The time it takes to develop or redesign a website can vary depending on the size and scope of the design. When considering when to bite the bullet and launch a new site, think about the time it takes to develop a site and the time of year you want to launch it.
For example, a spring start is great for a fall launch. During spring, the design work can be accomplished while the staff is available for meetings and to make crucial website decisions. During the summer, the development can commence while the stakeholders enjoy their vacations. Once the vacations are over, the site will be ready for final review and launch. Springtime can be a very opportune time to begin a website development project.
What will it take to develop your new professional website?
In practice, the process of building a website with a development firm typically encompasses five steps:
- Discovery
- Design
- Development
- Review and revisions
- Migration and launch
Let’s review these steps in detail to gain the complete picture of a web development project.
Discovery – 1 to 2 weeks
From a web development perspective, the most essential part of the website design process is the discovery phase. During this phase, we perform research and analysis to investigate how your new website can best serve your business and its customers’ needs. Our discovery phase is the cornerstone of our service and crucial for clients since we place the achievement of business goals at the heart of the digital strategy.
Here is where we gather the information needed for the website structure planning, to develop clear direction on visuals, content flow, and functionalities of the user interface (UI). Well-planned UI ensures a positive user experience (UX), resulting in higher traffic, better conversion rates, and lower bounce rates.
Design mockup – 1 to 2 weeks
The website mockup is the static visual model of what your web pages will look like in their final form. These web page layouts are designed to resemble the actual web pages but are not functional.
The website mockup will include the Home page design and main page layouts with branding, colors, fonts, and content in the form of text and images. The content may contain placeholders like stock images and lorem ipsum text. The goal is to simulate the look of the final website for the stakeholders to visualize and finalize the critical design aspects of the new website.
Development – small site 1 month, large site 2 months
Once the design is approved, it is time for the website’s development. Our team of developers begins building your website on our production server so you can view the site online without it being viewable to the public. You can work with the copywriter and creative director during this time to pin down the voice, content, and graphics. This is usually the longest part of the process, but it is the most important!
Final review and revision – 1 week
Once your website has been coded by our development team, it is time to review your new site on our test server. We will provide a link for you to view the website and share it with your company and decision-makers. During this phase, the final tweaks are made to your site based on stakeholder feedback.
Migration and launch – 2 days
Once you have completed the final review and are happy with the site, it’s time to launch. The launch process may include setting up hosting and getting the domain pointed. It will take some time to propagate the website. It can take anywhere from a few hours to 48 hours for the DNS changes to propagate across the internet. Once complete, your website will be live and ready for the world to enjoy!
What to look for in a professional web design firm.
Embarking on developing a new website project is a big deal, and hiring a web design company can be daunting, but finding the right website partner for the job is vital! Choosing the wrong firm could cost you much time, money, and heartache.
Web design is a relatively easy field for people to get started in. Nothing can stop a novice from hanging a shingle and printing business cards that say they can build websites. It turns out practically everyone knows someone who develops websites!
No industry-accepted “WordPress schools” or web design certifications will ensure that someone selling web design services knows what they are doing. It is important to vet your options carefully and review the work of the firm you are looking to hire.
At IGM, we build custom, high-performance websites to provide an online presence for your business. Whether you are looking for a modern look for your tech business, a clean look for your magazine, or a site with a stand-out home page, IGM has the knowledge and expertise to deliver your eye-catching site on time and within budget.
If you are ready to discuss your website needs with an experienced website partner, let’s connect.
IGM Creative Group is a full-service advertising agency prepared to execute your custom website with the power of ideas and creativity to increase your brand’s visibility and maximize your ROI.
About IGM Creative Group
IGM Creative Group provides advertising solutions, marketing strategy, web development, and professional SEO services to Fortune 500, mid-market, and small businesses.
Contact us by phone at 973-709-1126 or send an email.
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