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What To Expect From A New Website Or A Website Redesign

What to expect from a new website or a website redesign

Written by Joe on Monday, December 5, 2011

The website development process broken down

Step 1. Analysis and Planning

The objective of this step is to get a clear understand for what you are looking for in your website. This step is very important because it will usually determine the price of the website, time frame, set up deliverables, and give both parties a clear understanding of what is expected. In order to ensure the quality of this information, a web analyst will ask a series of questions (there will be a lot of questions) in order to fully understand your needs, the needs of your website, and your target audience. Communication is key on both parts.

Step 2. Design

The design phase is where you will be able to see what the website will look like. Again, communication is very important. The website designer needs to have a complete understanding of your target audience and color preferences in order to create a design that suites your needs. Providing samples of websites you like is usually a great help.

Step 3. Development

This is usually the longest step in the web development process. During the development phase all of the designed pages and functionality will be coded and you will be able to start seeing your website come to life. If you don't have content ready, you need to get on it! This can be a major hold up in the completion of the project. Ask your web developer for help with your content if you need it or if you need more time to write it.

Step 4. Testing and Training

Testing your website will ensure that all of the functionality agreed upon during the analysis and planning phase is working correctly. Even though the website developer will be testing, it's important that you are testing as well. After all it is your website, and should function how you want it. This is why communication is crucial in the analysis and planning phase and throughout the entire project. If you will be updating your website using a content management system, training will be provided.

Step 5. Launch

Launching your website means making it accessible to the public. Sometimes tight deadlines become an issue and website owners want to launch without fully testing. This is a HUGE mistake and can be the downfall of your website. Be patient and test your website thoroughly before launching.

Step 6. Maintenance and Updates

Having a great looking website is nothing if nobody can find it. Updating your content, adding pictures, and keeping visitors interested is vital in having a successful website. If you opted for a content management system (which I highly recommend), you should be able to easily update your website at anytime. If you don't have the time or knowledge update your website, you may be interested in a monthly maintenance plan to keep your content fresh.

Even though your website has been launched, it's never too late to add new features. If you have an idea, talk to your web developer and see what your options are. Today, almost anything is possible on the web. So don't hesitate to contact your developer (we love new ideas).

I hope this article has helped you understand the web development process more clearly. If you have any questions or would like to get started on your website, give me a call at 732-925-4044 or fill out the contact form.