Value Websites' Typical 5-Step Website Development Process

1. You Approach Value Websites

Probably not exactly like this, but you get what I mean!

The process beginning will usually look like this:

1. We have an initial exchange of info that establishes if we are a good fit in terms of what you seek in a website.
   
2. On the basis of our initial discussion/s, a draft written Proposal is drawn up by us.
   
3. The proposal will include things like: graphical design issues, content - e.g. number of pages, e-commerce elements, secure pages, etc. Time frame and costs will also be included.
4. The Proposal will be adjusted after discussion with you so that it reflects all concerns - yours and Value Websites'.

2. Together We Agree on a Website Development Proposal

We always produce a written proposal -
'no surprises' is our aim.

Other things we need to discuss before signing the Proposal are:

• Domain name of the website when launched and who will be responsible for buying it - best to leave domain name choice at least until after initial discussion with your website developer.
  
• Most of our websites are built using a content management system that needs to be hosted by us. Our hosting plans usually have built in FREE monthly minutes to help ensure that your website is maintained well - talk to us about this.
• Once all is agreed, we will usually expect a 50% deposit of the agreed website development and initial hosting costs, before we begin work o

3. With You We Consultatively Develop Your Website

Our website development seeks
to strike a healthy balance between
form and function within your budget.

Work will proceed on your website in accordance with the terms of the Proposal we have agreed.

1. Most of the websites we develop begin their graphical life as a template from the large selection available to us in the Edit Your Webs System. Sometimes we run with the base template with little adjustment. Other times we extensively modify the template to meet your design criteria. 
   
2. Usually there needs to be a balance between the form and the function of your website. In other words, the look and feel versus the image and text content. Most who want a website built have limited funds available. The challenge is to apportion the website development time to create a website that achieves certain goals. Primary among these is that people visit your website, they stay a while and they buy or respond as you would have them do.
3. Value Websites as your website developers may need sometimes to remind you that development time is limited and it is guided by the agreed Proposal. Occasionally we may need to modify the Proposal with you... and possibly the cost too!

4. Your Website is Launched on its Domain: www....

If you have not chosen your domain name
or registrar, we suggest you talk to us first.

We typically discover that launch time is a little like a new baby arrival. There's been lots of expectation and activity and suddenly it all happens, suddenly!

At launch time we need to attend to:

• the process of establishing the website on your web domain
• giving you access to the agreed editing functions of your website
• arranging final (last 50% plus any agreed extras) payment - this must be received before launch
• scheduling any agreed Content Manager training sessions - it is best these happen after launch
• Pushing the launch button...
• Waiting up to 48 hours for things to resolve and the new website to become visible on your browser - it usually happens much quicker (like about one hour) but cannot be guaranteed
• We usually leave final search engine optimisation tasks until post-launch - this involves creating the "meta tags" for your web site and pages to satisfy the search engines' need for this info in order to rank your website more highly. This a little technical but is an important consideration to ensure that your website gets seen...

5. After Website Launch

"Its the putting right that matters"
Was that the Noel Leeming catch cry?
Not that there will be much to put right
with your website. However we do believe
in excellent after sales service.

You will have access to the back end of your websites' content management system (CMS). In this you will find:

1. Website editing and further development facilities
2. basic visitor statistics
3. backups of all form submissions
4. backups of all Blog (News) comments

Your post launch training sessions will cover where these are and how to access them.
Your hosting plan will indicate how much monthly FREE time you will receive from Value Websites post launch.
Occasionally you may need us to provide more than this time.
Our charge out rate is currently NZ$65+GST.

We value our business relationship with you and work hard to maintain and develop it. 
Please get in touch if anything is not right or if you have an unresolved issue or question.
It is most likely that the answer or solution is simple.

Let's keep in touch.

Terry Alve
Manager
Value Websites Ltd.

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