How do you build a web site? Where do you begin? Most people want to talk about the look of the web site first, because that is what they have been imagining in their mind's eye. But there are several steps before we get to the design.

If you don't already have a domain name, our first step is to help you select and register a domain name that clearly defines your business objectives.

Next, we determine who will host your site. The pages of your web site must sit on a web server that is connected to the internet, so that your site is accessible to the public. There are many, many options for hosting companies with many different services and price ranges. We will help you select the best solution for your needs.

This is where the fun starts. But we still can't talk about the look of the site yet!

Information Architecture

First, we need to understand what information the site will contain and how the user will navigate through it. Think of your web site like a house you want to build. What kinds of rooms (i.e. pages, content) do you want in the house? What is the overall purpose of the site?

Next, we discuss the architecture of the "house" - where each room will be, and how the rooms will flow together - in other words, the navigation of the site. What will happen when the user clicks this button? How will the user get back to where they started?

When the content and navigation is finalized, we build a wireframe. This is a no-frills, no color, no graphics version of the site. The wireframe allows you to do a "walk-through" of the site prior to its creation, so that you can make changes prior to the actual building of the site.

E-Commerce or Shopping Cart

If you will be selling a product online, there are many different e-commerce systems and shopping cart software packages available at different prices and customization levels. We will recommend the best solution to fit the needs of your business, and integrate it into your site. We can also help you set up an eBay store or PayPal invoicing system for your customers.

Design

Once the wireframe is approved, it is time to paint and wallpaper the "house", or talk about the look and feel of the site. We create three different design comps based on your general guidelines, and finalize the design after receiving your feedback.

Content Development

During this phase, you deliver to us the pictures and text to include in the site. We can also create content for you and edit, proof, or enhance existing content.

Building

We start coding the site and periodically post the pages to a password-secured area on this web site, where you can log in and view your web site in the construction phases. Once the site is complete, edits made, and approved, we post it to your registered domain.

Most businesses want to appear near the top of search engine listings. In order to get listed at all, your web site must be submitted directly to the search engine. Optimization will help it rank higher in the listings. We will analyze and recommend the best search engine strategy for your business with regard to keyword placement, metatags, search engine submission, paid inclusion in listings, pay-per-click advertising, and traffic analysis -- and then put that strategy in place.

After launch, we will be happy to continue updating your site on a periodic basis as needed. All clients are offered a maintenance contract at a competitive hourly rate for future updates to the site.