At Chesley Software, we take pride in helping clients build and refine their online presence with well-designed, functional websites. Our experience in web development, project management, and digital strategy ensures that each project is executed efficiently, with clear communication every step of the way.
Here’s a look at our structured approach to website design and development.
1. First Contact and Discovery Meeting
Every project begins with a first conversation, typically via email. We also use our Contact Us form. This is where we learn about the client’s needs and goals. If the project seems like a good fit, we schedule a free discovery Zoom meeting. This session allows us to:
- Understand the client’s vision, audience, rough budget, and key objectives.
- Discuss any existing branding elements or the need for new branding assets.
- Chat about key website features, like eCommerce, membership portals, or email marketing integrations.
- Answer any questions about the website design process.
2. Proposal and Estimate of Scope and Cost
Based on the discovery meeting, we recommend a standard website design package from our WordPress Design Services. Or, for larger or more complex sites and migrations we create a detailed project proposal. This document outlines:
- Scope of Work: What’s included in the project, from page design to technical integrations.
- Cost Estimate: A breakdown of anticipated costs.
- Timeline: Estimated schedule for design, development, and launch.
- Extra Services (if needed): These often include:
- Logo Design & Branding: Creating a new visual identity or refining an existing one.
- Hosting Proposal: Recommending a reliable hosting platform.
- Email Marketing Platform Choice & Implementation: Helping clients choose and integrate Mailchimp or another tool.
- Ecommerce Integration: If applicable, a proposal for setting up an online store.
3. Client Approval and Project Kickoff
Once the client purchases a standard design package or reviews and accepts the proposal, we move into the execution phase. This includes:
- Signing agreements and confirming timelines.
- Gathering necessary assets including logos, brand guidelines, or existing content.
- Setting up access to client accounts (e.g., hosting, domain registrar, email marketing tools).
- Setting up a staging site for the development where the client can review progress any time and give us feedback.
4. Project Planning in Asana for Collaboration
To keep the project organized and transparent, we use Asana, a powerful project management tool. Clients are invited to the project board, where they can:
- Track progress in real time.
- View deadlines and milestones.
- Upload content and give us feedback.
- Stay updated through notifications and check-ins.
This structured approach ensures nothing falls through the cracks and that all stakeholders are on the same page.
5. Website Design and Development Begins
With the plan in place, we start designing and building the website. Key steps include:
- Wireframing & Design: Creating page layouts and visual elements. Our approach to WordPress-based sites uses powerful theming and visual component libraries. These tools allow us to design on the staging site. This process saves valuable time. Client branding colors and logos are integrated during the design phase.
- Development: Writing clean, efficient code and implementing necessary integrations.
- Content Integration: Adding text, images, and videos.
- Testing & Refinement: Ensuring everything works smoothly on all devices.
6. Regular Communication & Progress Updates
Throughout the process, we keep in frequent communication with our clients. Whether via email, Zoom calls, or updates in Asana, we guarantee that:
- Clients are always aware of the project’s status.
- Questions or concerns are addressed promptly.
- Adjustments can be made efficiently if needed.
7. Final Review, Training, and Launch
As we near completion, we conduct:
- Client Review & Revisions: Clients test the site and ask for final adjustments.
- Training Session: We do a walkthrough of how to manage the website. This includes back-end functions like store management, blog posting, and subscriber management.
- Launch & Post-Launch Support: We deploy the website to our high performance hosting. It is backed by the creators of WordPress (Automattic). We stay available for troubleshooting. We offer a variety of support packages to monitor and manage the site including design changes and new content.
Why Work with Chesley Software?
- Experience & Skill: We’ve successfully completed many website projects, balancing design, functionality, and business goals.
- Efficient Project Management: Our structured process keeps projects on track and ensures a smooth experience.
- Clear Communication: We value transparency and responsiveness to make collaboration easy.
Whether you’re launching a new website or redesigning an existing one, Chesley Software is here to guide you. They do so with skill and efficiency.
📩 Ready to get started? Contact us today to discuss your project!