Design Process

I will try and explain what happens before and during the design process for each website I design.

Interest Stage:

This is the period where I am contacted and asked to design a website. If you are local I will meet with you in person and ask questions to see what type of website you would like designed. If not, then I ask for a phone number to talk in person. During this stage I find out exactly what your vision is for your website. I usually quote a flat rate price for your website (or at least give an estimate at this time).

Agreement: (Usually second meeting)

After I find out what your needs and wants are for the website, then I quote a price. If you agree to my price then we meet again (If you live locally, otherwise we do this via phone and/or email). This is the time when we both agree to do business. Usually I ask for half up front and then the other half gets paid after the design is completed. I also ask for each client to sign an agreement. You will be supplied a receipt for your purchase and a copy of the signed agreement.

Design Stage:

Very soon after payment I start to design the website. First, I purchase your domain name, and then put you on a hosting plan (If necessary). After the domain name propagates (within 72 hours) I will start to design your website. During design you may or may not receive correspondence from me. This is imperative as questions arise so that we can be on the same page, as far as the design is concerned. Websites can take me several days, to several weeks to design (depending on your needs). Since I do rigorous keyword research and design a layout plan before I even touch the website, it's seldom I finish a website in a day or two. In most cases a website takes me 1 to 3 weeks. I will give you a time frame before we sign the agreement.

Approval Stage:

At this time, I am close to finishing your website. I will ask you to look over your website to recommend any changes that you prefer. In most cases I will ask you to heavily proofread the message and text. I usually give my point of view during changes so that at least two people can talk about a concept change. This is great for the website and works very well.

Once we both agree that the website is completed then this stage is over.

I do everything I can to deliver the website of your dreams. But I do have limitations. If you keep changing your mind at some point I have to stop the design. After all I cannot continue to design a website for a flat rate for months or years. If this is the case then I can continue your vision at an hourly rate plus the flat rate, or I can just finish the website (I will of course let you know). This is completely up to you, I am very flexible. But I do have to put limitations in place. The agreement has a time clause that protects both you and I. This should all be taken care of during the initial stage when I ask questions.

Also if you ask for additional work to be completed after I already started your design and concept that we agreed upon, then there may or may not be an upgrade in price for the additional work. This will only happen if you change your mind after we talk about the design and concept of your website. And if this happens you will be given a very fair price.

Final Payment and Completion of Agreement:

I will meet one more time to collect the remainder of the balance. At final payment I will issue the final receipt. My work is completed at this point and the agreement has been fulfilled.

In Most Cases:

In most cases this is an easy process. I find out your needs before I design and quote a price. Then I implement your wished and ask you to view the website for changes. Usually within 1 - 4 weeks depending on your needs, and your website is completed. The simplicity of the process and the time frame is up to you.

Changes and Updates:

If you require changes or updating I can of course provide this service at a competitive hourly rate. I try to design a website in most cases so that you don't require constant changes. If you do, I usually can implement programs so that you can update certain parts of your website yourself. This saves you from the burden of having to pay to have your website maintained, and allows you to have areas that can showcase your current specials or features.