One of the first questions asked by potential clients is, “how does this work?” It can be overwhelming and confusing for people who have never been through a web design before! I thought I might take the time to break down the process. Although different web designers have different processes, this is the process that I have found works best for myself and my clients.

The Initial Conversation

The initial conversation about web and graphic design usually starts because there is a specific need. Sometimes people want a website to start a business. Sometimes it’s to grow a business. Sometimes people just want to start blogging, either for fun and enjoyment or to make money. People have questions ranging from the very general to the very specific. It is my job to find out the exact need, communicate that to the potential customer, outline the process and the timetable, and provide a quote. This is generally done over email, through phone conversations, or both.

The Questionnaire

One tool I use to really get to know my potential customers and to ensure we are on the same page is a questionnaire. I actually send this prior to a work agreement or any contract signing. When I send this questionnaire, it is with no obligation for a potential client to choose my services. I have found that this tool is not only useful for my design process, but is also a useful tool for potential clients. It helps them to really think about what they want, not only for their logo, website or blog design, but also for their own business or blogging goals.
Questions range from what are your favorite colors and fonts do you like to what inspires you. Although there are only seven questions, it is a very thorough tool, and can be found here.
Once the questionnaire is complete and a decision to use my services is made, a contract is signed, a deposit is made, and my work really begins.

The Logo

The logo creation can be the most time consuming piece of the whole process. A logo should be lasting. It should convey exactly what your business or blog is all about, and should have the potential to be easily recognizable. A good logo will transfer seamlessly from web to print, and will look good both in color and in black and white.
The logo design process can be tricky. Sometimes clients know exactly what they want and are able to be very specific – making my job easy. Sometimes they don’t know what they want at all, but once I start sending proofs, they are able to really focus in on what they want. This can be frustrating for clients because they feel like the process is taking too long, and they are taking up too much of my time. To that I say please do not worry. I anticipate this possibility, and in no way ever feel like too much of my time is being used. The logo HAS to be perfect, and I will do what it takes to get it there!

The URL, Hosting, FTP, and WordPress Installation

Once the logo design is complete, or sometimes while I’m completing the logo, it is up to the client to purchase their URL and hosting. A URL is “uniform (or universal) resource locator,” or, the domain name. It is also known as the web address. Registering your URL costs anywhere between $8 and $12 per year. It is generally best to secure the URL as soon as possible, to make sure the URL matches the business or blog name. Unfortunately, sometimes that is not possible, and at that point I will have a conversation with the client about appropriate URL options.
Choosing a host, or where the website design and content will be stored, is up to the client, although I do recommend BlueHost. I have used them for years and have had nothing but a positive experience, as they rarely have any server issues and offer amazing customer service. Hosting fees are around $80 per year, and when a new customer signs up they get their domain name free for one year!
Once a client has completed the hosting sign up and URL registration (they are done at the same time, easy peasy), they will receive an email with their login details. This includes details about how to log into their FTP account. FTP stands for “file transfer protocol” and it is how I upload your designs to your website. The client forwards this information to me, and I start working my techy magic. I log into their hosting account and install WordPress. I then log into WordPress, create the client user name and password, install the Genesis Framework, and any standard plugins I use to help create the design or help make it user friendly.

The Site Design

One of the reasons I create the logo before I do anything else is because it really dictates the web or blog design. The logo colors dictate the colors of the site including the large site background, as well as the navigation, header, footer, and sidebar backgrounds. The overall design of the logo might dictate whether backgrounds are a solid color, multiple colors, or textured. The size and shape of the logo dictates the overall site layout.
The site design process is similar to the logo design process, although is generally less time consuming. It begins with a mock up, which includes general layout, background options, navigation and sidebar placement, page or post title colors, link colors, etc. There are generally revisions, but at this point I have a very clear knowledge of my clients and their goals, and we have a clear shared vision for their site.
Once the site design is agreed upon, I get to work coding, and in no time the site is complete. At this time I get together with the client via phone or in person to go over how to add content to the site. While the client gets to work adding content, I am available to answer questions, install plugins based on what kind of functionality the client desires, and troubleshoot any issues that may arise (don’t worry, they are generally very small issues).
I also get to work on the marketing materials.

The Marketing Materials

Just like the logo dictates the design of the site, the logo and site design together dictate the design of marketing materials, including business cards, brochures, postcards, Facebook and Twitter headers, etc. All of these components, with their coordinating styles, complete the design process. This is where the branding and hard work come full circle! All that is left now is for the client to decide where they will have their marketing materials printed, a decision I am more than happy to help the client make. I then design the final materials based on their preferred printers specifications, and the client is off and running!

Continued Customer Support

One of my services that is most important to me is continued customer support. When a client is new to the web, or new to WordPress, there are bound to be some issues and questions that come up that I am more than happy to help with. Although I do charge an hourly rate for very time consuming tasks, most of this is done for free, and with pleasure!

Do you have more questions about how the design process works? Feel free to contact me!