What is the process from start to finish for having a web site created?
Step 1: Information Gathering
This is the most important step as it involves a solid understanding of the company it is created for. It is very important that DMMSI starts off by asking a lot of question to fully understand what each clients business goals and dreams are, and how the web can be utilized to help our client achieve those goals.
Certain things for potential clients to consider:
- What is the purpose of the site?
- What do you hope to accomplish by building this web site?
- Is there a specific group of people that will help you reach your goals? It is helpful to picture the "ideal" person you want to visit your web site. Consider their age, sex or interests - this will later help determine the best design style for your site.
- What kind of information will the target audience be looking for on your site? Are they looking for specific information, a particular product or service, online ordering?
Step 2: Planning / Service Agreement
Using the information gathered from step one, DMMSI will put together a plan for your web site. This is the point where a site map is developed which serves as a guide as to what content will be on the site, and is essential to developing a consistent, easy to understand navigational system. A Service Agreement needs to be signed to provide protection to both DMMSI and the Client which legally binds upon both parties. The Service Agreement will also provide a solid expectation and agreement about the technologies / elements used for the creation of the site, the cost, and the projected timeframe for completion.
Step 3: Design
Drawing from the information gathered up to this point, it's time to determine the look and feel of your site. Working handing in hand with the you, DMMSI will create one or more prototype designs for your web site in .jpg format. DMMSI allows you to view your project throughout the design and development stages. The most important reason for this is that it gives you the opportunity to express your likes and dislikes on the site design. Communication between both you and DMMSI is crucial to ensure that the final web site will match your needs and taste.
Step 4: Development
The developmental stage is the point where the web site itself is created. At this time, DMMSI will take all of the individual graphic elements from the prototype and use them to create the actual, functional site. Elements such as interactive contact forms, flash animations or ecommerce shopping carts are implemented and made functional during this phase, as well.
Step 5: Testing and Delivery
At this point, DMMSI will attend to the final details and test your web site. They will test things such as the complete functionality of forms or other scripts, as well last testing for last minute compatibility issues (viewing differences between different web browsers), ensuring that your web site is optimized to be viewed properly in the most recent browser versions.
Step 6: Maintenance
The development of your web site is not necessarily over, though. One way to bring repeat visitors to your site is to offer new content or products on a regular basis. DMMSI will be more than happy to continue working together with you, to update the information on your web site. DMMSI offers various maintenance packages at reduced rates, based on how often you anticipate making changes or additions to your web site.