We want our potential customers to be aware of the process we use in creating a website, from start to finish. We do not "shoot from the hip" when it comes to developing your website. A tried-and-true methodology is employed. Below are the typical stages in a web design project at Kaufman Web Design™.

1. Client fills out our Estimate Request Form (click here to view)

Our Estimate Request Form allows us to gather a great
deal of information about what your initial needs are. 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 to talk through the details of your Internet project. Here is where we can nail down things like: What types of design are you after? What are the goals of the site and your business in general? 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 website needs, we will prepare a proposal. This may be a multi-page document if your website 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 and it looks agreeable, 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 website design process is creating the design mockups based on what you have told us (layouts, color preferences, etc). We provide at least 3 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 website is the information it contains. The best design in the world will still get clicked over if the site does not provide useful content for its' target audience. In this stage, we help you compile (and if needed, write from scratch) the text that will go on each page of the website. We offer this copy-writing as a separate service if needed. Otherwise, you provide us with what you want on the site, and we implement it.

7. Creating the Website/Search Engine Optimization Strategy

Once you have provided the content for the website, we go to work creating 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 search engine optimization techniques you contracted for so 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 (for 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 arrange that as well). 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. We also have a Certified IBM Instructor on staff who is available to teach your staff how to maintain your site. 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 website project and run with it.