A Web Design Process Where Every Step Has a Purpose
Our web design process gives each project a clear path from the first discovery call through planning, content, design, SEO implementation, and launch. Along the way, your website can connect with other parts of your marketing through our Website Design, Copywriting, and SEO services, along with Google Business Profile optimization and social media marketing when they make sense for your goals. We work with small and medium-sized businesses across industries including Home Services, Contractors, Automotive, and E-Commerce while adapting the process to the needs of each individual company. The steps below show what you can expect when you choose Appelhans Designs to bring your new website to life.
Step 1:
Free Discovery Call
Every website project starts with a free discovery call so we can learn what brought you to Appelhans Designs and what you're looking to accomplish. We'll talk about your current website or online presence, your goals, potential challenges, and the general scope of the project. It's also your opportunity to ask questions and get a better feel for how we work before making a commitment. If we determine we're a good fit for each other, we'll schedule the next step.
Step 2:
In-Person Or Virtual Meeting
Next, we'll schedule a 60–90 minute meeting where we can dig much deeper into your business and the website we're preparing to build. When possible, meeting face-to-face is a great opportunity for me to get to know you, your company, and the people behind it, although virtual meetings are also available when that's more convenient. I'll walk you through a series of questions about your company, customers, services or products, competitors, goals, current marketing, and what you want visitors to understand about your business. The information gathered here becomes an important foundation for the strategy, structure, content, and design decisions that follow.
Step 3:
Proposal & Contract
After we understand the scope of the project, we'll prepare a proposal outlining the website solution we're recommending and the associated pricing. You'll have an opportunity to review what is included and ask questions before moving forward. Once the proposal is accepted, we'll finalize the agreement so both sides have a clear understanding of the project. From there, we're ready to begin turning the conversations and ideas from the planning stage into something tangible.
Step 4:
Storyboards & Initial Setup
Before jumping directly into full website design, we begin organizing the structure and visual direction of the project. We use storyboards to map out how key pages and sections may be organized, giving us a visual plan for the website before the full design takes shape. We'll also begin the initial website setup and organize the pages and functionality required for the project. This gives the website a framework we can build upon as the content and design come together.
Step 5:
Written Content & Ideas
Strong website design needs strong information, so this stage focuses on what each page needs to communicate and the questions it should answer. We'll develop the content around what we've learned about your business, what your customers need to know, what they're searching for, and the specific job each page needs to accomplish. When Copywriting and SEO are part of the project, those considerations can be incorporated before the website is finished rather than treated as last-minute additions. You'll have the opportunity to provide input and help make sure the finished content accurately represents your business.
Step 6:
Website Design & Implementation
With the structure and content taking shape, we begin bringing the visual website experience together. Design choices are made with your brand, content, audience, navigation, mobile usability, and overall customer experience in mind rather than simply trying to make the website look impressive. We'll implement the ideas established during planning while refining pages as the website develops. This is where the strategy, storyboards, content, and creative direction begin functioning as one website.
Step 7:
Website Completion & SEO Implementation
Once the primary design is complete, we move into the final stages of reviewing pages, content, functionality, and the overall website experience. We'll make necessary refinements and ensure the website works across the devices and screen sizes considered within the project. SEO elements included within the project can then be finalized, including page titles, descriptions, heading structure, content relationships, and other on-page considerations. This stage is about making sure the website is ready for real visitors rather than rushing to launch simply because the design looks finished.
Step 8:
Launch
After final review and approval, it's time to launch your new website. We'll move the finished site into its live environment and verify that the primary pages and functionality are working as expected. Launching isn't a promise that rankings, traffic, or leads will suddenly change overnight; it means your business now has a stronger foundation that your marketing can continue building upon. Launch isn't the finish line—it's the point where your new website starts doing its job and gives your SEO, Google Business Profile, social media, advertising, and future marketing a stronger place to lead customers.