Here’s the simple process:
Get in touch with me
Maybe you’ve figured out what you want. Or maybe you don’t have a clue where to start. Just let me know what you’re thinking, and I’ll help you figure it out. We’ll explore how you can get the greatest return on your investment and then we’ll figure out a payment schedule that will work for you.
Schedule your jamming session
Unless you’re getting a LiteSite, we’re probably going to have a jamming session. There’s nothing you need to do to prepare for this — I’ll do all the work. Just show up (or, more likely, answer the phone).
Sit back and relax
After we’ve decided on our plan of action, you can sit back and wait for a few days. I’ll get you set up in the project management system that I use (it’s Basecamp, for the curious), and I’ll upload your letter of agreement and your client checklist. Depending on the project, there may be other pieces as well (such as the LiteSite design brief or a credit card authorization). I’ll then set you up in our invoicing system and send you your first invoice.
Look over your client checklist
This will give you an idea of what you need to get to me during each part of the process. I’ll take that information and create a timeline for the launch, including milestones for each of us to complete along the way. The timeline is flexible, and we can adjust as needed. It’s just a helpful structure for us to work within.
Complete your milestones, one at a time
I can’t do the project without you, though I do most of the heavy-lifting. You’ll need to do things like send me your login information, submit your content, and give a series of feedback on the design. There will be enough space in the timeline for you to complete these with ease.
These next two are for web projects only, so if you’re only getting branding, you can ignore me from here
Launch!
This is not really something that you do, but it’s the ultimate goal of every project (except for branding), so we’ll definitely be in communication on that day. You’ll just need to sit back, watch, and let me know if you experience any glitches on your end so that I can take care of them ASAP.
Play with your CMS and collect your questions
I use WordPress for many projects, and it’s pretty intuitive, but there are more advanced features that you may have questions about as you’re using it. Or you may have a complex project that requires a more robust CMS that is less user-friendly. You get an hour of hand-holding post-launch, so don’t be afraid to use it! The best way to go about it is to write down all of your questions and when you feel you have an hour’s worth, give me a call so we can schedule a time to walk through it over the phone.
Pretty simple, huh?
Two things my clients say about me all the time: “You’re WAY more than a web designer” and “Good Lord, you’re organized”. The organization part is what makes it such a smooth process for you. I’ve honed and tweaked it to where it flows naturally from start-to-finish. If you’ve got questions, feel free to get in touch.
