We want our potential customers to know the process we use in creating a web site. We do not "shoot from the hip" when it comes to developing web sites. Below are the typical stages in a web design project at Kaufman Web Design™.

1. Client fills out our Estimate Request Form
Our Estimate Request Form allows us to gather a great
deal of initial information about your web needs. From the audience you are targeting, to hosting issues, to the size of the proposed site, we need this information to understand your requirements as well as to lay the groundwork for later steps.

2. The Initial Consultation to Determine Business Objectives
We meet with you and your group in person to talk through the details of your project. Here is where we can really delve into the project and its goals. You can also see how we do business. This is also a chance for you to ask us any questions you may have. Communication is a major part of a successful web project, and at this early stage, we encourage you to ask questions so you can feel at ease with the process and our company.

3. The Proposal is Created
Once we have gathered enough information about your web site needs, we will prepare a proposal. This may be a multi-page document if your web site project is large or a "one pager" if the site is on the smaller side. With this in hand, you will know what our costs are, what exact tasks we will be performing, and how long the process will take.

4. The Contract is Reviewed and Signed (view our contract)
Once you have reviewed the proposal, we write up the contract. Our contract (available to view here) has all the details of the project as well as the other legal stuff. The contract protects your company and ours. It solidifies our agreement together.

5. We Provide the Design Mockups
The first phase of the web site design process is creating the design mockups based on what you have told us (layouts, color preferences, etc). We provide at least three different designs for you to choose from. We feel you have the most to gain by having choices at this design stage. With these in hand, you can review, discuss, and decide which one you like the best.

6. The Gathering of Content
The heart of any web site is the information it contains. The best design in the world will be irrelevant if the site does not provide useful content for the target audience. In this stage, we help you compile (and if needed, help write) the text that will go on each page of the web site.

7. Creating the Web Site/Search Engine Optimization Strategy
Once you have provided the content for the web site, we go to work completing it. We still communicate with you regularly to let you know how things are progressing. Using HTML, CSS, javascript and all the other geeky web stuff that happens behind the scenes, our team of developers do their thing. At this point, we are also implementing any search engine marketing techniques you needed. This process makes sure your site will rank well for the keywords your target market is entering in the search engines. Finally we make sure all pages are fully accessible (to those users who have hearing or visual impairment).

8. Site Launch
When the entire site has been reviewed by you, and the final okay is given, we upload the site to the web server (if you need hosting, we will have that taken care of). There it can be viewed on the Internet. We always do a final check once it is "live" to make any final adjustments. At that point, the new site is ready for visitors!

9. The Ongoing Support/Maintenance/Training
We offer ongoing maintenance to all our clients to make sure your search engine rankings are high and that fresh content is added to your site on a regular basis. It is important to avoid letting web site content go "stale." We also have a Certified IBM Instructor on staff who is available to teach your staff how to maintain your site, if you so desire. One of the many benefits that make our company unique. This is a great option to take advantage of if you already have the staff who can take your web site project and run with it.

Contact us today to get started!