The Website Design Process: FAQs

The Website Design Process

Website Design FAQs

Have a question? Here is a great place to start. If I still haven’t answered your question, click here to shoot me a message.

Will I be able to edit my website?

Absolutely, wonderfully, totally yes. Have you ever had one silly word that was bothering you that you wanted to change but had to wait for your web guy or gal to get to it? Need to add a new service description to your services page? New picture on your about page? A new blog post? Cool! One of the reasons I love WordPress is that it puts edits like these back into your hands. Isn’t that great?

What do you mean by responsive design? (And why do I need it?)

Great question. This is becoming more, and more, and more, and dare I say MORE important than ever before. When is the last time you walked into an electronics store and looked at the computer section? The desktop computer section is tiiiiiny. But, the laptop section is growing and the tablet section is growing even more – not to mention all the smartphones out there. You need a website that is going to work and look good on all of these types of devices. What this means is that you need a website that will allow the content to adjust to the size of the screen your customer is using. It needs to look just as good on an iPhone as it does on an iPad, Kindle Fire, laptop, or desktop computer. This is one of the reasons I only use the Genesis Framework and Child Themes.

Why do you call yourself a Trailguide?

Mostly because I have been there and done that in all aspects of my business. I have tried to do it myself from learning advanced WordPress skills, branding, marketing, social media, you name it, I’ve possibly tried it. The times I have made the best forward momentum is when I had a guide to walk me through the process, point out the pitfalls, and show me new things to consider that I hadn’t thought of before. As your Trailguide I walk with you through the website development process and make sure that you are getting a website you can manage and that gives you the design and functionality you need.

What information do you need from me to started my website?

Website Hosting Account Login: This is the service you will need to purchase in order to host your site.
Domain Registrar Login: This is the company you purchased your domain from
Signed Website Agreement
Website Package Payment or Deposit
Website Content: Copy, bio pictures, videos, PDFs, stock photography, your photography, social media profile links, or any content you need to be included on your website

How does payment work?

We ask for 50% down to start your project with the balance due once your site is live on your hosting service. Payment options include: Intuit Payment Network, Paypal or Square.

What is a WordPress Consultant?

As your Trailguide I’m not just here to slap up any ole’ website and
theme and call it good. I want to get to know you and your business to
make sure you have what you need to propel your business forward online.
There are times my job is to brainstorm with you and look at what your
website goals are, what can we tweak on your current site or what can we
add to make sure you are speaking to your tribe through your website.

How much does a website cost?

You can review our WordPress Website package options here.

What are the website development steps

Step 1: Start here by filling out the website worksheet. This gives me a better idea of you, your business, your website needs and goals.
Step 2: If we are a good fit for you we will contact you to set-up a phone call to go over your project and decide together which package fits your needs and goals best.
Please note – we are not the best fit for everyone. In these situations we will let you know right away and upon request can provide you with recommendations of other service providers who might be able to assist you.
Step 3: Next you will be sent a website contract for your review and signature.
Step 4: You will send a deposit to reserve your spot on the production calendar. Payment options include: Intuit Payment Network, Paypal, or Square
Step 5: We will need your login details for web hosting, domain registrar, graphics, and any content you need on your website. With all this in hand we can get started on your website!
Step 6: We create your framework on our server, with all your content and basic design and submit to you for review.
Step 7: Final testing and sign-off on the site and we go live!

Website Design Revisions

We make every effort to create a design that reflects the answers given in the website questionnaire and the example website links you submit. But we know it is hard to visualize it without seeing it. We will create a basic framework with as many design elements as possible in place and send it to you for review. You will have up to a week to review and submit a list of requested changes and adjustments. You are allowed 2 rounds of revisions. After that, we do offer additional hourly rates of $60/hour to make additional edits and changes.
Once we have finished the revisions we will finish website testing to make sure it works in different major web browsers (Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer & Safari) and on mobile devices, the next step is to go live and launch your website!

Website Development Timelines

This is going to be your favorite answer, I just know it. It depends. The more bells and whistles and features needed the longer it will take. The following estimates are from the time we receive your deposit, website questionnaire, and any content we are adding to your site (copy, graphics, videos, etc.), and our current production schedule.

Full Website Redesign & Refresh: 10-12 weeks
Business Builder: 8-10 days
Starter Site: 3-4 weeks

The Website Design Process

There are a lot of decisions that need to be made in setting up a website. Through the website worksheet and consulting calls you and I will work together to make the process as easy as possible.

Here is how the website adventure process works

Homework & Planning:

I will send you a full questionnaire to get more details about your business, business goals, marketing plans. We will also take a more in-depth look at your branding and website style preferences.

Designing Your Site:

Now it is time for me to get to work! As I work on your site I will keep in touch with you regarding the progress of your site. You will have plenty of time to review the site and request changes along the way. (Each package will have different number of rounds of changes available.) Once we have your final approval, it is time to go live!

Time To Go Live:

Now is the fun part, we make your site live and ready for you to share and use. Once live, I will send you your final invoice for the final payment on your website package.

What’s Next?

I’m here to help! For the first couple of weeks you will probably run into questions, do not hesitate to ask. If you need additional website training as well as monthly backup and maintenance plans to help keep your site up-to-date and ready for software updates. You can find more about that here.

Example Website Timeline

Please note… this is in general, timelines may be shorter for basic websites and may be slightly longer for more complex and customized websites.

1-4 WEEKS BEFORE PROJECT BEGINS

You – You make a down payment to get on the schedule
Us – We have a consulting session to determine the goals and features of your website
You – You begin the homework I’ve assigned as well as gather all website content
Me – I schedule your project and am available if you have questions

WEEK 1

You – All content and homework due
You – Login info due
Me – Start outlining the site

WEEK 2

Me – I’ll start developing the website based on your questionnaire, our consulting call and your content
You – You’ll answer any questions I have as I create the site

WEEK 3

Me – I’ll send you the site for review
You – You’ll review the site and provide feedback

WEEK 4

Me – I’ll tweak the site based on your feedback
You – You’ll sign off on the site

WEEK 5

You – You make final payment
Me – I’ll launch the site on your server
You – You’ll celebrate!