Tips on Creating a Smooth, Easy Process For Launching Your Web Site

For many people, thinking about launching your web site is exciting and full of expectations but can also seem daunting, confusing and overwhelming. Finding a designer, concerns about cost as well as the entire process to get your site off the ground can be filled with anxiety creating unknowns.

I do believe this process should be exciting but doesn’t have to be a difficult or negative experience. Here are a few tips and helpful information that can help the process go smoothly and much more worry free.

Making a plan

This is one of the most important steps you can take to prepare and help create a stress free process. First, decide on a budget for your site. Keep in mind, a great web site will cost money but deciding on an amount ahead of time that you can afford, perhaps with a little wiggle room, will help once you get to your first meeting or contact with a designer.

Then, start thinking about the site itself.

• What are the main points about you or your business/services you want people to know when they get to your site?
• How does your business/service “stand out” or differ from others in the same industry?
• Do you already have a logo or ideas about colors or layout?
• How many pages will you need?

Putting together ideas for some of these points will not only help in the planning stages with your designer but can also help when choosing a designer because now you have a good idea of the overall look and feel you want for your site.

Finding a designer

Asking for recommendations is always a valuable tool if you have friends or associates who have had sites built you really like. Putting an ad on Craigslist is another way many people have found designers.

(a word of caution though, I’ve been told that even if you specifically ask for only local designers to reply, you may be flooded with responses. One person told me she received around 80 emails – yikes! this option could take a little more time.)

But thanks to the internet, there are thousands of designers at your finger tips to choose from. Even a simple google search of your area + web design will provide at least some good leads.
www.freelancedesigners.com/dir/webdesign allows you to choose a city and state and will show a listing of freelance designers with a short bio and links to their portfolios. However you decide to go about this search, plan on spending some time browsing portfolios and reading about the services each designer provides as they may vary slightly. Once you have a good idea of budget, focus and overall feel for your site, it’ll be easier to choose a designer that will be a good fit for you.

Making Contact – The First Meeting

I’m a big believer in not good but great customer service so to me, this is a really important step in the process. In general, a first “meeting” either by phone, over several emails exchanged or in person, will be free. This is the “getting to know you” process, a chance for you to ask questions or get to know a little about the designer and for them to do the same with you. They will ask questions about your business, the kind of site you’re looking for and services needed. (See how great it is to be prepared with step 1 first!) They will usually then provide you with a proposal, plan and/or estimate on the project.

I know what a personal experience this is for a client, asking someone to build a web site for everyone to see that represents them and their business. A lot of faith and trust goes in to the hands of the designer so I work very hard to make sure I understand not only the requirements of the site but who and what your business is, what your major strengths are and how I can build a site that truly and fully represents this to the world. Clients are always invited to ask as many questions as needed as well, the more information exchanged, the more at ease you can feel in the process.

Designers at Work – The Design and Building Process

Once you’ve agreed and the designer is off and running, this can be the most nerve racking part for clients – but it doesn’t have to be. This is also where choosing the right designer will really be evident. Along with working toward creating a great web site for my clients, I also want to create a positive, seamless experience. One of the first things I’ll do is provide a screen shot or link to a page I’m developing and get your feedback. Now you have an idea of what’s happening and where I am in the process and I will know if I’m on the right track with the information that’s been provided to me. I also know clients can feel “in the dark” at times, not knowing what’s happening in the design process so this communication or even just an email to touch base will often help to calm nerves or get rid of any worry. Great design takes time but you should be provided with an estimate on not only when the project will be completed but when the next time the designer will be providing updates or any kind of communication. With that in mind, I also try to return emails or phone calls same day or as soon as possible. I like to communicate often and feel clients are always welcome to do the same.

The Final Product – Your Web Site is Live!

Once the entire site is complete and the final invoice has been paid, your site will be uploaded via FTP and presto – your web site is live! I like to remain available for any questions or concerns at this stage as well. Especially if this is a first web site for a new business, it can be a little scary. It may take time for people to find you online now but I also assist with social networking if needed to help increase your web presence as well as offering a monthly updates and maintenance service package. Once your site is live, you should never feel alone and in time, will feel more comfortable with the overall experience.

Hopefully these tips will help create an easy, smooth experience for both designer and client. Communication, understanding and teamwork is key. Create a great experience and get your site and ideas online today!

Need help? I’d love to work with you! View my portfolio at Pinup Designs or contact me directly at Anna@pinupdesigns.net.

Tags: business, customer service, Design, Web Design