One of the most common questions we get from new clients, especially startups is why is it necessary to follow a lengthy, drawn out process when all that is needed is a basic Website.  This is a reasonable question considering all the options for building a Website that are available.  The short answer to this question is that when you hire a Web design company or even a freelancer to build a professional level site, you are hiring them for more than their ability to create a Website.  You are hiring them for their time and expertise.  Lots of people can build a Website, but it takes professionals that you can build a relationship with and know that they will be like a partner with an interest in helping your business or organization grow and become more successful. 

To create a Website that is successful for your business, no matter how large or small your business is takes a combination of strategy, marketing, business and technology.  Following a set process will help to ensure all these aspects are covered.  The specific process used is not that important, as long as there is a set process and it covers all these aspects.

A typical Web design process includes:

1. Pre-Production
2. Production
3. Post-Production

Some Web design companies will combine steps or name them differently.  That isn’t important, but what is important is that the steps within their specific process will adequately cover all aspects needed to help your business reach its goals.

At NetSoft Design, the pre-production phase starts with a process we call discovery, which starts with the initial contact from a potential client.  During the discovery process, we gather basic information about your project.  This may include discussing the project by phone, having the client complete one or more questionnaires, client meetings, etc.  The purpose is to gather background information about your business and the project, such as what your company does, the purpose of the site, the intended audience of the site, setting goals and expectations for the project, discovering how you want your business to be perceived by your customers, and other tasks that will help your project meet your business goals and expectations.  Typical deliverables at the end of discovery is a proposal or project brief, creative brief or some similar document that outlines all the findings from the discovery process and makes recommendations as to the direction the project should go, and other related documents.  As the project progresses, revisions may be made to these documents as needed.

The second part of pre-production is the planning process.  During the planning process, all of the background information gathered during the discovery process is used to create a working plan of how those things will be implemented in the final site.  Typical deliverables at the end of the planning process include content/functionality outline, site diagram, page descriptions, wireframes, visual design drafts, and working prototypes.  The specific deliverables required will vary depending on the specific project.

At the end of the pre-production phase, any revisions for time and cost estimates are made based on things added or removed from the project requirements.  Any necessary approvals are made and the project proceeds to the production phase.  During the production phase the site is built, content is loaded into the site, and any other necessary tasks needed to actually implement the project.

The final phase is post-production and this includes final testing for quality assurance and browser compatibility.  The site files are placed on the live Web server; backups are made and sent to the client, any remaining last minute tasks are completed.  The client signs off that everything has been delivered.

This is the basic process we follow at NetSoft Design, however we may modify it to meet the needs of a specific client or project.  Only some of the deliverables mentioned may be used or all may be used.  It all depends on the nature and complexity of the project.  The important thing is to follow a process that will ensure the strategy, business, marketing, and technology goals for the site are met and that the steps in the process help to ensure your project will ultimately help your business grow and become more successful.

For more information on how NetSoft Design can help your business grow and become more successful.  Please complete the form on our contact page.