Our Web Development Process
We don’t like surprises.
We don’t think you do either.
That's why we plan and document the entire web development and design process using well established systems and methodologies. It's a better way of doing business. It manages the risk to you as the customer and stops you (and us) getting any surprises further on in the project.
To accomplish this, we have a 6 stage process: 1. Investigation
2. Website Specification
3. Website Site Build
4. Content Entry & User Acceptance Testing
5. Publish
6. Search Engine Optimisation
Stage 1: Investigation
Define Business Objectives:
This part of the web development process is carried out by our "solutionists". Using our planning guide, we take the client through questions which explore issues that are, in our experience, important. This early stage planning is vital to ensure the client gets a website that delivers their business results.
Develop a Proposal:
The proposal outlines our solution to achieve the client's website objectives. A site structure plan and pricing estimate will be included. If the proposal is accepted, a deposit is required to cover the next stage cost of graphic design and website specification.
The Client and Solutionists together develop detailed plans of each website feature and function. This typically involves one or more meetings between client representatives and Solutionists staff.
These plans are then written into the functional specifications and will include site map, page layout (wireframes), page functionality descriptions, content schedule and a project plan. At this stage, we complete the graphic design for the site. The functional specifications provide the "working drawings" for the website and it is important that the client checks every page carefully.
These working drawings and graphic design are then signed off by the client as part of the web development contract and the costs and the design are now fixed.
Solutionists developers now commence building and testing the website. This may take 2 to 6 weeks depending on the complexity of the work.
On completion, the web site will be made available to the client for viewing on our server. At this point a further payment of the project value, is required. The final percentage of the cost becomes due 30 days from hand-over, giving the client time to enter content, test the site and have any issues addressed.
Before making the system live, all the content (text and images) is added to the site. During this process we will train the client in how to use the content management functions of the website. The client also needs to carry out the vital User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and is the last opportunity to ensure that everything in the site meets the specifications before it goes live to the public.
To assist with this process, the client checks the functional specification and tests that it works as promised with Solutionists bug reporting database available for you to advise us immediately of any problems or request minor changes.
Once you are happy with the site we move it to the publicly available web address and it's live.
Before making the system live, all the content (text and images) is added to the site. During this process we will train the client in how to use the content management functions of the website. The client also needs to carry out the vital User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and is the last opportunity to ensure that everything in the site meets the specifications before it goes live to the public.
To assist with this process, the client checks the functional specification and tests that it works as promised with Solutionists bug reporting database available for you to advise us immediately of any problems or request minor changes.
Stage 6: Search Engine Optimisation
The live website is now available to anyone who knows the address, but to gain high visibility, the main search engines such as Google and MSN need to review and rank all the pages. Solutionists offer several levels of web marketing services to help build increased traffic of your target audience to your site.
For more information about how we can help your business, contact us now.