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Our Website Development Process
In 8 Steps

COLIN JOHNSTONE
WEBMASTER
NOVEMBER 2023
PUBLISHED
WEB DEVELOPMENT
CATEGORY

Our 8-step website development process is a comprehensive guide to help you understand the essential phases of creating a successful digital presence.

Building a website is like constructing a house; each step is crucial to achieving a sturdy and functional end result that serves its purpose.

This article explains the technicalities of web development and web design in a simple way, making it accessible and comprehensible for everyone. So... let’s get started.

1. Planning: Laying the Foundation

The planning phase is essential for ensuring a clear website structure and setting the direction for the development process. Just like selecting the location and design of a house based on its intended usage, this step involves:

  • Defining the website's goal: what type of website we are creating, i.e, E-commerce, informational, portfolio
  • Identifying the target audience: who is the end-users of the website Determining what kind of content that will attract and retain the target audience
  • Defining functionalities: i.e, do we need a payment system, a calendar system, a booking system Identifying resources needed, i.e, do we need a copywriter, video producer, specialist programmer
  • Map out the website development timeline: is the website built for a specific event or launch  

At the end of the planning phase, we will have a blueprint to start the development that will keep us on message, on time, and on budget.

2. Development: Building the Structure

Development is the stage where the structure of the website is built. Like the construction crew building the walls and roof of a house.

Understanding the client's business is paramount during this phase. It’s like knowing the purpose of the house –  preferences – to furnish it appropriately.

This knowledge contributes to the funneling structure of the website, which means ensuring that the navigation is user-friendly and logical for visitors to find what they are looking for.

Using different types of web development languages, coding and tools, a Web Developer creates a website that enables website functionality. 

This stage involves:

  • Front-end development, which deals with the parts of the website users interact with
  • Back-end development, focusing on the server, database, and application.

Developers follow the website development life cycle,  The job of a Web Developer is to ensure the website works seamlessly across different web platforms (Mac, PC), different browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc), different devices (desktop, laptop, tablets, mobile phone) and is optimised for search engines. 

Web development professionals pay attention to web standards and development tasks to build a robust and efficient website.

3. Design: Visualising the Look and Feel

In the design phase, the visual aspect of the website comes to life. The web designer works on the look and feel of the website, ensuring it is aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly. This step is similar to an architect drawing the house plans, focusing on aesthetics and usability. 

Part of the web design process involves:

  • Branding (logo, color schemes, fonts, imagery) 
  • Layout that is visually appealing
  • Navigation  
  • Funneling

Every website development considers the preferences of the target audience to ensure the design resonates with them and is easy-to-navigate.

4. Content Creation: Filling the Rooms with Value

Once the structure is in place, it’s time to fill the rooms with valuable content.  Content is the soul of the website as it is the way we engage and communicate with the client.

Content creation includes:

  • Web copy
  • Photos 
  • Videos

The main challenge in writing a web copy as compared to writing an article or social media post, it needs to meet Google SEO guidelines for the page to be found.

Some key points when creating website content:

  • Find focus keywords to identify the terms and phrases potential visitors might use to find the services or information the website offers
  • Understand client's pain point and opportunities
  • Write content that addresses the needs of the client and offer them a possible solution

Managing and updating web content effectively is crucial to retaining user interest and ensuring the website continues to fulfill its purpose and stay relevant in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

5. Testing: Ensuring Everything Works Perfectly

Before moving into a new house, it’s essential to check if everything works perfectly – the same applies to websites. Testing is a critical stage of the web development process, where every aspect of the website is thoroughly checked.

This includes:

  • Testing the functionality,
  • Compatibility with different web browsers 
  • Optimising the website for different devices

During this stage, any glitches, bugs, or issues are identified and fixed. This ensures that users will have a smooth and enjoyable experience when they visit the live website. Testing is an indispensable step to launching a successful website that meets the expectations of the end-users and achieves the website's goal.

6. Launch: Opening the Doors

The launch phase is the moment of truth; the website goes live for the users. Like opening the doors of a newly built house, launching your website makes it accessible to the public. 

Some ways to announce a new website are through various channels, such as

  • Social media
  • Email newsletters
  • Press releases 

This phase is also the best time to monitor web traffic and user engagement, gain feedback to understand better how well the website is received, identify areas for improvement, and address any issues promptly to ensure a seamless user experience.

7. Maintenance: Keeping the House in Good Shape

Building a house is not the end; it needs regular maintenance to stay in good shape – similarly, a website needs continuous upkeep. This step is essential for safeguarding the website’s functionality and enhancing its performance over time.

The maintenance phase involves:

  • Regular software updates, 
  • Fixing any issues, and
  • Possibly adding new features or content. 

Website maintenance is an ongoing process that is crucial for the longevity and success of the website. It helps keep the website secure, improve user experience, and adapt to the evolving needs of the business and the audience.

8. Monitoring & Optimisation: Installing Security Systems

After the house is built, it’s essential to keep it safe and ensure everything is operating smoothly. In this final step, we install Google Analytics and Google Search Console to monitor the website’s performance and gather tangible data on user behavior. 

This allows us to:

  • Track how visitors interact with the site
  • Identify any areas for improvement
  • Optimise the user experience.

Beyond Building Your Website: Consider Us The Architects of Your Digital Future

Just as an architect doesn’t simply design a building and leave, we at Creative Web Marketing envision our relationship with you as a lifelong partnership. We see ourselves as more than just a developer; we are the architects of your digital presence, meticulously designing, building, and maintaining the online face of your business.

Digital Partnership for Life

Building a website is more than just a once-off job. In the same as your business is dynamic, constantly evolving, and adapting, it is essential that your digital presence reflects that. Just as an architect oversees not only the construction but also the future adaptations and maintenance of a building, we are here to ensure your website continues to serve your business effectively. We aim to be your partner in navigating the digital world, adapting to its shifts, and capitalising on its opportunities.

Some of the aspects we are helping you in navigating the digital landscape:

  • Understanding the unique needs and goals of your business
  • Keeping your website dynamic, an integral part of your brand  
  • Help you to adapt to the ever-changing digital landscape, keep up with trends, and stay ahead of the competition.

Summary: Your Lifelong Digital Partner

  • Lifelong Partnership: Creative Web Marketing is not just a one-time developer; we are your lifelong digital partner.
  • Beyond Web Development: Our role extends beyond the initial design and development, ensuring your online presence grows with your business.
  • Adapting to Changes: We help you navigate and adapt to the ever-changing digital world, keeping your business relevant and competitive.
  • Invested in Your Success: Your growth is our growth; we are committed to building and maintaining a successful digital presence together.
  • Web development checklist: Planning, Development, Design, Content Creation, Testing, Launch, Maintenance, Monitoring & Optimisations

Whether you are a budding developer, a business owner, or simply intrigued by website design and development, understanding these steps provides a clear and comprehensive guide to website development to help you create a successful website that serves its purpose effectively and offers an enjoyable user experience.

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