What is included in Custom Website Development?

Many clients have asked us how the process actually works and what happens throughout the website development. The following explains the process from start to finish and gives you an idea of what you could expect when working with us. This is just a guideline; your particular development project may have needs that are not addressed here.

Decision / Planning Phase
If you have not already done so, you will want to take some time with you to think about what you wish to accomplish with your new website. We will determine if you will need any special functionality or interactivity with your visitors; consider the type of design style which appeals to you, and other important factors.


Initial Deposit
A  50% deposit is required before we schedule a time slot for your project. The remainder of your balance will be due upon project completion. Once we have received your 50% deposit, we will provide you with a receipt/invoice for your deposit and your project start /completion dates.

Domain name registration / Website Hosting
If needed, we will immediately secure your desired domain name (pending availability). The domain is registered in your name with your information and you will be the only registrant contact on file. If you choose to host with us, we will at this time set up your account on a production web server. Hosting fees will apply.

Graphic Design Elements Phase - Project Begins
Once scheduled start date is established , the Project Manager and web developer will be selected to work on your project. One of them will, at all times, be available to you; either via phone, email, or thru our client portal.

You will need to let us know the navigation links you would like (such as home, about us, services, etc) and supply all text and/or product information to be included on your site. In addition, you may also supply material such as company logo, photos, etc, if needed.

If you have any example sites you would like us to refer to when designing your site or if you have any preference as to colors, style, etc please offer that information as well.

For E-Commerce sites that require us to enter products for you, we will need you to supply an Excel spread sheet listing the following: Product Name, Unique Product ID Number (if any), Product Description, Options (if any – size, color, etc), Price, Approximate Weight, Number in Stock, as well as the product photos named in correspondence with the Product ID Number on the spread sheet. Ideally, all of the above information should be supplied prior to us getting started. If not, we can start on with the information that is supplied, and work on that aspect of the project until the remainder of the information is sent to us.

Work will commence on your scheduled start date. The developer in charge of your project will
contact you on that day to confirm that we are getting started.

Custom Website Layout
Shortly after starting on your project we will provide a concept layout for your web site. This layout within 5-7 business days following your start date, unless a different timeframe is agreed on in advance.

You will review this layout, and may ask for adjustments, until the concept layout is to your liking. Once the final desired look is achieved, we will create the interior page layout, convert the design to HTML, add software, special functionality or programming, etc.

In Progress Viewing
We establish a private directory for your new website on our testing server so that you may view the website development progress at any time. In addition, you will have access to your client portal, where you can communicate with the designers, upload images or additional content. Your Project Manager will inform you via email when extensive updates to the site have been made so you can review the most recent progress.

Professional Stock Photography
All images provided by us that are used on your project will be professional stock photography images taken from our vast image libraries. All images used by us will carry a web/media use contract, giving you the right to use these images on your web site and any printed media. We provide up to 3 images free of charge to use in this manner, after which you will be charged a $10.00 usage/license fee per additional image used.

Website Pages
Based upon your project and the final design you selected, we create as many static or dynamic pages as needed to complete your site.

Website Navigation
Navigation links or drop down menus, and rollover effects, if desired, are completed.

Site Content
Incorporation of your logo, photos and text content is included in all projects. Custom logo design is available for an additional fee, unless included in the initial proposal.

CSS Stylesheet
CSS Stylesheets are used to define font faces, styles, sizes and colors for consistency throughout the site.

Website Development / Coding Phase - Programming / Coding
All website development programming/coding to run any special features/visitor interactivity on
your website is completed and tested.

Response Forms / Email Contact Forms
Applicable contact forms will be used on contact page and any other pages agreed on in initial quote. Contact form results will be emailed to any email address of your choice, and copy of form data will be stored in a flat file database, or other agreed on repository. At this time all domain email addresses will be set up, and tested.

Testing Phase
Search Engine Readiness Check
Meta Tags, Page Titles, Page Heading, Alt Image Tags, Link Text, and Page Body Text evaluation and adjustment where needed throughout the website.

Browser Compatibility Testing
Your website is tested on a variety of operating systems and browsers to insure proper display and functionality.

Our proofing department will then perform grammar & spell check, as well as dead link check.
Launch Phase
Final payment is always due before we take the website live on your domain. Upon receipt of final payment, you will be emailed a final/paid in full receipt.

Launch Website
All necessary website files and scripts are copied to your domain and databases are setup.

Error Testing
After the website is live, any interactive programming and scripts are tested to verify proper
function. Since the design and testing phase often occurs on a different server, it is very important to once again verify that everything is working correctly after taking the website live.

Website Files
After launch and testing of the website, you are provided with a zipped archive of all website files.

Instructions & Documentation

When necessary, any documentation needed to use the administration functions of your website is
included in PDF format. Shopping cart installations will include a 45 minute ‘Getting Started’ training call, between you and one of our Ecommerce Training Specialists.

Search Engine Submission
Hand submission and automated search engine submission occurs after launching, testing and fixing any issues there may have been.

Completion Phase
Minor adjustments to the website are included at no charge for up to two weeks after the website has launched (maximum of up to 3 hours labor). Minor changes include adding changing text,
adding or changing photos, etc. Any major revision requests will require additional discussion and possibly incur a fee, unless customer is subscribed to our Managed Hosting Web Services. (see
below)

Hosting
Although clients are not required to have their web sites hosted on Com One Communications
Servers, there are several benefits in doing so. The biggest benefit is our Managed Hosting Web
Services, which include unlimited changes to your web site each month at no additional charge.
Managed Hosting Web Services start at $19.95 per month.

click here for more information, and/or call us for a free, no obligation phone consultation.