Web Design
The Process:
Learn, Plan, Create, Publish, Maintain
Learn
Your Business
You know your business and customers better than anyone. We know web design and development. Our partnership begins with a conversation, as we get to know one another.

As you share the big picture of your business, together we work to the details of your web presence. We'll talk about your business philosophy, customer base, how/why customers decide to do business with you, your products/services, marketing strategy (including failures), competitors, and ultimately your goals for your website.

We'll talk about design considerations, technologies available to accomplish your web goals, your budget and timetable.

Our Skills
We know what we are good at. We know how we can best help you. If after talking about your business, goals, hopes and dreams for your website we feel we can't provide you what you are looking for, we'll tell you.

Our Schedule
We also will not overload our schedule. We recognize getting your website created and published in your timeframe is essential to your business success. If we cannot give your project the time it requires, we'll let you know.

Your Decision
And this is a two-way street. You learn about us, who we are/our philosophy on a personal level, business level and what we offer as a web partner. Are we a good fit for you? You let us know.

Mutual Goal: Your Business Success
It is about building a trust relationship. Some will be short and sweet, working together to get you on the web, after which we will be here whenever you need us. Others will be long term, working together on an ongoing basis. Either way, always with trust as web partners, working for the success of your business.

Plan
Once we understand what your business is about and goals are for your website, and you understand what we have to offer, together we'll rough out the website. During this process and onward, we'll keep your budget and time restraints in mind.

Phase1
Together we define concepts for:
     • design/look
     • navigation
     • content
     • keywords
     • future needs
     • maintenance by us/you

Phase 2
As you gather your materials (logo, graphics, colors) and begin working on content (from scratch, brochures, manuals, strategic plans), we'll begin working on the website framework including domain registration, setting up server for hosting, purchasing any special programs.

Phase 3
Upon receipt of your materials, we'll draft prototype layout pages for your website. Your review will provide direction for the final design we will create.

Once the final design is approved, we will create the website while you provide the remaining content. Note: we are available to assist with content writing if needed.

Regarding Content
Web design services do not include content authoring. Content, the actual words and pictures on the website, is provided by you. DSM WebWorks does offer content writing assistance. Click here for more information.

Create
Although in many ways websites look like and have many of the same goals as print ads/brochures, they are more difficult to create.
  • A number of programming languages and special programs can be used to create a website, each with benefits and pitfalls.
  • Browsers and their various versions (such as Internet Explorer 6.0, Internet Explorer 7.0, Firefox, Safari) each interpret the programming languages a bit differently, and therefore display the information differently.
  • Users set-up their computers differently, with different resolution, icon/text size, monitor size, browser version etc.
  • Some users see/experience the web differently (visual impairments, color blindness).
  • Users bring variable levels of computer savy, from novice to pro.

Good website design takes all these variables into account to create the best site possible, for visitors to browse your site and to take advantage of what your business has to offer, to help them with.

Test
Along the way, as pages are near completion, you will be given private access to review and test them online. Final changes will be made, typographical errors corrected and functional and navigational issues resolved.

During this stage, it is important the details of content are reviewed for accuracy and with a critical eye for detail to identify errors/typos.

Publish
Upon final approval of your site, it will be published – a process which takes only a few minutes. However, it may be 12 – 48 hours before your website is available for most browsers. We will register your website with the top three search engines (currently Google, Yahoo! and MSN).

Maintain
Website content/appearance is meant to continually evolve, reflecting changes in your business, products and services. In addition, fresh content is appreciated by search engines, keeping your page rank higher.

Website maintenance includes changes to the original content including text revisions, new text, adding new pictures, fixing broken links and other similar changes in order to keep the site up-to-date, as well as adding new pages.

Those business owners comfortable enough or appropriately staffed may choose to have their website created in a way which allows them to take care of their own updates. This is a viable solution for some businesses. We are always here to help for more in-depth updates or detailed page additions.

For other business owners, while the lower maintenance fees may be appealing, over the long run maintaining your own website may not be the most cost-effective or time-efficient way to keep your website current. For these businesses, we offer as-needed, monthly and annual maintenance plans.

Time it takes
Simple websites can be up with in a matter of days to weeks. More complex websites likely will take longer. Besides our work to create the site, availability of appropriate content will impact the timetable as well as the final cost. Good involvement by the business owner/staff is critical to timely deployment of the website.

In some circumstances, a simple site including foundational information and basic functions can be published while the main site is being created.

Pricing
Basic, straightforward websites are billed by the page, with 5 page minimum, with additional pages of the same format/design available at a reduced rate. More complicated or involved websites are billed based upon combination of per page rate and hourly rate. Special programs are installed and customized at an hourly rate.

We will discuss the pricing specifics early in the process to determine the best web design/development for your business within your budget. Along the way, we'll review projected costs if we anticipate possible changes. One of the nice things about websites is they are easily updated and expanded, to grow and change as your business needs and your budget allows.