There are two questions that we are almost always asked when a client is deciding whether or not to hire us to build or redesign their website.
1. What will the website look like?
2. How long does it take to build a website?
Both questions are understandable and valid, yet neither can be given a rote answer.
What will the website look like?
It is important to note here that we use the Content First Design approach. This means that we do not begin the web development process with a fixed design. Instead, we begin by figuring out what information will be on the website.
Working this way shifts the initial focus from aesthetics to content. By understanding what we want to convey through words and images, we can map out the content in a thoughtful way. Before any design begins, we figure out what pages we want to have, exactly what words will go on those pages and what images we have to work with.
Rather than creating a static template and stuffing content into an existing framework, we let the content determine the structure. Solid, thoughtful, relevant content is what drives traffic to a website. That is why we spend so much time focused on it. So it is after content has been compiled and edited that we begin to think about design. For that reason, we cannot tell the client what the site will look like first.
How long does it take to build a website?
Every developer works differently. At Trevellyan.biz we usually break down our project into nine phases. No phase starts until the previous phase is complete and the client is completely satisfied. (The phases below are generalizations. Some projects may have slightly different phases.)
- Discovery
- Content Development and Review
- Date Structure, Structure Review and Search Engine Optimization <- phase 1
- Basic Page Design Ideas
- First Concrete Designs
- Development and Search Engine Optimization <- phase 2
- Testing
- Launch
1. Discovery
This is the planning phase. Through interviews and surveys that we have developed, we begin to learn about the client’s business. This will allow us to design and build a website that meets the client’s needs and expectations.
ESTIMATED TIME: 1 week
2. Content development
Content development is key to the success of any website, because it is the content that will drive traffic. We begin by creating a project outline/site map using the information the client provides about the business. This outline will consist of main category pages and subpages, grouping similar topics together.
In most cases, the client writes all the words and supplies all photos and/or video. However, we are happy to write copy or source images for an additional fee.
ESTIMATED TIME: This phase of the project takes the most time. If the client is writing text, then they determine how long to take. If we are hired to write it, we will provide a time estimate.
3. Date entry, structure review and search engine optimization (SEO)
When the client has compiled all the text to be used on the website, we will review the information. It is at this time that we begin the search engine optimization process. Optimizing the site for keywords specifically relevant to the business and its customers is critical. This can involve tweaking text, adding new content, perhaps even creating new pages. Everything is done in concert with the client, to ensure they get a website that is an enhancement to their existing business.
We then put this un-styled version at a temporary address that the client can access. They’ll review the structure, evaluate the organization and see if anything is missing. After this un-styled version is approved, we move on to design.
ESTIMATED TIME: 3-5 weeks
4. Discussion of basic page design ideas
When the client has provided all content and approved the architecture, we will being to discuss design. We talk extensively about likes and dislikes, and review other sites. Our goal is to have a solid understanding of what is desired before final design begins. We send the client links to websites that have elements we believe could make sense for them, and we review any links that the client has shared.
Then, based on feedback, we begin to develop and agree on specific elements. These include, but are not limited to colors, fonts, page layout and header. Once basic design elements are approved, we will move on the the next phase.
ESTIMATED TIME: 3-5 weeks
5. First concrete designs
We begin by designing three pages using the approved design elements and content. We put a desktop version of the selected pages online at a temporary address for the client to review and test. At this point we can change anything about the design. Once the client approves the designed pages, we will move on to the next phase.
ESTIMATED TIME: 4-6 weeks
6. Development and SEO (again)
This is where the approved design becomes concrete. We style all pages, implement site-specific features, complete search engine optimization, and add social sharing buttons.
By the time we reach this step, 6, copy will have been tweaked, images replaced, new pages may even have been added. That’s why we revisit SEO to ensure that everything is well-optimized.
ESTIMATED TIME: 3-5 weeks
8. Testing
During this phase, we will test the site to ensure that everything is functioning correctly. (Change requests at this point in the project will be limited to 4 hours.)
ESTIMATED TIME: 1-2 weeks
9. Launch
Upon your final approval, we will launch the site. This marks the end of the project.
ESTIMATED TIME: Up to 1 week
How long does it take to build a website?
How long it takes to build a website depends on the scope of the project and how organized and prepared the client is. For example, a website with five or six pages will likely take less time that a site that has dozens of pages. A website with an online store usually takes longer than one without. And when a client comes to the project with a portfolio of great images, a clear idea of what they are looking for and a good idea of what their goals are, the project can take less time than when a client is starting from square one. Of course, we are happy to work with clients in any of these scenarios. But as a general rule of thumb, we like to allow 3-4 months to build a really good website.
Please let us know if this article was helpful by leaving a comment below. Learn more about our website development services by visiting our website development page. If you’d like to talk to us about your own website please call (518) 392-0846, email us at [email protected] or visit our contact page.