Website projects fall behind schedule mostly because clients aren't ready with content in time. Learn the seven steps and what's expected of you.
How long a website project takes depends on both sides. Here are the seven standard steps and what’s expected of you at each one.
Step 1: Discuss requirements
Define goals, target customers, and required features. What to prepare: a list of websites you like and why, and a list of must-have features.
Step 2: Quote and contract
Propose a solution with a detailed, itemized quote. What to do: read the scope of work carefully and ask explicitly what’s not included in the quote.
Step 3: Interface design
Build the layout around your brand identity. What to prepare: original logo files, brand color codes, and high-quality product photos. This is the step where projects most often stall because clients don’t have decent photos ready.
Step 4: Review and revisions
Review the design and give feedback. Practical tip: collect feedback from everyone involved into a single round instead of sending it piecemeal. Drip-feeding feedback is the main reason projects drag on.
Step 5: Development
Turn the design into a working, fully functional website. What to prepare: the written content for every page. Don’t wait until this stage to start writing.
Step 6: Testing and handover
Test across multiple browsers and devices, and try out the contact form and payment process. What to do: open the site on your own phone and place a real test order.
Step 7: Admin training
Hand over accounts and show you how to publish and edit content yourself. What to request: top-level admin access, and the domain and hosting registered under your company’s name.
Prepare ahead and cut the timeline in half
Three things worth having ready before you start: original logo files, product photos already shot, and description content for each service. With all three in hand, projects usually finish noticeably ahead of schedule.
See our detailed process at website design service.
