Before you embark on web development phase, it is recommended that you fulfill the activity required in the pre web development phase. This would ensure that the agency or freelance web designer that you are engaging has a clear direction of what you need in a website.

Web development phase is pretty time consuming as it involves web design mock ups creation and programming to produce the concept and functions that is desired. Without having a clear set of information that could be gathered in the pre web development phase, the website development period could take even longer.

Stage 1: Mock Up Design

Website design conceptualisation takes place at the mock up design stage. At this stage, based on the framework, corporate branding, target audience that are gathered during the pre development phase, a website design concept will be developed.

It is important to be certain on the colors and framework before asking the agency or freelance web designer to start on a mock up design. This would help to cut down the time wasted on design draft and redesigns.

The number of mock ups will depend on the number of templates you need for the website based on the framework layout. Most often, the mock up will be delivered to you in JPEG format.

If there are any changes or concern, voice it out at this stage. The website is yours so it should meet your expectation.

Stage 2: Development

Once design is approved, the design will be converted into pieces of images, then pasted together using mark-ups and stylesheet, and eventually coded to create a functional web template.

Throughout the development, the site will be developed either on client’s or developer’s server. You should be able to view the Work In Progress from your computer, tablets, or smart phones. Typically, you will be updated on the status of the work.

During the development stage, it is best if you have the sets of content ready to be put in place. The designer would be able to manipulate the images and content to ensure that they are laid out perfectly on the page.

Once the website is completed, you will be informed to check on the website web pages and link, and also test out the functions to ensure that they are as how you would them to be. If all are as how you would them to be, the website will be ported over to your server (if production is not on your server) and handing over of website will take place.

What should you do from here?

Always ensure that the website is handed over properly. Reset the password to the server or database upon handing over.

Website can never self maintain. Website content must be constantly updated and database backed up. Hence, it is important to assign someone to maintain the website regularly.

At Zallaza Creative Studio we provide web maintenance packages to help you maintain your website.