The Process

When we create a new web site for you, we will take your existing information, and design schemes from any printed literature that you might have already created and turn it into a digital version. We'll help you select a domain name and then purchase and register the domain name for you. We'll set up the web hosting aspect of your web site and then begin building the site.

Every step of the way we'll help you to understand the process and to make good decisions. We'll explain all the costs up front and consult with you on changes and progress of the site. You'll be able to observe the growth of the web site as we work on it and we'll wait for your final approval before going live with the site.

Initial Contact
Please complete this form so that we can present you with a formal proposal for web site. Based upon the information provided we should be able to accurately estimate the time and resources it will take to complete your web site. Complex web sites may require additional discussions via email or telephone. Very few website projects require a time consuming and sometimes costly face to face meeting.

Estimate & Contract
All web site development work requires that we provide you with a written contract clearly stating the nature of the project, your responsibilities and our responsibilities. The contract spells out all of the costs associated with the project as well as ongoing costs after the project has been completed. Finally the contract clearly defines ownership of the completed web site.

Deposit and Final Payment
A deposit is required to start all projects. This deposit is between 35% and 50% of the total project cost. Final payment is made after you have given final approval of the development site but before the the site is actually made live to the public. You may pay the initial deposit and final payment by credit card or check. You may submit credit card payments securely here.

Hosting & Domain Name Setup
We will configure your hosting service after the signed contract is received and the initial deposit has been made. You will have the choice of keeping your current hosting provider during this early development stage or moving your hosting service to the Trailhead Web Servers. You may be asked to change the DNS settings of your domain name at this time or we can do it for you. At no time do we require you to give up ownership of your domain name.

Email and Web Site Uptime
Throughout the development of your new web site, your email and current website will continue to function as normal, with no interruption in service.

Steps in the Web Site Building Process

1) Structure
A good web site is organized and the first step is to decide what pages will be in the website and what the basic structure will look like. We will ask you to outline the pages you think you want on the web site and after we review it we may have some additional suggestions. We suggest you review your competitors web sites to see what kind of pages they have included and review our suggestions for additional ideas.

2) Content Creation
Good websites are all about content and the next step in the web site building process is page and content creation. You will create the text for your web site in the word processing software of your choice and submit it to us. We will give you suggestions for writing search engine friendly text for your key pages.

3) Wireframe
After your structure and page content has been submitted, we will combine these two items into a simple web site called a wireframe. This wireframe is designed to show you the basic structure of the site. The wireframe is posted on your production site and does not affect your current web site, nor is it visible to others. Graphics, text, colors and fonts will all change from the initial wireframe but you will have a good idea of how the pages will lay out. After your review of the wireframe you may add/delete or rename pages and navigation and give general feedback about the structure. No need to give feedback on design colors etc. at this point.

4) Design
During these previous steps you will have been asked to submit links to web sites you like the design of and any additional "likes" or "dislikes" you might have regarding design. If you have particular colors, graphics, fonts or styles you would like incorporated you can specify them at this time. We will present you with an initial design concept based upon your input and post it on your development site. After your feedback we will tweak the design concept until you are happy with the look of your new web site.

5) Application
During this step we will apply your approved design concept to the wireframe and in the process create a custom template that allows us to quickly make changes to your site at a later date while keeping the look consistent and functional. You will be notified when the application process is complete.

6) Testing
We'll test the completed web site in a variety of web browsers and on both Macintosh and Windows platforms. We'll tweak the site to looks its best in the most common resolutions and browsers while ensuring that it is functional in all situations. We'll also test the forms, applications, security and emails associated with the site.

7) Going Live
After your final approval and after final payment is made, we'll launch the web site so it will be viewable to everyone. This is called going live. Shortly after we go live we will submit your finished site to the major search engines for review and inclusion in their index.

8) Final Tweaks
We always include one hour of free maintenance after your web site is complete. That way if you have small changes or additions you don't need to worry about extra costs.