Getting Started
Here's an overview of what we need and a process overview to help guide you along before we begin!1) What I need to get started
Your Logo
PDF, EPS or high res JPEG or PNG if possible.
If you don’t have one, let me know. We can discuss your options.
Hosting Credentials
Your host username and password so that I can access your server settings to get things set up for your new website. (Ask me for more info if needed).
Wordpress Login
The login to your current WordPress site. (This applies only if you already have a WordPress site).
Images & Pictures
Any current and/or new images and pictures you’d like to use on the new site. If needed, I can purchase a few stock photos for you at a reasonable cost.
Content
Page content and any updated verbiage/information for the new site. This doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Just the “meat and potatoes” of what we need.
Design Preferences
Let me know any specific design preferences you may have such as colors, fonts, etc. You may also share examples of other website styles that you like.
These items can be shared with me via email, in person, or by simply uploading them to Dropbox. If you aren’t familiar with it, Dropbox is a website where you can easily upload your files. It’s very simple and I’m happy to set that up when you are ready to share content. (See more below)
2) Dropbox
Dropbox is a great online image/file sharing platform. This isn’t necessary for every project, but if you have more than 15-20 images for your website or if they’re too big to send through email, we can use Dropbox. We can also use this to share important logins and credentials instead of sending through email. I will set up a folder for the project and will share the folder with you via email. You can upload all images and files there.
3) The design process
Designing a website, no matter how big or small, is a process.
To better help you understand what to expect during the design and development, I’ve outlined my process into 3 steps:
1) Layout and design
A large and time consuming part of designing a website is in the planning and setup stage. Once we determine the pages that will be needed for your new website, I’ll design the home page and perhaps a sub page and then let you take a look. Once you approve, we will keep designing the other subpages.
2) Development
Once the site layout and design is approved, I’ll move forward with the designing all site pages and implementing all functionality and plugins. We’ll make sure your site looks great and functions nicely across all devices and web browsers before moving to the final step.
3) Edits & Revisions
Once the site is ready for final review, you’ll be able to review each page and we can make edits to text and details until the site is ready for launch. We ask that you please review ALL pages to make sure all spelling, grammar, addresses and information are correct before going live.
5) Wrapping Up & GOING LIVE!
Once the site is ready to go live, all unnecessary plugins, pages, images and backend files will be removed. The new site will be backed up and saved on a remote server. Once live, it may take between 24-48 hours for the new site to pull up on some devices. Your browser may need to be refreshed in order to see the new site and though most will see the new site fairly quickly after the launch.
Note: It may take a bit of tweaking to make sure that the website displays properly on all mobile devices. There are many different monitor sizes and resolutions, so we may need to make a few spacing and/or font size adjustments here and there.
If you request your backend website logins, PLEASE SAVE ALL LOGINS FOR YOUR RECORDS.
Upon completion, I can send a link to my Moving Forward page where you’ll receive tips and tricks on what to do with your new website and also information on our Maintenance/Security Plan which I highly recommend for all my clients.
If you have any questions, feel free to call or email.