Guide to Web Site Development

So you want to get on the web? How do you start the ball rolling? Who does what, when? Just follow these easy steps…

1 Choose a domain name

If you haven't already got a domain name (web address) then you'll need to choose a suitable domain name for your site. Try and keep it simple, short and easy to remember. Usually it's the company name, an abbreviation of it and/or relating to your primary business. Make sure not to infringe someone else's Trademarks or intellectual property rights.

You can have more than one domain name, in fact as many as you like (subject to availability). All the names can point to the same site and email addresses. If you would like more than one domain name then let me know. Perhaps you want to cover the bases or register different TLD's e.g.:

Additional Domains
.uk = £6
.com = £15
www.mycompany.com
www.mycompany.net
www.mycompany.co.uk
www.my-company.co.uk
www.myc.co.uk
www.my-c.co.uk

Check to see if the domain name(s) you want are available using this search facility:

2 Complete the order enquiry form

Once you've found a design package that best suits your budget and needs, please fill out the online order enquiry form. Get in touch if you want to discuss your project first, particularly if you're looking for a Custom Web Site Design.

3 Make an initial payment

An initial deposit of 25% is required before work can start on your web site. Payment by credit or debit card is via PayPal or if you prefer by cheque or BACS. An interim invoice will be sent by email.

4 Send your web site content

The words, photos and artwork (logo's) required on your site can be sent electronically by email, or posted on CD or floppy disk(s). If all your content is in hard copy or based on a company brochure then an additional small surcharge will apply.

What happens next?

This is the usual development process but by no means definitive.

Queries answered

Any questions or queries raised on your order enquiry will be answered.

OK given

If you're then happy for work to start on your site then let me have the "OK" and pay the deposit.

Domain name registered

Once the initial payment has been received the domain name(s) will be checked & registered and suitable web hosting will be arranged.

New email settings

Details of your new email address(es) and settings will be sent. If requested/required an initial holding page will also be put in place.

Content reviewed

Once your web site content is received it will be reviewed and I'll get back to you with any queries or suggestions.

Initial design created

Based on your content and any design brief & details provided I'll develop the look, layout and structure for the site.

You'll get a mock-up image of a sample page from your site. Not Starter or Budget packages

Design Approved

If you want any changes or don't like certain aspects of the proposed design then I'll revise appropriately until you are satisfied. This saves time coding the site which won't be started till the mock-up has been finally approved.

Not Starter or Budget Packages

Web Site created

Work will start on coding your web site, enhancing the photos and laying out the content provided.

Web Site checked

On completion (or at set stages in development) the site is uploaded to a test server. You will have access to this to look through your site. Please check through to make sure you are happy. If any amendments are required i.e. photos swapped round, wording amended, any errors corrected; these will be promptly done.

Web Site goes live

Once you're happy with the site then a final invoice will be sent. After payment has been received your site will "go live" and be available on the appropriate domain name(s) for the world to see. Your site will also be registered on the popular search engines.

Administering your site

If you have chosen unmanaged hosting details of your web site control panel will be forwarded so you can administer your site, email addresses, auto forwarders etc. If you have opted for managed hosting then just get in touch if you need new email addresses setting up, auto forwarders creating, web pages amending, etc.

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Any questions? Try my FAQ page or get in touch.