OUR BLOG

Website Development Process


In website development, there are certain truths Element holds as self-evident:

1. Websites are often large, cumbersome projects. 2. Many clients find the process to be lengthy and somewhat expensive. Understanding this, Element does everything we can to speed the process along and find cost-efficient solutions, properly set expectations at the beginning, answer questions along the way, and provide you important updates and deliverables for progress benchmarking. 3. Ours is a collaborative and fun web-building process.

2

STAGE ONE :: Discovery, requirements planning, and site definition.

We begin with a full consultation on your business goals and explain how a website can help you realize them. We’ll discuss the scope of the site, the functionality requirements, the site’s platform, copy needs, brand integration, needs for CMS, mobile responsiveness, and lay
out a pathway to success.

 


 

3

STAGE TWO :: Site map + info architecture.

Here, we define the user experience in consideration of the functionality requirements, total scope of content, and brand integration with the navigation scheme. This is your site’s blueprint, so we adjust until you’re satisfied.

 


 

4STAGE THREE :: Home page + sublevel page initial design.

We’re ready to design on your behalf. We provide home page-level designs for your approval, get your chosen direction, and then begin to weave that design into a sublevel page template. It’s design, then approve, design, then approve. In this way, you’re in control of the process
so there are no surprises.

 


 

5STAGE FOUR :: Final design and design-build of approved functionality.

Here, final design is approved and the site’s functionality enters its actionable phase. In many cases, we’re taking “white label” widgets and blending your design with them. In other cases, we’re creating functionality from scratch. The time frames can vary widely here, so we ensure close communication with our clients to manage expectations.

 


 

6STAGE FIVE :: Full programming.

Though there will be overlap between design and programming in the previous stage, stage five is reserved for the time needed to implement design and migrate/import copy along with the various modules that have been specified as part of the scope and info architecture. It’s the longest, most intense stage and where the vast majority of your website is built.

 


7

STAGE SIX :: Beta testing and proofreading.

It’s in this stage of web development that we put the site through the proverbial wringer before launching it to the world. We’re testing all the site’s functionality, incorporating your feedback, and proofreading the entire site. We’re de-bugging and ensuring that when it’s time to go live, your site is ready for the challenge of heavy user traffic.

 


 

8

STAGE SEVEN :: Go live.

It’s time for prime time. The “go live” date may be initially expressed in a date range due
to variables in the very nature of web development. No firm has a crystal ball for ensuring a “go live” date; therefore, this date will be refined and narrowed throughout the development process.

By Jack Becker

  • FINDING THE GOOD: A LOOK AT THE POSITIVE WAYS COVID-19 MIGHT IMPACT BUSINESS.

  • Advertising During the COVID-19 Crisis—What to Do and How to Do It.

  • A SMALL, GOOD THING.

  • A word on COVID-19 and the coronavirus from Element.

  • LET’S TALK TONE.

  • DISRUPTION IS DEAD. LONG LIVE DISRUPTION.

  • When Audience Becomes Artist: Curating User-Generated Content in Social Media.

  • Four Things to Consider for Your Social Media Strategy

  • Making an Open Office Workspace Work

  • Navigating Your WordPress Dashboard

  • Advertising Loves Abbreviations

  • Element at Five Years: How We Came to Be

  • The Latest Trends in Mobile Advertising

  • Share the Love

  • Ancient Native American symbology, reimagined.

  • Beating back bias: Or, why Element insists on science over instinct.

  • How does one speak “art director?” Communication 101 with artsy types & agencies.

  • Puppy Kisses: My Secret Source of Creativity

  • Happy Clients, Happy Work Life

  • We’re Hiring: Account Manager

  • Your Brain is Beautiful – And Here’s Proof

  • Stop trying to be creative. And start coming up with solutions.

  • NOC Whitewater Rafting Commercial

  • Meet our newest Element, Ms. Shannon Quinn!

  • Grateful for the Adventure: Nantahala Outdoor Center

  • A New Model for a New Time: An Inside Look at Anomaly

  • Confessions of an Office Prankster

  • The Brilliant Season has begun.

  • Google goes old and new at the same time.

  • Office Time: Friend or Foe

  • An Interview with Element’s Media Director

  • The Brilliant Season: A Colorful Twist on Cherokee Branded Content

  • You’ve just been given an orchid. Now what?

  • Smarten up your lunch break with these three healthy ideas.

  • A Look Inside: Shiny New Van Graphics for an Ancient Water

  • Are you a good or bad thinker?

  • A Look Inside the Logo Design Process

  • Is your brand in a superposition?

  • Mobile Revolution

  • A CAMPAIGN TAKES SHAPE

  • #MJ’s tweeting—why aren’t you?

  • It’s time to review your strategic media relations plan.

  • Synesthesia and Experiential Branding

  • A positive expression of the need for negative space.

  • The Citizen-Times reminds us of the power of PR.

  • Let’s talk trends.

  • Element Advertising Checks in to Charlotte market

  • The teacher we all wished we had offers one more lesson.

  • Element & North American Roofing begin building something big.

  • Welcome to the Element Advertising blog.