Creative Design
Once the initial requirements of the site are discussed, and an understanding of the main sections are established, then we have the basis for the "site map". From this, an estimate for the site can be derived, and production can begin. Our customers are also required to make a deposit towards the production at this point.
The first stage of development is always the graphics, or cosmetics of the site. How will it look, respond and navigate? Preliminary work is done on the logo as a starting point. Whether our client has an existing logo, or we have to create one from scratch, there is work to be done to make the logo "web ready". This often includes embellishment to existing logos as many of them are designed for one or two colour printing. The web is full colour, jump off the screen, catch your attention territory. Even a company logo must adapt to this new media. The logo is then sent online to our customer for approval or modification suggestions. When the logo is approved, the artist can continue designing custom navigation menus, backgrounds, titles, etc. based on the look, feel and colours of the logo.
After the menus and other graphics have been created for the main page, an additional page or two will also be created to allow our customer to see how the site navigates from page to page. After the customer approves the "site look" and overall layout, the web team dives into the "meat" of the site... the content. In some cases, where database, research, photography and other specialty services are required, this will be tackled first. The scripting of the html pages is usually done simultaneously to this, as forms are created for database connectivity, etc.
The customer's input in this part of the development process is critical. Nobody knows your business or products like you do. The more information you can provide the better. Photos, maps, text content, brochures, logos, etc. are all requirements for most sites. In some cases we develop all areas of the site including research, photography, etc. but we still like to obtain as much information from our customers as possible.
Once the site development is completed and tested, it is ready for uploading to it's own domain and hopefully promoted. Some customers choose to promote their sites themselves, and this can sometimes limit the "hit" results. Upnorthwebs is set up to do search engine optimization and banner advertising, which all help to increase the number of hits to a site.
