Looking to build a website? Find out how it all works!
So, you know you want a new website, and you know you don’t have the time to make it yourself. You know you’re going to need a web developer and you’ve even found one you like, but what then? How does it all work? What’s the process?
Step 1: The Brief
First things first, you’re going to need to brief your designer on what it is you want. Start with the mood or feel are you going for: clean, crisp and modern? Vibrant, soulful and welcoming? Or maybe a classic, vintage style?
Then, think about the functions will your site need. For instance, if you’re building an e-commerce site, you’ll need to be able to
handle inventory and payments. If you’re building a site for a beauty salon, you’ll probably want a booking system with email notifications for your clients.
Top Tip: It’s always a good idea to check out other sites for ideas about what you like – and what you don’t!
Step 2: The Concept
Once your designer has an idea of what you want, they’ll go away and come up with a design concept and present it to you. Take time to think about what you like about it (designers always like compliments!), to ask questions and to make suggestions for changes.
Don’t be afraid to express your opinion – it’s so much easier to make amendments now than later on! Once you’re happy with the design, it’s time to build.
Top Tip: If you’re looking for a quick turnaround on your site, make sure that you have the images, videos and text that you want to use ready to go.
Step 3: The Handover
Your website is now built, it works well and you’re a happy camper. The invoice is paid and your designer is handing over the site. This means you now have all the login information (be sure to change the passwords!) for the site itself, the domain and hosting.
If you’ve chosen well, your designer will also take you through how to make amendments to the site so you don’t have to go back to them every time you need to change a picture!
Top Tip: Everyone who has a site built with us gets their own, bespoke How To Guild to help them with the everyday upkeep and maintenance of their site.
Step 4: Maintaining Your Website
Once your site is in your hands, it’s up to you to keep it in tip top condition. Make sure you log into your site at least once a week to check for any updates to the software – the easiest way to pick up malware is by not doing your updates!
Alternatively, you can hire a web master to keep your site up to date and make any on-page changes you might want.
Top Tip: Set up automatic updates for key plugins and themes.
Have more questions?
If you have a burning question we haven’t answered here – let us know! We love questions!