A Web site can you save you time and money. Your Web site should act as an extension of your existing communications or marketing plan.

Your Web site should be attractive, easy to get around, and communicate exactly what you need it to say. Sounds easy until you try it.

 

Steps to Building a New Web Site

To get anywhere, you need a good road map. The following Web Site Building Process is just the thing to get you on the road to a successful new Web site.

1. Analysis

Your Web Site's purpose
This is the discovery portion of your project. We will work together to uncover what you want/need the site to do. This analysis is unique to your Web site. Together, we will outline what will be on your site and who your audience will be.

A roadmap for your site
Web Desing for Writers will draft a statement of work (SOW), a document that outlines what needs to appear on the site, who the information is for and what it needs to accomplish. The SOW is a roadmap that will guide us through the entire process.

2. Content Collection

You provide the basic text for your Web site - your writing samples, bio, etc. This can be new copy you generate or copy from existing printed materials.

3. Site Design

Form follows function
Your Web site can only be properly designed once we know what you need it to say and do. The number one mistake amateur Web site designers make is to create a fancy Web page design first and then trying to make content to fit into it.

Your custom Web site
Once your content is ready, Web Design for Writers will develop a custom Web site design that works with your content. You will receive one or two mockups (drafts of a look and feel) of your new site. We will work together to determine which of the looks best fits your needs.

4. Production

After you approve your site design, Web Design for Writers will incorporate all the content into the design using DreamWeaverMX. All content will be optimized for Search Engines. Photos and other images will be added at this stage. Your site is coming to life!

5. Testing

Make it error free
Grammatical errors, changes to copy or photos and broken or incorrect links should be fixed before you begin promoting your site. Although Web Design for Writers has been paid to create the site for you, you are the owner and the content represents you. You will want to take the time to examine the site thoroughly and communicate any changes needed.

• Proofread everything
• Check for broken or incorrect links
• Does the copy read as it should?
• Review the Statement of Work to confirm that the site meets all the objectives we outlined in Step 1 of this process

6. Go Live

Your site is now polished and ready for the world to see. I will post your new site on the Web server. Your site is registered with top search engines.

Promotion
You'll want to send a postcard announcement, email, tweet, or Facebook Fan Page alert to your customers, friends, and family. And be sure to include your Web address on all printed materials!

7. Maintenance

Keep it fresh!
Now you have a Web site - so use it! A current Web site reflects professionalism and indicates that your business is thriving.

Give them what they want!
Keep your readers wanting more by giving them more access to what they love - you! Post new work or announcements to your site often.

Send me your content!
E-mail, phone or mail your updates to Web Design for Writers and your site will be updated within 48 business hours (some restrictions apply).