How we work
Our web design process starts with an initial discussion, followed by a quote. Work begins once the agreement is signed and the invoice is paid. A website project then runs through research, design, a build on a staging server and launch, and typically takes about 6 to 8 weeks. Care continues after launch.
Before the project starts
1. Initial discussion
We start by talking through your business, what the website needs to do and what you have now. We do not quote before this conversation, because the scope has to be clear first.
We start a couple of new projects a month. Ask when the next opening is.
2. Quote
After the discussion you receive a quote for the work we talked through. If the usual process needs to change for your project, the changes are set out in the proposal.
3. Agreement and invoice
Work starts once the agreement is signed and the invoice is paid. You sign one service agreement, which includes the data protection terms. An NDA is added if you need one. On a website project, 50% is paid up front, which secures your place in the work queue, and the remaining 50% is paid before launch.
The website project
4. Research
Every project starts with research, before any design work:
- Your business goals
- Your target audience
- Keywords
- Competitors and the market
- Gaps in your current content
- The current user experience
- Technical requirements
5. Structure and wireframes
We draw up a visual sitemap of every page and how the pages connect. Wireframes then set the layout and flow of each page before any visual design.
6. Copy and design
Each page is outlined and its copy written. The visual design follows, along with a design system so the site stays consistent as it grows.
We design desktop-down and build each site to rescale to every screen size. Speed and ease of use on phones matter as much as how the site looks on a large screen.
7. Build on a staging server
The site is built and tested on a staging server before it goes live. Integrations with other systems are built at this stage.
8. Testing and launch
Before launch we test the site across devices and in Edge, Firefox, Safari and Chrome. We also agree with you what counts as a result, and test that it is being recorded. The launch itself includes:
- Tracking for the actions that matter, such as enquiries, calls and bookings
- Redirects from old URLs to the new ones, when the site replaces an existing one
- SSL and DNS set-up
- The sitemap submitted to Google
At launch you receive a handover document: where everything lives, how it is built and who has access.
After launch
A bug that was in the build before launch is fixed at no extra charge. New features and changes are quoted or billed by the hour.
A website care plan covers hosting, backups, updates and content changes from launch day on. The plans run month to month.
How you follow the project
You get a login to a client portal, where you can see the stage the project is at. When a stage needs your input, a task is assigned to you there.
Who does what
- Ryan Cumming leads the project and is your contact throughout.
- Independent freelancers and subcontractors are brought in where a project needs them, for example for photography or video. Their work is scoped into the project.
- You supply content, feedback and approvals when a stage needs them.
How long it takes
A typical website project takes about 6 to 8 weeks. Complexity, and how quickly content and feedback come back, move that in either direction.
Taking over an existing site
If you already have a website, we start with an audit. We recommend a rebuild only if the site needs one. See website redesign for how a rebuild is handled.
If your organisation has a procurement process
There is one written service agreement, and it includes the data protection (operator) terms. An NDA is added on request. Invoices are issued in your currency. You choose the region your site is hosted in: the United States, Europe, the United Kingdom or South Africa. Accounts such as your domain, Google Ads, Analytics and Search Console are held in your name.
Next step
Read more about web design and development or how we build. To start with an initial discussion, get in touch.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a website project take?
A typical website project takes about 6 to 8 weeks. Complexity, and how quickly content and feedback come back, can make it shorter or longer.
When does work start?
Work starts once the agreement is signed and the invoice is paid. The quote comes after an initial discussion about what you need.
Do I have to rebuild my existing website?
No. Taking over an existing site starts with an audit, and we recommend a rebuild only if the site needs one.
How do I keep track of the project?
You get a login to a client portal where you can see the stage the project is at and any tasks waiting on you.
Start a project
Be the business they find first
Tell Ryan what you sell and who buys it. You'll get a straight answer on what's holding your website back and what to fix first. There's no obligation to go ahead.
More enquiries you can trace. You'll see which search, page or ad brought in each call, booking and form.
Higher in search results. On Google, in the map results and in AI answers, for the searches your customers make.
One person to talk to. Ryan answers on WhatsApp and sends a plain-language report on results every month.
