Developing a basic website is not actually a basic process. Have you ever wondered what exactly it takes to bring a basic, brochure style website to life? In this descriptive guide, I will walk you through my ideal, step-by-step workflow of how I create basic website designs. From the initial email and brainstorming sessions to the final launch, we will explore the essential stages, tasks, and timelines involved in crafting a digital masterpiece that resonates with your specific audience.
This article is great for:
Web Designers that are looking for ways to streamline their web development/design process when working with clients.
Clients that want to work with me and are interested to know what my process is like.
Basic websites can also be called brochure websites. That's because they offer similar information as a printed brochure, but in digital form. You website visitors will be immersed in an informative experience that offers insights into your brand, services, and your brand story. Your colors, typography and graphics will help bring the words in your story to life. Usually these sights consists of 3 - 5 core web pages, but can have up to 7 or 8 pages.
The core pages usually include the following pages.
Home Page: The gateway to your online presence, offering a snapshot of your brand and guiding visitors deeper into your site.
About Us: An opportunity to tell your story, share your mission, and establish a personal connection with your audience.
Services/Products: A showcase of your offerings, providing detailed descriptions, features, and benefits to potential customers.
Portfolio/Projects: A visual gallery of your past work or achievements, reinforcing your credibility and expertise in your field.
Contact: A point of contact for visitors to reach out, inquire about your services, or initiate collaborations.
In addition to these core pages, a basic website that I create may also include optional sections or pages, such as testimonials, FAQs, blog/news, and more, depending on your business needs and goals. So, this is very different from a single landing page website that would be a single page that directs your audience to learn about a particular asset that you offer. This is, however, less involved than an e-commerce website, which includes a more extensive Content Management System (CMS) and payment extensions.
Now that we have discussed what a brochure website entails, let's embark on the exciting journey of bringing your digital vision to life. Join us as we explore the timeline and stages involved in the development of a brochure website, from conception to launch.
Week 1: Planning and Initial Setup
2 - 3 Days: Initial Consultation and Requirement Gathering
Initial emails where you reach out to me and we get a basic idea of what you want.
Meet with the client to discuss their goals, target audience, and desired features for the website. This meeting is usually virtual or over the phone.
Gather content such as text, images, and logo, and other branding materials from the client. This step is usually ongoing throughout the project, but we start here.
1 - 2 Days: Domain Registration and Hosting Setup
Register a domain name (if needed) and set up hosting for the website.
Configure domain settings and install necessary software. Additional software and plugin costs
1 - 2 Days: Wireframing and Design Concept
Create a basic wireframe/layout for the website, outlining page structure and navigation.
Develop a design concept based on the client's branding and preferences, including color scheme, typography, and imagery.
Week 2: Design and Development
2 Days: Homepage Design
Design the homepage layout incorporating the agreed-upon design concept. This is important because all other page designs will follow the concepts prepared at this
Present the design to the client for feedback and revisions.
2 - 3 Days: Inner Page Design
Design secondary pages (e.g., about, services, contact) based on the approved homepage design.
Ensure consistency in design elements and branding across all pages.
2 - 3 Days: Development Kickoff
Begin coding the website using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Implement responsive design to ensure compatibility across various devices (desktop, tablet, mobile).
Week 3: Content Integration and Testing
2 - 3 Days: Content Integration
Populate website pages with client-provided content, including text, images, and multimedia elements.
Optimize images and media files for web usage and fast loading times.
2 - 3 Days: Functionality Implementation
Integrate necessary functionality such as contact forms, social media links, and basic SEO optimization.
Test website functionality across different browsers and devices to ensure compatibility.
2-3 Days: Client Review and Revisions
Present the completed website to the client for review and feedback.
Make any necessary revisions based on client feedback and preferences.
Week 4: Finalization and Launch
3 - 4 Days: Final Polishing
Address any remaining issues or revisions identified during client review.
Perform thorough testing to ensure the website is fully functional and error-free.
1 - 2 Days: Client Training and Documentation
Provide the client with training on how to manage and update the website content (if applicable).
Create documentation (e.g., user manuals, tutorials) to assist the client in using the website's features.
1 - 2 Days: Website Launch
Coordinate with the client to schedule the official launch of the website.
Deploy the website to the live server and perform final checks to ensure everything is working correctly.
2-3 Days: Post-Launch Support
Offer post-launch support to address any issues or questions the client may have.
Provide guidance on website maintenance and ongoing updates.
This timeline provides a detailed breakdown of tasks and activities involved in creating a basic brochure website from start to finish, spanning four weeks. Adjustments can be made based on project specifics, client requirements, and resource availability. This timeline is highly dependent on effective communication and collaboration between the client and developer. Impactful collaboration is essential throughout the process to ensure a successful and timely outcome.
Check out a few of my websites below. You can also contact me to purchase a template of these websites if you like the design, but you want jump right into updating the design for yourself.
Opmerkingen