Let’s discuss
Let’s start a conversation. For any type of project to succeed a direct exchange of information is key. I’ll be interested to get some background from you, your business and what it is I might help you with. You may want to
arrange for a general consultation*) and meet
in person (location is a factor)
, or via Skype, or on the phone, to further discuss ideas, plans and requirements. I’ll provide technical support and advice around what is involved, realistically possible and feasible, and what is likely not. This consultation will provide the information you need to be able to make an informed decision as to how best to proceed with your project(s). If you decide to proceed further, I’ll give you a questionnaire that’ll tease out more of
your vision around the project, as well as the details that I need, such as legal business information, current domain/server/hosting/platform information and access codes, your personal preferences, etc.
For work on exsiting website installations it may be necessary to perform an in-depth analysis*) before a realistic time and work estimate can be made.
Let’s get it done
Once I know the scope of a project, I’ll summarize the work it into an estimate, which will become part of the Website Development Contract for new sites or renovations, or a customized Web Management Agreement for existing sites. Before the work starts, I’ll expect a retainer deposit.
Clarity is the key. The following steps are very useful in keeping a project moving forward and can be used to measure progress. If all parties look at the same list there is more clarity.
Consultation
The initial consultation sets the tone and is the foundation for the project.
Recommendations | Timelines
I analyze requirements, assess feasibility, make recommendations and approximate time lines for the development all based on the discussions from the prior consultation. I provide an outline of the workflow requirements for the project. Timelines and formats for the provision of content. Determine who is responsible for content provision.
Concept Prototyping
I search for appropriate photos and/or images to include (clients may have their own, or I’ll provide). Create a navigational structure and graphic concept, a prototype. Present the concept and receive approval before continuing work. I build the website from the concept with the content received from the client and/or marketing writer. Stay within the parameters of the agreed concept/prototype.
Draft Review
I put a draft website online for review, accessible by the client only. Clients proof and review the work pages and make comments/corrections and point out any inaccuracies.
Testing
I test my work—and ask my clients to do the same—on various browsers, on Windows and Mac platforms, on tables and phones for incompatible coding, or inconsistent displays.
Corrections | Tweaking
I make final corrections based on feedback and minor changes. At this time requests for major design or structural changes will be outside of the original work agreement.
Launch
Upon final signed approval, I’ll launch the new (or renovated) website onto the client’s live hosting server and monitor the functionality.
Management | Maintenance
Keeping the content of a website accurate and fresh is important to its success. I do maintenance on demand and charge regular fees for my time, or, I offer a comprehensive yearly web management agreement, at a more favourable rate, with which I address all maintenance issues that may come up during the year.
*) For a general consultation or an in-depth analysis, that includes a written report with estimate, a fee for time applies.
