chris

Written by chris

0


The Six Steps to a Web Design Workout

If you’re thinking of employing the services of a creative web design agency, such as TKStarley, then understanding how they approach a new project is a great place to start.

Although peeling off the layers of mysticism may not be every agency’s cup of tea, TKStarley believe transparency helps to develop trust and enable clients to know exactly what the process is going to be like.

One of the best ways to highlight a web design agency’s approach to a project is to give an actual example, and for this case Cambridge Market Research does just the job.

The brief

Cambridge Market Research required a brochure website in order to showcase their services, generate leads and present their portfolio in a clear and attractive fashion.

The approach

Step one: discovering the brand

First things first and in order for TKStarley to wholeheartedly understand what was needed from the client they needed to do their research. An early analysis stage allows a web design agency to get to know the client’s competitors, target audience and current brand identity in order to continue with the positives and minimise the negatives.

Step two – part A: working on designs

After thoroughly researching and analysing the company, results were translated into designs alongside the already specified brand guidelines. Wireframes and working prototypes were then created as Cambridge Market Research were kept informed and involved every step of the way. Client interaction ensures approval as well as allowing insider insights to be incorporated into the process.

Step two – part B: keeping search engines and humans happy

It’s essential to create a website that has both people and search engines in mind. Undertaking SEO and creating content, at the same time as working on designs, enables the project to develop in both a technical and user-friendly fashion. This sort of seamless ‘team effort’ can also involve transferring and optimising existing content in order to utilise as much of the good stuff that’s already in place.

Step three: adding the meta to the bones

After step two had been signed off and everything was functioning as it should do then it was time to get down to business and make sure Cambridge Market Research’s website was ready to receive visitors. The development stage of the web design process turns a page mock up into an online presence with customised user responses working alongside easy to follow instructions for web browsers i.e. Google Chrome, Firefox, Explorer.

Step four: airing for bugs

Even the best-laid plans of mice can attract a few bugs which is why testing is essential prior to going live. Thanks to the huge variety of ways that users can now access online data, it’s vitally important to check that everything’s working from several different perspectives. A wide range of devices, browsers and platforms will all be checked and tested in order to achieve the same successful outcome of UX (user experience).

Step five: going live

Although this maybe the final stage of the web design process it doesn’t mean that Cambridge Market Research were left to completely fend for themselves. It’s always best practice to ensure clients are completely comfortable with their site by instigating training and maintenance sessions, as well as keeping communication channels open in the likelihood of any further questions.

Step six: on-going services

Continuing the relationship between client and agency is certainly a step in the right direction as from social media and marketing campaigns, to further improving SEO, it’s often after a new site is created that a web design agency really comes into its own.

From analysis to launch took around six weeks and although there’s still plenty of scope for more improvements this is pretty much the time frame you’re looking at from first call to fruition.

TKStarley are an award-winning full service creative web design agency and if you’re wishing to get your new project off the ground then the first step always starts with getting in touch.

More about the author: Chris Owen is a freelance copywriter specialising in digital marketing and creative content.