General Workflow & Timeline

for Launching a Website

Check out the guideline below for the steps that will get us through this website project. I’ve tried to give an estimate of how long each step takes. Of course, some items will take less or more time, depending on response time as well as how large your website project is (i.e. 20 pages will take longer than 5 pages) 

We are partners in this project and I will need your helpful insight, responses and actionable feedback so look out for my emails, respond in kind - and we’ll get this completed for you in no time! 

Step 1: Getting Started

• Please complete the design questionnaire.

  • This will help us figure out colors, fonts and overall look and feel for your new website design - as well as the “voice” of your brand and ideal clients.

• You’ll also start to compile images and other assets (style guide, logo files) to share for the project.

• I’ll send you a shared Google Folder for us to share files with each other. This will serve as our main file-sharing space throughout the project, so important items don’t get lost in email threads. 

Step 2: Branding/Colors

• If you need branding, I will start to work on color palette options for you. If you already have a style guide, we skip this step.

Step 3: Copywriting & Compiling Content (You have work to do!)

• If this project includes branding, I’ll be re-working the color options at this time until we find the perfect palette.

• You have 2 weeks to complete your website copy. Once you upload the document(s) to our shared folder, I will use this text to copy and paste into the site.

  • To start copywriting, check out these 4 simple steps to help you out. You’re going to list out each page of your website (i.e. Home, About, Services, Contact) and add a headline for each one. Then, place the rest of the copy underneath each item.

  • If this is a redesign of a current website — go through your site’s current content and decide what to keep, toss, add, or re-work.  We need a list of pages and subsequent copy in order to start building.

  • If you need an extension from the 2 weeks, let me know and we’ll put a deadline together that works for you.

• Note: Quality copy is hugely important in the success of your website. I suggest you start working on this ASAP and I am here to review and help. I am also happy to recommend a copywriter, if you’d prefer.

Step 4: Page Design Starts 

• NowI get to work designing! It’s time for me to incorporate aaaall of the above into a (private) site for you. I’ll work on taking your responses from the questionnaire, your colors, branding and copy - and start with one or two page layouts.

• Design Review #1 - I will send you a “first design review” which includes 1-2 fully designed pages. You will view it privately with a password.

• Your job will be to review the design (colors, fonts, layout of content and top navigation, style choices etc.) and provide feedback on anything you need changed. Please create one document (or email) to send me all of your feedback. Bullet points are great.

Step 5: Design Review 2 

• I’ll work on the design edits. Once completed, I’ll send you Design Review #2.

• Take a look and make sure it’s to your liking! Compile and send me your changes so we can start to finalize. You’ll be able to review those changes as well before design is "locked."

• Please note: If extra design reviews beyond 2 are needed, I may charge an extra hourly fee - in addition to the flat rate. Please see your contract for details.

Step 6: Build Out the website

• Now I really get to work. It’s time for me to design and layout all of your website pages, including a home page! 

• Note: Depending on the scope of the project (i.e. how many pages, how much copy, custom javascript etc) this step can take more or less time to complete.

Step 7: Final Steps

• Full Website Review #1 - Wahoo! You get to see your full website for the first time.

• Take your time because this is a biggy. Go through each page on both desktop and mobile and check for broken links, grammatical errors or anything that looks wrong. We can also swap out images to make sure it’s to your liking.

  • At this time, I’ll give you the steps to upgrade your Squarespace subscription to a “paid” plan.

  • I will connect your domain if we haven't already. If you already own your domain, you’ll have to share the login info with me so I can gain access.

• Full Website review #2 - Once I implement the changes, you should do a final check before going live! This is not a time for major constructional changes or changing our mind on our copy. Rather, this is a last look before we go live.

Step 8: Go Live!

• In order to go live, I will remove the private password and connect your domain name (i.e. yourdomainhere.com). Ta da! We are on the internet, people!

Step 9: Post-Launch & Training

• We’ll get on a 30-45 minute training on Zoom so I can walk you through how to update your website, as well as answer any remaining questions you may have.

• You’ll have me for a full week of post-launch support, as needed.