For larger sites and sites with various customizations (mainly graphics), the work flow is a little different: Sites that include a custom theme or a completely unique design built from scratch go as follows:

• The client meets with a single web designer, either in person or via phone/email and shares the basic site info– the stuff we had in the first section of this guide
• The web designer and client will finalize some technical decision including content management system, hosting, and some of the other things previously mentioned in this guide
• They’ll negotiate a price, where the client pays half up front and half upon delivery of the completed site
• Client sends developer any graphics files or content requested
• A visual designer (may be a different person) creates a mock-up.  A mock-up a graphical image to show what the site could look like; it usually includes navigation, logos, background images… Depending on how large the project is, client may purchase multiple mock-ups and pick the direction they’d like to go in
• After an initial mock-up is chosen, the client may request to see specific updates or design decisions.  Note: Initial mock-ups may be rough and purposely unfinished. Additionally, some clients provide designers wire frames to specify exactly where menu-items and other website elements should be.  This type of back and forth can become very expensive.
• The designer creates the entire site (puts the content in, customizes the site, etc.)
• Shows it to the client – makes edits
• Collects the second half and the deal is completed

We should note here that some of us are exclusive to our clients: we do not represent competitors.  We forgo other opportunities if when commit to a client.  We recommend this arrangement for SEO, Social Media Marketing and other advertising and marketing services where a built-in conflict of interests exists between competing clients.

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