What to expect in website development.

When most clients come to Blue Laser Design, they have an idea and some direction for their project... but, really don't fully know what to expect throughout the process.

Blue Laser Design will work one on one with the client to ensure that the project and process is understood, and the clients' end result is above satisfactory. We have compiled below a few pointers and tips to help our clients along in the process:

1. Initial Consultation
2. Design
   
3. Development & Programming
4. Testing & Launch
5. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
6. Ongoing Maintenance

1. Initial Consultation: In this stage, we will sit with the client or consult with them in a virtual meeting and discuss the clients needs and wants. We listen to the client and offer cost effective solutions within their budget. Sometimes, the client will discover that all their wants aren't necessarily their needs.

Somethings that should be considered:

• Budget
• Purpose
• Goals
• Target Audience
• Identity / Branding
  
• Content
• Aggressive Marketing
• Maintenance
  

Once the project is detailed out, we will then be able to provide a detailed estimate for the client.

2. Design: Once the estimate is approved by the client, a 40% deposit and contract will be required and we will then begin our Design Stage. In this stage, the client will have the opportunity to detail out with their personal Project Manager / Designer their specific design requirements (i.e. branding, color choices, layout ideas, etc.) Our designer will then translate that into a visual layout for the client to review and approve or revise.

Our Design Stage is estimated and proposed with a set number of design hours based on the clients input and direction in the initial consultation. The client needs to be conscious and aware of these design hours throughout this stage. Because, the more time spent in this process could cause the project to go over on budget for the client. That is why it is extremely important that we get as much information from the client to minimize design time and revisions.

Once the design has been formally approved by the client, it is considered a final layout and we will require the next installment (30% of the project) as second payment before we move onto the next stage of development.

3. Development & Programming: This is where we take the approved design layout, and make it into an actual site. In this stage, we ask the client to start gathering the textual content that they want for each page of their website. Therefore, when we have completed the programming we will be able to input the clients' copy into each page and launch the site onto a test server for the clients' review. Based on how the project was estimated, we have several options for copy writing and insertion. The client can choose to provide us with the copy prechecked for spelling and grammar, or they can choose to let us do it for them.

4. Testing & Launch: Depending on the complexity of the site and the amount of programming / databasing, this stage is usually pretty quick. We test and debug anything that would need tweaking, and we are ready for launch! Before the launch, we would require the final installment for the project and any additions that may have been added throughout the process (don't worry, we don't add anything that you aren't aware of and approve first).

5. Search Engine Optimization (SEO): This stage is always after the site is lauched and live. If this option was estimated for the client, we will work with them in gathering proper keywords, coding the site with the apporpriate meta tags, etc. for the best search results. We will consult with the client in reasonable expextations, as well as other avenues and tricks for the SEO world. The SEO process can be confusing for most people, and we will do our best to explain our process as well as what the client can expect. This stage can get as aggressive as the client would like and we can get the results they desire.

6. Ongoing Maintenance: Blue Laser Design offers multiple maintenance packages for our clients who wish us to maintain their website for them. You can review some of these options at www.bldstore.com & refer to the link on the left "Labor Hours & Subscriptions"

Some clients also choose to maintain their websites themselves. We can work with them on this option as well. Depending on what was estimated in the proposal, we have the capabilities to create a custom CMS (content management system), or offer suggestions on HTML editing software.