The Clear101 Web Design Process
My innovative, collaborative web design process:
- Lets you fit getting your site done into your busy schedule
- Can be done remotely from anywhere in the U.S.
- Uses FREE web and phone apps to communicate and get work done
- Ensures I have everything I need to build a site that earns you business
- Is flexible enough to adapt to your unique needs and circumstances
Your participation in the strategy and design process for a full Custom WordPress site means attending scheduled remote video conferences each week.
We’ll schedule the meetings for times when you’re available to sit at a computer with a strong internet connection and have a focused conversation about your business.
Meetings are usually 1 to 2 hours. For an accelerated time frame we can do 2 meetings per week as schedules permit. You’ll need to attend more meetings at the beginning stages of the project, then less often when the project reaches the stage where I’m building it.
You will work with me directly on the steps marked below with an asterisk
Your direct participation is needed for: First Consultation – Kickoff & Onboarding – Data Discovery – Brand Strategy, and – Content Questions Sessions. All other steps without the asterisk only need your feedback and approval.
DISCOVERY & STRATEGY
1st Consultation *
During our 1st conversation, I’ll listen closely to your business issues, goals and vision. I’ll consider what I learn from you. Then I’ll work on a proposed solution to help get you where you’re going with a quote.
UX Site Map
Based on our conversation I’ll create a ‘Site Map’ that shows all the pages for your website and the connections between them. The Site Map shows the structure of your site, keeps us focused, and serves as a guide during the entire development process.
Kickoff & Onboarding *
We’ll schedule our first strategy meeting after you approve the Proposal and make your deposit. I’ll coach you on some free remote work tools and methods. We’ll agree on expectations for effective communication and getting things done.
Data Discovery *
Following the kickoff meeting, I’ll send you a form to fill in any basic business information needed for your site and online marketing. I’ll also get the logins and access I need from you to build your site.
Keyword & Competitor Research
I’ll do thorough keyword research to discover the words your best prospects type into Google to find you. Then I’ll audit your competitor’s sites to see what they’re doing, to get insights for your own site and marketing.
DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT
Brand Strategy Sessions *
I’ll brainstorm with you to define and express your important business and marketing messages in simple, clear language your best prospects can quickly read and easily understand. Then I’ll base your site design on your unique responses.
Content Questions Sessions *
Every web page is a page of answers to questions your ideal customers have in mind as they read it. We’ll work together to account for all of their questions, then find the best answers to make sure each page is complete.
Page Prototypes
Once I have enough content to design the layout for a page I may create a bare-bones mockup to show you how the content fits on the page, where the images and videos will go, and how the page looks … before I apply your visual brand.
Visual Design W/ Style Tiles
The right fonts, colors, and images for your site are based on your unique responses in our Brand Strategy sessions and your visual preferences. I use a technique called Style Tiles to create visual design ideas while we’re working on your content.
SITE BUILD & PUBLISHING
Custom Site Build & Coding
I use modern tools to create fully custom, responsive WordPress websites from scratch. I also use custom web code so your site matches the designs we strategize along the way. No generic, boring WordPress themes here!
Content Roadmap
I use the keyword research and Site Map to create a targeted plan for what content you’ll need to increase your traffic over time – based on the best keywords that boost your website up the Google rankings.
Pro Site Launch Checklist
There’s way more to professionally publishing a WordPress site online than the ‘One Click’ install promoted by web hosts. I use a thorough launch checklist with over 200+ items for proper setup including backups and security.
30 Day Post Launch Support
I’m with you for 30 days after your site is up and running to finish up details, work out any kinks, and make sure everything is running smoothly. I am also here to give sound guidance – in plain English – on using and marketing your site.
SECURITY, MAINTENANCE & GROWTH
Ongoing WordPress Care Plan (optional)
You need peace of mind your website is working for your visitors 24/7 and someone experienced and reliable to keep your site growing and attracting more business. I offer ongoing consultation, content creation, and maintenance plans.
TOOLS WE’LL USE
We’ll use some free, easy to use web and smartphone applications to work together and communicate remotely, efficiently and fast. I’ll get you up to speed using them like a pro in no time!
All of these applications come with desktop versions as well as excellent iPhone and Android apps.
Some additional process notes
The above steps show the complete series necessary for me to design and build a full Custom WordPress Website from the ground up for you. However:
In practice every step is not always needed for every project
For instance: in the case of a Responsive WordPress Reboot, much branding and content strategy work is unnecessary. That’s because I use the content from your current site to build your new one. This speeds up your site launch schedule while earning you a significant discount on your investment.
Although the steps above are listed in order – some steps take place simultaneously
For instance: I use Style Tiles to start creating visual brand ideas and site elements as soon as I have enough to work with from our Brand Strategy sessions. This also speeds up the process quite a bit.
In general:
- The more content you have ready to go for your website, and
- The more motivated you are to work with me to provide the site content
- The faster your site will be ready to publish online
So ...
If you can see yourself getting onboard this process to get your online business working right: