We
find this questionnaire to be useful for us as well as our clients, because
it usually raises a number of issues that may not have been considered.
2.
Proposal/Estimate
Should we agree to proceed, we will make recommendations and create a
proposal SKETCH to get all our minds in gear and in synch with each other.
We may call or email each other several times during this part of the
process. It’s all about communications and clarity!
3.
Acceptance of Agreement
Once we’re all on the same page and agreeing on timeline, cost estimate,
and the scope of your project, EllipsisWeb will create an Agreement and
Scope of Work detailing the project and price. The downpayment is normally
1/3 of the project total cost, and is due upon the signing of our Agreement.
4.
Website Work Begins
At this point, you begin to gather your graphics (logo, photos, etc.),
text content, and initial design concepts are started. EllipsisWeb will
help coordinate this effort with you. However, it is important to note
that this requires a fair amount of commitment on the client's part. Even
if you don't write your text or create the graphics yourself, you will
need to be involved in the process so that you will be happy with the
final product.
5.
Website Design Drafts
Based on the information we’ve exchanged during the initial consultation
and the content that we've gathered, page layout and visual design are
started. The home page is designed first and sets the “look &
feel” for the rest of your website pages.
As
we develop the initial drafts, we upload the web pages to a private area
on the Web where the you can view them. Based on your feedback, we will
generate another iteration and once again solicit your feedback - until
we are both happy with the design. Up to three sets of revisions are included
with our agreed-upon price. When the final design is agreed upon, we’ll
ask that you approve the design through our Design Sign-off Form for each
of our records.
6.
Building Your Website
Once the general concept and design of the web pages are agreed upon,
we will start the detailed building process – which includes using
our agreed upon design as the basis for the rest of the pages, laying
in and formatting text content, making fine-tune adjustments to the layout,
and generating the code for any needed functionality and dynamic pages.
When
the website is complete, and before handing the site over to you for your
own fine-tuning, it is thoroughly tested for both PCs and Macs, a variety
of browsers, and at different resolutions and window sizes.
7.
Client Viewing Date and our “No-Fault, Fine-tuning Period”
When design and testing are complete, we’ll inform you that your
website is ready for viewing. This marks the beginning of the fine-tuning
period. This is normally a two-week period in which we encourage our clients
to review the website for minor changes and corrections. We ask that you
email your initial set of notes at the end of the first week. This gives
us time to post your changes, and leaves additional time for a second
round of changes if needed. A Progress Payment, normally 1/3 of the project
total cost, is due at the “Client Viewing Date,” and beginning
of the fine-tuning period.
8.
Website Launch
When you’re satisfied with results from the fine-tuning period,
the website is ready for launch. We will then upload the website to your
hosting server* where it is available to the public via your chosen domain(s).*
At this point, we will again test your website online for functionality
and stability. The Final Payment (adjusted for changes in Scope of Work
if necessary), is due at the end date of the fine-tuning period.
*
EllipsisWeb can help you make hosting arrangements (by our recommendation)
or we can upload your website to a host of your choosing. We can also
help with the purchase of domains.
9. Follow-up Orientation and Training
Once your website is launched, we will take the time to show you around
and acquaint you with the functionality of your website. If your website
includes eCommerce shopping and/or is built around a Content Management
System (CMS), this is the point at which training begins.
