site-wide styles
  • You review that draft and give feedback on layout, colors, and fonts
  • Approve the design direction so full production can start
  • 30% 30%

3. Full Build & First Draft Review

  • We build every remaining page, create all forms, and add foundational SEO
  • A private link to the full site draft is sent to you for a first round of feedback
  • Send one consolidated edit list so we can keep the project moving
  • 75% 75%

4. Final Edits & Launch Prep

  • We test links, responsiveness, spelling, and accessibility, then apply your edits
  • Provide any last-round feedback; we complete corrections and request final approval.
  • Settle the final balance invoice and activate your Hosting & Maintenance subscription link
  • 95% 95%

5. Go Live & Post-Launch

  • Migrate the site to its permanent domain, update DNS, and install SSL
  • Submit sitemaps to Google Search Console, add GA4 tracking, and run speed optimizations
  • Verify forms, create client logins, and push the “Website is Live” notification
  • One week later we send a sample analytics report and begin ongoing maintenance, backups, and security monitoring

You work hard. You deserve a website you can be proud of.

Common Website Design FAQs

Why do you build on WordPress?

WordPress is the world’s most-used open-source CMS (≈ 40 % of all sites). Its huge developer community, flexible plugin ecosystem, and SEO-friendly code let us create a modern site that can grow with your business.

Where will my website be hosted?
We place every site on a premium, WordPress-optimized host with nightly backups, server-level security, and staging environments. We also create an off-site backup so there’s always a clean copy of your site.
Who do I contact if something breaks—or I just get stuck?

Email or call us first. We’ll diagnose whether it’s a hosting issue or something covered by your maintenance plan, then either fix it or liaise with the host on your behalf. You’ll never chase multiple vendors.

What happens once my site is live?

You get 30 days of complimentary technical support to squash any bugs. Your Hosting & Maintenance plan then kicks in—covering backups, updates, security monitoring, monthly analytics reports, and form tests.

How will I learn to update the site?

Within 7–10 days of launch we schedule a 60-minute recorded screen-share training. You’ll also receive bite-sized video tutorials you can reference anytime.

What’s the payment schedule?
• 50 % deposit when you sign the Website Development Agreement (locks your spot).
• 40 % after you approve the initial design.
• 10 % just before we launch the site.
What content do I need to supply—and by when?
During our Planning Call we map every page, then email you a content checklist and upload link. Once all copy, images, and log-ins are in, the 4–6-week build clock starts. We’ll nudge you with reminders if anything’s missing.
What exactly happens on launch day?
We migrate the site to your live domain, add SSL, connect GA4, register with Google Search Console, submit the sitemap, optimize caching & images, run speed tests, and triple-check every form—then send you promo graphics to share.
How long until I rank on page 1 of Google?
No agency (or Google employee) can promise a timeframe—it depends on competition, search phrases, and ongoing content. WordPress gives you solid SEO basics; publishing fresh, useful content and earning quality backlinks will move the needle fastest. We’re happy to discuss a tailored SEO plan.
How will I know if anyone is visiting my site?
We install GA4 tracking and email you a monthly performance report showing visits, top pages, traffic sources, and engagement time. You can request custom dashboards if you need deeper insight.