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The timeforcake website process: Step-by-Step
Here's a simple breakdown of the 8 steps we'll go through while building your new website as well as what you get to take away from each step.
Step 1: Pre-Project
Let's talk!
Call or email eRin with an explanation of what you're looking for along with any questions you may have. We've found that it's usually most cost-effective and beneficial for both ourselves and our clients if we speak via email or phone before meeting in person. (We'll let you know if we think it'd be smart to meet in person first.)
We offer up to 30 minutes of pre-project communications and consulting before billing begins (please see our pricing page for a better understanding of how we charge).
If your project appears to be a good match with timeforcake, we'll likely ask that you complete one of our free website planners (found on our gettin' started page). When you've filled out your planner and sent it back our way, we'll review it thoroughly within 4 business days (but usually much sooner).
For larger sites (usually 25+ pages), we'll sit down and actually develop a rough site structure and organization for you. We do not bill for this work.
What you get to take away from Step 1:
- A solid, better-organized concept of what you're looking for in your new website, based on the questions we pose in our planner.
- Any additional suggestions or recommendations we made to you during your 30 minutes of free consulting.
Step 2: Proposal
Based on your website planner's answers, we compose a custom project proposal for you. This can take anywhere from 2 - 5 business days. The proposal will contain a recommended site structure as well as a cost estimate range.
It is very important to note that the cost estimate range in your proposal is not a quote like you'd receive from a car dealership. Because every single client and project is unique, our project work is based on our hourly rates. You are purchasing a professional service that is the combination of our knowledge, expertise, creativity, time, and problem-solving skills.
What you get to take away from Step 2:
- A customized proposal focused on your unique goals and desires for your site, including a concept of the cost you'll need to budget to meet your goals
Step 3: All Systems Go!
Once you approve your proposal and you've mailed, emailed, or faxed the signed/dated final page back to us, we'll draft the project contract and send it your way.
Once we've received the signed contract and the initial project payment (usually 30 - 40% of the estimated cost), we begin the creation of your website.
What you get to take away from Step 3:
- A signed contract -- proof that your website project is now underway!
Step 4: Content Collection & Design Decisions
At this point you'll collect all the required site assets we'll need to get to work on your site, including any text, photography, sounds, documents, etc. that you have. If you're hosting through us, we'll set up and activate your hosting account at this point in time.
While you're collecting your site assets and content, we'll be asking you a few questions related to the new design (look & feel) of your site. Once we have your answers and clearly understand what you're looking for, we'll begin brainstorming, researching, and sketching ideas.
(Don't forget to read our tips on the pricing page about how you can keep your overall site costs down.)
What you get to take away from Step 4:
- The completed content and assets you've collected -- all the information and media that will be going into your site
Step 5: Design!
Once we've received your feedback on how you'd like your site to look AND once we've received at least 90% of you site's content, images, and photos, we'll begin creating the design of your new website using a combination of Photoshop, Illustrator, and Painter.
Depending on how many design comps you request, we'll present you with your design(s) once we've completed our work. Based on your feedback, we'll continue to polish and tweak the design(s) until you're tickled pink.
What you get to take away from Step 5:
- A beautiful site design
Step 6: Code!
Now, as you sit back and sip your lemonade, we descend to the depths of the earth and get to work on the coding and programming of your website. Using a carefully measured mixture of HTML, CSS, PHP, Javascript, AJAX, and other fancy acronyms, we concoct a potion of code that, when viewed in your browser, displays a gorgeous and superbly-functioning website.
We'll keep in close contact with you during this stage, providing you with updates, asking you questions, and giving you occasional sneak peaks at how things are coming along.
What you get to take away from Step 6:
- Relaxation time
Step 7: Test, Polish & Refine
Once we've completed the coding of your website, we'll ask you to go through it and let us know of any tweaks or changes you'd like made. If any errors or omissions exist, we'll of course fix them immediately at no cost to you.
If you planned ahead and communicated clearly with us, you'll likely have very few requests from us at this stage. Again, please make sure you review our pricing page, which includes tips about keeping costs down.
We test, polish, and refine until you're delighted..
What you get to take away from Step 7:
- A functioning beta site
- The knowledge that your site is going to launch very, very soon!
Step 8: Take Off!
Once final payment for the completed work has been received, we launch your site! You're happy, we're happy, and all's well in the universe!
What you get to take away from Step 8:
- Your very own beautiful, fantastic, completed website
- A website document/white paper that provides you with everything you need to know about your site (usernames, passwords, languages used, etc.)