Below we have outlined the basic process we used from start to finish for a typical WordPress website design and build along with the major responsibilities required by eSilverStrike Consulting and the client.
There are 3 Phases with each broken down into multiple steps.
Below is the full description of each step in each phase.
Phase 1 - Discover
Consultation
Reach out to us to schedule the initial consultation and strategy session (the first one is free). Here we will discover and discuss the scope of the project including what your business is all about, who your customers are, and what your goals are for your new/redesigned website. You can also ask us any questions you may have about eSilverStrike Consulting.
This consultation is just as much about you finding out about us, as it is us, finding out about you and if your project would be a good fit for our Team.
If we both wish to move forward, we would then give you a Brand & Website Questionnaire for you to fill out which will answer additional questions about your company, your target audience, design likes and dislikes, etc.
This consultation is just as much about you finding out about us, as it is us, finding out about you and if your project would be a good fit for our Team.
If we both wish to move forward, we would then give you a Brand & Website Questionnaire for you to fill out which will answer additional questions about your company, your target audience, design likes and dislikes, etc.
Assess
We will then review all the information you gave us and perform additional audits and research to determine the best marketing strategy based on the goals of your website. This is a critical step and lays the foundation for the entire website.
A Website Proposal will then be written which outlines the sitemap and all the necessary pages (including descriptions, functionality, etc.) we would include in your project to meet your goals. The Website Proposal will also include an estimated schedule, quote, number of revisions, and resources we need from you.
A Website Proposal will then be written which outlines the sitemap and all the necessary pages (including descriptions, functionality, etc.) we would include in your project to meet your goals. The Website Proposal will also include an estimated schedule, quote, number of revisions, and resources we need from you.
Partnership
You would review our Website Proposal, ask questions, and we would revise and refine the project scope as needed. This is the first revision for the project.
In the end if you like what you see, we would both then sign a contract.
In the end if you like what you see, we would both then sign a contract.
Phase 2 - Create
Design
In this step we will need to define the global colour scheme, fonts, overall mood, and the basic styling of some design elements used on the website. This will become your brand identity for your online presence. Based on the information structure of the site (called the Sitemap), we need to finalize the marketing and SEO strategy so we can design and create the basic mockups of the page and content layouts required for each page (and post type). The mockups include placeholders for the images, headings, content, and functionality.
Once the Website Mockup and Style Guide have been approved (this is where the second revision happens), content will then need to be written. Content is based on the mocked up page layouts and usually written by the Client with direction from us in a Content Workbook (for SEO purposes, etc...) as you know your business best. A Copywriter can be hired if needed for content writing.
Photos, graphics and icons will also have to be selected/created for each page. Stock images can be used and hiring a professional photographer may be required.
Once the Website Mockup and Style Guide have been approved (this is where the second revision happens), content will then need to be written. Content is based on the mocked up page layouts and usually written by the Client with direction from us in a Content Workbook (for SEO purposes, etc...) as you know your business best. A Copywriter can be hired if needed for content writing.
Photos, graphics and icons will also have to be selected/created for each page. Stock images can be used and hiring a professional photographer may be required.
Development
Before this step can be started, all text and image content from the previous Design step will need to be submitted.
This step is were we take the design and translate it into actual web pages. This will be done on one of our development servers which you will be able to view as we progress. Once this step is complete, revision number three happens.
This step is were we take the design and translate it into actual web pages. This will be done on one of our development servers which you will be able to view as we progress. Once this step is complete, revision number three happens.
Quality Assurance
During development we will be testing the web pages and functionality of the website on a multitude of devices. We not only want each webpage to look it's best on whatever size of screen the user is using to view your website but we want to make sure that the functionality and user interface works as well.
After the Development step, the entire website as a whole would be re-tested (with your help). The client will review the final product and create a task list for the final revision. The client will need to sign off that all of the goals of the Project has been reached (up to this point), before we can start Phase 3.
After the Development step, the entire website as a whole would be re-tested (with your help). The client will review the final product and create a task list for the final revision. The client will need to sign off that all of the goals of the Project has been reached (up to this point), before we can start Phase 3.
Phase 3 - Live
Training
Every website build comes with a Website User Guide which is a manual on using the admin dashboard. It helps in understanding on how to use the various features of the back end and to keep your site updated. A Website Owners Manual is included as well which reviews the technical details of your site and whats involved with maintaining it.
There is also a live online one-on-one training session (which will be recorded) that focuses on the back end of the website to make sure you know how to update and edit your content.
We ensure the websites we develop are user friendly and do not require days to make small changes.
There is also a live online one-on-one training session (which will be recorded) that focuses on the back end of the website to make sure you know how to update and edit your content.
We ensure the websites we develop are user friendly and do not require days to make small changes.
Launch
It is time to migrate the website from the development to the final production server. Once that is done security will need to be enabled, analytics code added, and all required API keys, and plugin licenses are updated to work under your domain.
Testing of all pages and functionality of the site should be performed again by all to make sure everything is working under the new domain with the final settings in place. All backend functionality will need to be tested as well.
Testing of all pages and functionality of the site should be performed again by all to make sure everything is working under the new domain with the final settings in place. All backend functionality will need to be tested as well.
Maintain
An important part of your website success and long-term health is maintenance. Just like owning a car or house, a website needs regular care to keep things running smoothly and to keep traffic flowing and converting into customers. This can be done by you, or eSilverStrike Consulting with one of our Maintenance Care Plans.
All websites should regularly have WordPress and plugin updates applied, backups performed, analytics tracked, security notices analyzed, and uptime monitored.
Depending on the functionality of your website other areas may need some up keep including plugin license fees, promoting your website, social media, creating and/or updating content, monitoring and approving comments, etc.
There should be a long term strategy in place to handle all aspects of website maintenance.
All websites should regularly have WordPress and plugin updates applied, backups performed, analytics tracked, security notices analyzed, and uptime monitored.
Depending on the functionality of your website other areas may need some up keep including plugin license fees, promoting your website, social media, creating and/or updating content, monitoring and approving comments, etc.
There should be a long term strategy in place to handle all aspects of website maintenance.
Market
Our SEO that goes into the Design and Development steps passively helps rank your site in the search engines. You also have the opportunity to actively market your website to quickly bring targeted visitors to your website. This can be done in a number of ways which you can choose to do yourself, or leave it in our capable hands. This includes tasks like building backlinks, active content creation, social media, etc.
While pursuing the marketing tasks you will be able to see how your visitors are finding your site and what they are doing on it thanks to the built in Analytics.
While pursuing the marketing tasks you will be able to see how your visitors are finding your site and what they are doing on it thanks to the built in Analytics.
If large enough, a website project can also be broken up into multiple sub projects. For example a client may want to get the first part of the website up and running just to get their online presence established and connecting with potential customers. Once complete, we can then work on the next phase of the website which may for example include and ecommerce component like an online shop.
Websites analytics should be also monitored on a recurring basis. This will allow you to see how visitors behave and what improvements and tweaks can be made to improve the flow of traffic and your sales funnel to further maximize your investment.
Need our Help?
- Have an existing website you are not happy with? Why not request an Audit!
- Not sure what we offer or how it all works? Read about our Services and our Process.
- Find out more about our Pricing, and while you are at it ask for a Quote.