When you first decide you need a new website, it’s easy to feel a bit overwhelmed.
Where do you start? What do you need to prepare? How much input will you have?
Don’t worry – this is exactly where I step in.
I specialise in making the process smooth, simple, and – dare I say it – even enjoyable.
Below I’ve detailed the simple eight-step process of how we’ll work together to get your new website up and running, and keep it working brilliantly in the long term.
Step 1: A friendly chat about what you want
We’ll start with an informal discussion about what you want and need from your website. This will cover design, functionality, and any specifics you have in mind.
I’ll ask about:
- The type of website you need (e.g. brochure site, service-based, content-based, portfolio)
- What pages, features, and functions are important
- Your design preferences — including colours, style, branding
- What content you already have (if any), and what might need creating
- Any worries, preferences, or special requirements you’d like me to know
This stage is all about me listening carefully to what you want, so the finished site is fully tailored to your business, and not just a generic off-the-shelf template.
Step 2: Agree on the scope of the project
Once I know exactly what you need, I’ll give you a clear proposal outlining:
- The full project scope
- The upfront cost to design and build the website
- The ongoing monthly retainer cost for hosting, maintenance, and content updates
More information about the importance of hosting and maintenance are detailed in step eight.
Step 3: Collaborating on content
Next, we’ll focus on getting the copy (words) and images for your website ready.
I know this is the bit many clients find tricky, but don’t let this give you any headaches; I’m here to help.
You can:
- Write it yourself (I’ll give you guidance if needed)
- Give me bullet points or rough notes, which I can turn into professionally written content
- Let me handle it fully with a copywriting service, crafting your content from scratch based on our discussions
We’ll also work together on sourcing images, whether you have your own photos or we need to find quality, relevant visuals.
Step 4: Creating sample pages for you to review
Before building the full site, I’ll create a few sample pages. This will usually be a selection of key pages, such as a service, portfolio project, and home page.
This lets you see:
- The design style
- Layout and structure
- How your content comes together on the page
Of course, all your feedback and requested tweaks at this stage will be taken on board and inform the rest of the website build process.
Step 5: Agreeing timelines and milestones
Once you’re happy with the initial pages, we’ll set a realistic timeline together.
We’ll agree:
- Milestones for when content is due
- Check-in points for website feedback
- A target launch date (subject to timely content and approvals)
I’ll always be upfront about timings so there are no surprises.
Step 6: Full website build and staging site review
With the content in place and sample pages approved, I’ll crack on with building the full website.
When it’s ready, I’ll send you the link to the staging site. This is a fully working version of your website you can explore privately before it goes live.
You’ll be able to:
- Click around as if you were a visitor
- Spot anything you’d like adjusted
- Give final feedback ahead of launch
Step 7: Launch day!
Once you’ve fully approved the website and are 100% happy with everything, it’s time for the exciting bit: putting the website live for the world to see!
Your new site will:
- Be fully optimised for speed and SEO
- Be completely responsive, so it works smoothly on desktop, tablet, and mobile devices
- Be sent to Google for indexing
I’ll let you know the moment it’s live so you can show it off to all your existing customers – and start using it to get even more as well!
Step 8: Carry out ongoing maintenance and support
I only offer websites with ongoing support. This means your website is always kept secure, up-to-date, and running smoothly – and you never have to worry about updates, errors, or technical issues distracting you from your business.
This is where you really get peace of mind from working with me.
As part of your website hosting and maintenance package, every month I will:
- Keep your website software and plugins fully updated to maximise security
- Carry out regular checks to make sure everything is running smoothly
- Make weekly off-site backups for additional peace of mind
- Be available whenever you need advice, small updates, or general support
Your website will never be neglected or left vulnerable when you trust me with it; I’m here to keep it secure and performing great.
And don’t forget…
My goal is always to make the process of getting a brilliant new website for your business as easy and stress-free as possible for you.
By working with me, you will get a reliable, professional website without the headaches, and you’ll never be left wondering what’s going on.
If you’d like to chat about your website plans, just get in touch. I’m always happy to help!