Getting Started

An overview of what we need to get started.

Steps to get Started

1. Fill Out the Website Questionnaire

Complete the webite questionnaire included in your Getting Started email.

2. Upload your files to Google Drive

We’ll need several files to get started on your website. The list is included below and on your website questionnaire.

l

3. Complete Content

Whether you’re working with our copywriter or writing your own copy, we will need all your content before starting on your design.

If you are working with our copywriter, she will reach out for a meeting and for content reviews before handing it over to me. 

If you’re writing your own content, you can find prompts to complete that in your website questionnaire.

What We Need to Get Started

Your Logo

PDF, EPS or high res JPEG or PNG if possible.

l

Style Guide

Brand style guide, colors or any specific design requirements.

Images & Pictures

Current and/or new images and pictures you’d like to use on the new site.
i

Written Content

Whether you choose to work with our copywrtier on your content or decide to write your own, we will need all content before I begin designing.

Website Design Questionnaire

I will send you a questionnaire that focuses on the design portion of your website.

Login Credentials

If you already have a site created, we’ll need an administrator login to your current WordPress site, domain, and hosting account.

These items can be uploaded to your Google Docs folder.

Our Process

Our web design projects generally take between 6-12 weeks. 

l

1. Collect Content

If you have opted to work with our cotent writer, we’ll start by having a content strategy call. This gives her great insight into you and your business.

We’ll also send you a website design questionnaire to learn more about your business and ideal client, examples of sites you like, and your design preferences.

If you have decided to write your own content, you’ll be sent our full Website Workbook to assist you in writing the content for your site as well as learn about your ideal client and design preferences. 

We’ll also need:

  • Branding colors, fonts, and logo
  • Images and videos
  • Content for the pages
  • Testimonials or reviews

If you need help with your content or branding, we can add these items on to your website package.

Timeframe: 2-4 Weeks

2. Homepage Design + Review

Once I receive the content and design questionnaire, I will design the homepage of your website. You will then get a chance to review this page and give approval or any changes.

Timeframe: 1-2 weeks

 

Interior Page Design + Review

Once I have your approval on the overall design, I will then design the remaining pages. You will then have access to review the full site and request any changes.

Timeframe: 2-3 weeks

 

4. Final Review + Launch

After I make those changes, I will send the site to you for a final review. I will make any final changes, I will begin the process to launch your site.

Timeframe: 1-2 weeks

 

5. Empower + Support

Once your site is ready and I want to make sure you feel confident to manage it. Or better yet, let me manage it for you! Either way, you’ll have the tools and knowledge you need to continue evolving your site.

After your new site has launched, you can choose one of our maintenance plans where we will support you through website and marketing services.

You will also get access to our Quick Start Guide and Moving Forward Guide to help you manage and grow your website and business.

Timeframe: 1 week

Let’s talk about Deadlines…

We generally set four deadlines for your project:

  • A deadline to complete any forms or have content strategy calls
  • A deadline to give us feedback on the homepage design
  • A deadline to give us feedback on the interior pages
  • A deadline to give us final changes to your website before launching

You will email these deadlines to you.

What happens if I miss a deadline?

We get it! Life happens. However, when this happens, we will need to shift your project to the next available slot in our schedule. This will shift the future deadlines and launch date as discussed in previous correspondence. We will give you the updated timeline via email.

Wrapping Up + Going Live

Once the site is ready to go live, all unnecessary plugins, pages, images and backend files will be removed. The new site will be backed up and saved, should it ever need restored. Once live, it may take between 24-48 hours for the new site to pull up on some devices. Some computers will need to be refreshed in order to see the new site, though most computers will see the new site immediately depending on the wifi connection and where they are in relation to the location of server that the website is on.

Your website logins and all credentials will be sent to you through an email from WordPress where you can then login and change your password as needed.

Upon completion, you’ll receive a link to my “moving forward” page where you’ll receive tips and tricks on what to do with your new website and also information on our Maintenance/Security Plan which I highly recommend for all my clients. You’ll also recieve access to my Quick Start Guide to give you video resources on how to make changes to your site.

As mentioned above, you’ll be automatically added to my maintenance plan. You’ll always have the first few month free to make sure we work out any kinks and are here to support any website needs.

Questions?

Let me know!

If you have any questions at all during this project, please reach out! I’ll be in contact with you regularly, but I want to support you and your business throughout the design process. So let me know if you have any questions or concerns at all!

The best way to reach me is via email. You are welcome to email me anytime. However, my typical business hours are Monday-Thursday from 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM. I aim to get back to you within 24 business hours. 

Email me at: info@aprilraycreative.com