The Web Development Process

DP Web Design has created this simplified step by step workflow to help you understand the process of developing your website. This way you the client can easily understand what is required of both parties to create a professional functional website.

1. Choose Your Domain Name

So which is best for you and your business? If you want to set up a dot com dot au domain (www.yourname.com.au) you will need to have a registered business name. For example your business name is Tony's Car Detailer, then you probably would have www.tonyscardetailer.com.au as your domain name. That is of course if it isn't taken and it shouldn't be because Tony's Car Detailer is a name registered to you and no one else. If you think that www.tonyscardetailer.com.au is too long then you can use a abbreviation of that name like www.tcd.com.au. You can check your domain name availability and purchase here (DP Web Design Domains), or just get us to do it for you.

QUESTION: I already have a domain name, will this effect the DP Web Design development process?
ANSWER: No, but you will have to provide us with the domain name user & password for us to make your site go live.

2. Choose Your Hosting Plan

We like to make it simple, so DP Web Design offers one hosting package that works for all of our websites. It is a must that your business stays ONLINE, so we make sure you get fast & reliable servers.

QUESTION: I already have hosting, will this effect the DP Web Design development process?
ANSWER: No, but you will have to provide us with the hosting username & password for us to upload the completed site & make it go live.

3. What do you want your website
to do for your business?

This is the first question you should ask yourself and for the most part a client's response is... "I really just want a web presence showing what our business does and can do. It must have a contact form... Oh, and placed on the first page of Google!" If this describes your business, then you will be wanting what we call "A Base Build" website.

QUESTION: Do I have to keep on paying a maintenance or upkeep fee?
ANSWER: No, you don't have to, but remember that web software can become out of date and vulnerable to hacking. If you host with us using the 'Hosting & Security Plan' then this is covered.

4. Add Your Site Features/Functionality

You may know what you want from your website, but if you don't, then talk to an experienced developer on the best way to implement your ideas into a functional system.

Think of functionality in your website as optional extras in your car. Now we're going to add leather seats, iPod connectivity, tinted windows and so on. Adding extra functionality suited to your business requirements to your website will streamline & enhance where it is needed.

5. Supply Website Content

The following is generally required for your designer to get started on your website

• You will need to supply menu/page titles & page information.
• You will need to supply any digital artwork, images, logo or any other media for pages (DP Web Design can provide you with a location to upload large files rather than emailing).
• It is best to supply a list of keywords & phrases that best suit your business or product (no more than 10).
• It is also good to supply a site/product/business description in less than 50 words for meta tag information for search engines.

When starting your new website with DP Web Design you will be sent information advising you on the best way to gather and supply information for your developer.

6. Apply Design to the Framework

Now we have to add your company or organisation identity to your website. We apply a professionally designed base template that is modified to give your site a unique feel and characteristics. The developer will base the design from years of experience of matching & creating a design that best represents your business using the latest technology and layout trends. You can assist by supplying a list of liked sites and what you like about them.

If you want more input on design, you're welcome to send us a shortlist of other websites letting us know what you like and dislike about them. If you have a specific design then send us your mockup and we'll convert it to a functional and responsive website.

7. Support Packages

Websites are like cars, and we make direct comparisons to this all the time. They need servicing to keep them running smoothly. Their look can go out of fashion after a while and they can be broken into by someone with the right tools and know how. DP Web Design offers Priority Support Packages that ensure maintenance of your site is our priority.

Can I manage my own site?

Yes, after site completion you will be supplied with documents or videos on how to manage your new website. All DP Web Design sites are created with ease of use in mind. Here are some standard website editing functions you will be able to complete yourself:

• Editing site content
• Creating or removing menu items
• Editing modules (modules allow the same information to be shown on multiple pages, e.g. Contact details, shop location & specials, etc.)
• Maintaining testimonials or other components

Why do I need a support package?

If you spend all your time working for your business and not enough on your business, then like many other DP Web Design clients you can take out a support package to suit your needs. We will take care of site content and updates for you, tell us what you need done and we'll do it quickly & professionally. DP Web Design offers support packages of all price & time ranges.

 Click Here to Learn More About Support Packages!