The following information provides a generalized outline to guide you through the process of designing a Web site with minkstudios. The procedure is fairly standard and encompasses a logical step by step progression from an initial introductory meeting to the completed site getting uploaded to your Web host server. Simple to complex sites all would follow the same steps; the time spent to build the site would be the main difference, and that of course effects the cost factor.

The steps of the design process for Web sites are:

1. First meeting
2. Initial consultation meeting
3. Review designs
4. Create pages using html, css and javascript
5. Usability testing
6. Time to go live
7. Promote the Web site
8. Maintenance

1. First meeting
During an informal, complimentary meeting, we will talk about your business or organization and how you intend to present your product, services, or content on the Web. We would discuss various technologies available, your timeline, and budget. This is your chance to ask questions about the process of creating a Web site and learn what minkstudios can do for you.

2. Initial consultation meeting
Carefully planning your Web site in the early stages can avoid time-consuming changes later on. Now is the time to clarify your vision and purpose of the future Web site. Worksheets provided by minkstudios will help you determine what would be best choices for your needs. Spending time researching your competitors' Web sites, and determining your budget, are examples of two helpful ways to get started in this initial conceptual stage. Some features (example: interactive forms) can be added on at a later time, after the site is launched on the Web, if this is necessary due to initial budget constraints.

You will arrive at this meeting with textual content (rough drafts are fine), graphic materials such as your logo, photographs, or other images, to enhance the page layout of the site.

Listed below are examples of items to bring to the first consultation meeting:
• All textual content, company logos, graphics, letterhead or other graphic materials that would be desirable on the Web site is reviewed at this time.
• All existing promotional materials, such as brochures, letterhead catalogues, etc.
• Any of these items in digital form such as text files, and digitalized company logos, artwork, or photographs.

Discuss any other graphics that you would like, either created or purchased, such as through a stock photo company. Once we have determined the services requested, I will sketch out a preliminary site map showing how the pages will interact with each other and what features will be on what pages. If all seems to be in order, I'll write a contract for you to sign, outlining the details of the agreement, the cost of the Web site, other services that you need, and a timeline for the whole project. This is a safeguard for both you and me: you have legal assurance that I'll complete what I agreed to do, and I have a clear outline of the services we agree upon. Also at this time a total cost estimate is presented for approval, with a 35% down-payment required before the start of the Web site.
2a. Your Domain Name will be chosen and registered, the Web host will be selected and purchased, and researching and writing META Description and Keyword tags will be accomplished.

3. Review Designs
Three mock-up designs of the home page and one or two secondary pages are presented as jpegs for your review, via email. These pages are non-functioning, but will present layout, color, type choices and basically the look and feel of your future site. At this time, mock-ups may contain fake graphics and text and don't represent the final content of the site.

A Web site map is also created at this time, showing all pages of the Web site and how they are connected to each other.

A back and forth discussion occurs at this time to reach a final selection for site design. If necessary, a final price quote is submitted. (Design development may cycle up to 3 times until you are satisfied with refinements)

4. Create pages using html, css and javascript
I will take the edited and approved content you have provided and create the working html pages of the Web site. At this time, you will provide all digital images, typed text and keywords (on floppy high-density disk or CD). If you prefer, I can provide copy-writing and editing services, digital photography, stock photos and art through outside sources. This is the stage when other features, such as search functions, forms, flash, audio or video, and pdfs are added.
• Build pages
• Final proofread
• Complete coding and color correction
• Test continuity and function

Once the pages are complete, I'll post them at any location you designate. Now is your chance to test out the Web site and ask friends and acquaintances to help you out by noting any glitches they may find. As many different monitors, browsers and platforms used for testing, the better, to uncover any problems. I will also test the site out on multiple browsers.

5. Usability Testing
Follow the guidelines for usability as established by the Web Accessibility Initiative (W.A.I.) of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). By including textual "alt tags" with each image, for example, I can make graphical hypertext links accessible to those who are blind.

6. Time to go live
Undoubtedly, some glitches will be found, and will be fixed. Now the site is ready to launch. I will upload it to your Web host server. Final payment of the remaining balance is due at the time the final approved Web site is posted to your server.

7. Promote the website
This is a very important part of any Web site design. Without Web site promotion, you will not have any traffic visiting your pages. Minkstudios can do the task of submitting the site to search engines, or if you prefer, can assist you in doing it yourself.

Listed below are suggestions for promoting a Web site.
• submit your Web site to major search engines. Keyword purchases is an option for higher search engine rankings.
• Add your Web site and e-mail address to all your promotional materials, correspondence and advertising.
• Use other ideas to bring visitors to your site such as contests, idea of the day, coupons, online newsletter, etc.
• Consider additional links to and from your site for additional "traffic".

8. Maintenance
30-day follow-up for quality assurance. Additional updates can be made to the site, on an as needed basis. An hourly rate is instituted for these services. However if you are interested in maintaining the site yourself, I can steer you in the right direction for getting this accomplished.

Contact Information
E-mail: minkstudios Telephone: 508-993-0006
Office Hours: 9:00 AM-4:30 PM EST Monday through Friday.
If I am not available by phone, please leave a voice message and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

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