How it works.
We like anything that gets our creative juices flowing. You might have noticed we're not your average company — we're your above average company and we'd like to show you why that is.
You're on our guest list.
Just like you would want to listen to a band's music before seeing them live, you want to know how we can rock before you hire us. This is why we created this Backstage area so that you can get a feel for what we do and how we do it, from before you even "buy your ticket" (hire us) for the "final performance" (project being delivered).
Before we begin ...
If you do not have a creative brief or RFP (request for proposal) for us, no need to worry. We've got a very helpful questionnaire that you can fill out. Just download that and email that back to us. We like to know as much information about your project as possible. This helps us not only get familiar with the details but also gives us some preliminary insight into the purpose of your project, your target audience, and goals — and helps us offer the best solutions for you.
So what happens once the project starts?
The fun begins ... the magic happens ... the show starts. We're off and running with you and we won't keep the lights too low. In fact, we like you to see what is going during every part of our 4 step process.
These are all critical steps to fully understand your project and lay the foundation for success.
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Step 1: We review your brief/RFP and the questionnaire answers. We perform any necessary research into your industry to better understand your unique situation and needs.
We also get you set up in our online project management system, Basecamp, so the job can be organized from the word go.
Step 2: We might also schedule an in person or phone meeting to answer any pre-development questions. And we're available via email and phone throughout the project.
Step 3: We'll finalize your sitemap (the site organization and structure - all the pages on your site and how they will be connected) with you and if necessary we will put together a lightbox of potential stock images to use in the project (and/or request images from you). We will work with you on image approvals for each page/section of the site.
Step 4: We create what are called wireframes for your site. This is simply a basic graphic representation, using boxes (aka the wireframes) to show where content will be placed on your home page as well as a sub page on the site. This step is important to the next phase where we actually get into the design. It's very easy to move things around and experiment in this step. This step ensures there are no surprises with content or features on the page.
OPTIONAL — If your project requires copy writing services, we will have you work with our expert writer at this stage.
OPTIONAL — If your project also includes multimedia such as animation or video, we will begin to formulate and finalize how this media will appear and function on the site. This sometimes requires an additional meeting to go over any details for the media portion of the project.
This is the stage where the project really starts to take shape visually.
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Step 1: Here is where we combine all your information and ideas with our years of professional design user interface experience to present you with initial concept designs. We will give you an easy to access area on the web where you will be able to review these. We work closely with you on revisions to finalize the concept that will become the finished website.
Step 2: Before we begin to actually put your web pages together, we will refer back to the original site map (from the research phase) and start coding.
Functionality, usability, and making your project work properly on the web.
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Step 1: This is where your project begins to take on solid form. We will upload files to Basecamp where you can check the progress of your project. We keep a constant line of communication open during the entire project process.
Step 2: We will need the content (text, specific images, etc.) for your project so we can start populating the site pages.
All Steps: When applicable we will need you to approve parts of the project before moving on. This is a quality control measure, to ensure your finished project functions properly.
Review, error checking and site launch.
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Step 1: In this step, the project is reviewed for quality and performance. The website will be checked on various browsers and mobile devices and checked for any errors. Only after this testing will the site be considered finished and we will take it live on the web.
Step 2: Project wrap up includes things such as complimentary training on ecommerce shopping cart administration, content management systems, or other custom programmed systems, and discussing a maintenance agreement or marketing plan if that is part of your overall project. We will also be available to answer any post-deployment questions you may have.
Step 3: Celebrate the launch of your new website (sorry we can't spring for the champagne)!
Research, planning and getting to know you.
Organization and design.
Layout, programming, content.
Final overview and wrap up.