Having a website built: the process in 7 steps

Step 1: Clarify the goal and starting point

It doesn’t start with the design, but with the question: what should the website achieve? More enquiries, more sales, better job applications or a stronger presence with partners. The clearer the goal, the easier every later decision becomes.

This includes an honest look at the existing website: what works, what doesn’t, which pages get found? In a free initial consultation this can usually be sorted out in half an hour.

Step 2: Quote and project plan

Based on the conversation, you receive a quote with scope, price and schedule. Make sure it clearly states what is included: pages, features, copy, rounds of revisions, SEO basics, training and operation.

A good project plan also states what you deliver and by when. Most delays don’t happen in development, but because content is missing, decisions drag on or too many people have a say without anyone having the final word.

A clear division of roles helps: one person on your side collects the team’s feedback and passes it on in one batch. Also decide early on who writes the copy. If your team wants to write it themselves, plan real time for it, not just a few free evenings.

Requests that only come up mid-project are possible, but they shift deadlines and costs. Collect such ideas on a list for a second stage instead of holding up the launch.

• Have logins for the domain, hosting and old website ready
• Appoint one contact person with decision-making authority
• Put feedback dates firmly in the calendar
• Clarify who supplies the copy and photos

Step 3: Concept and structure

Now you decide which pages there will be, how the navigation is built and which content belongs on which page. The starting point is your target audiences: what questions do they have, and what next step should follow?

This is also the moment to look at search terms. If you know what your customers search for, you can plan the structure so that Google understands the pages well later on.

• Sitemap: all pages and their hierarchy
• Wireframes: rough layout of the most important pages
• Calls to action: phone call, form, appointment, purchase
• List of required content and who is responsible for it

Step 4: Design and prototype

The concept is followed by the design. Usually the home page or a key subpage is designed first, then the design is carried over to the other page types. That way you see early on how the website feels.

A clickable prototype helps avoid misunderstandings before any code is written. With us, you can even request a free website prototype in advance to see the direction before you decide.

Step 5: Content and development

Copy, images and videos are created alongside development. Good content is concrete: what do you offer, for whom, on what terms and why with you? Generic phrases convince neither people nor search engines.

Development turns the design into a working site, mobile first, with clean code, fast loading times and a content management system that lets you maintain content yourself later. Forms, bookings or integrations are built in during this phase.

When it comes to photos, it’s worth considering whether you can use your own. Real shots of your team, premises and work are more credible than stock photos you see on many other websites. Half a day with a photographer is often one of the most effective investments in the whole project.

Step 6: Testing and go-live

Before launch, the website is checked on different devices and browsers. Forms must arrive, links must work, copy must be correct. The privacy policy and legal notice need to be on the site before go-live.

If the new website replaces an existing one, redirects from old to new addresses are a must. Otherwise you lose rankings you have built up over years. More on this in the article on a relaunch without losing rankings.

• Display on smartphone, tablet and desktop
• Test forms, emails and payments in live operation
• Check loading speed and image sizes
• Set up redirects, the sitemap and Google Search Console
• Complete privacy policy and legal notice

Step 7: Operation and further development

After go-live, the website’s real work begins. Watch which pages are visited, where enquiries come from and where visitors drop off. That shows you the next improvements.

Technically, the website needs regular updates, backups and an eye on security. In terms of content, it pays to keep offers up to date and to answer your customers’ new questions on the website.

Key takeaways

If you want to tackle your project with an experienced team: we accompany websites from goal to operation and set them up to bring in enquiries. Find out more on the page Websites that sell.

• Start with the goal, not the design
• Plan content early, it is the most common time sink
• Ask to see a prototype before any code is written
• Test forms and emails yourself before launch
• Set up 301 redirects for a relaunch
• After go-live, measure what the website brings in