WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT
You, as the client, may ask: What's included in custom website development, how does the process work, what order will we go in? This section helps to explain the process in a step-by-step fashion from start to finish, and it will give you a good idea of what you can expect when working with us.
Remember, your project may have needs that are not addressed here, so if you don’t find your answers here, please always feel free to contact us should you have questions specific to your project. If you're ready to request your free, no-obligation quote, visit our Request for Quote page.
Project Phases 
Hosting & Add-ons
Website Development Quote
If you have not already done so, please take some time to think about what you wish to accomplish with your new website. Determine if you will need any special functionality or interactivity with your visitors; consider the type of design style which appeals to you and then be sure to let us know.
When you are ready, please request your free, no-obligation website design quote.
Needs Analysis
Based on the information provided when requesting your website design quote, we will attempt to determine your needs, what you are expecting from your website, and try to get a feel for your industry. This is why it is very important for you to be as detailed as possible when requesting your quote.
We may have questions for you to help clarify certain issues, and we will address those before quoting on your project.
If we believe that your website development project could benefit from our services and skills, we will quote you on your project.
Initial Deposit
One third of the cost of the project is required as the deposit before we schedule a time slot for your project. One third of the cost of the project will be due upon the design approval, with the remainder of your balance will be due upon project completion. Once we have received the first third, we will begin development of your project. All projects are scheduled on a “first come, first served” basis.
Domain name registration / Website Hosting
If you like, we will immediately secure your desired domain name (pending availability) and include the first year of service. The domain is registered in your name with your information and you will be the only registrant contact on file.
If you require hosting services, we recommend ADR Enterprises hosting services. Many of our clients host their websites with ADR Enterprises and they have great server uptime, lots of features as well as good customer support.
Project Begins
Upon receipt of your deposit, our developer in charge of your project will email you to confirm receipt of your deposit, give you their direct contact information, and possibly provide you with a list of items which will be needed from you over the course of development.
You will need to let us know which navigation links you would like (such as home, about us, services, etc) and then, supply all text and/or product information to be included on your site. In addition, you may also want to supply material such as company logo, personal photos, etc, if desired for inclusion onto your website.
If you have any guide sites you would like us to refer to when designing your site, or if you have any preference as to colors, style, etc., please feel free to offer that information, as well. Also, remember that we are not mind-readers here at Sandbudd Custom Designs, so if there is anything that you would like included on your site, you must communicate that to us.
For E-Commerce sites that require us to enter products for you, we will need you to supply an Excel spread sheet listing the following: Product Name, Unique Product ID Number (if any), Product Description, Options (if any – size, color, etc), Price, Approximate Weight, Number in Stock, as well as the product photos named in correspondence with the Product ID Number on the spread sheet.
In an ideal situation, all of the above information should be supplied prior to our getting started with your project. The developer in charge of your project will be in constant contact with you throughout the project to keep you as informed as possible with the site’s progress.
Custom Designed Website Concepts
We will provide our client’s with three possible custom designed home page concepts for your project. In most cases, we will be able to provide these designs within 3-5 business days following your start date. At this time, you and Sandbudd Custom Designs will know if we are all on the same page.
After you have reviewed the designs and decided which one you would like to use, we will continue to make any necessary modifications to the design until the final desired look is achieved. Once the final desired look is reached, we will create the interior page layout, convert the design to HTML, add programming, etc. – whatever it takes to bring you the website you and/or your company desires.
Again, communication is the key, and the developer assigned to your project will keep you as informed as possible as to the site’s progress.
In-Progress Viewing
We will also establish a private directory for your new website on our testing server so that you may view the website development progress at any time. In addition, your project manager will inform you via email when extensive updates to the site have been made so you can review the most recent progress in the most timely manner.
Professional Stock Photography
All projects include use of professional stock photography images from our current library. If a client requires stock photography which we do not currently possess, an additional fee may apply, but this will be communicated at the time…no surprise charges!
Website Development / Coding Phase [Return to Top]
Programming / Coding
All website development specialized programming/coding to run any special features/visitor interactivity on your website is completed and tested in ensure the functionality of the specific task.
Website Pages
Based upon the final design you selected, we will create as many static or dynamic pages as needed to complete your site.
Website Navigation
Navigation links or drop down menus, and rollover effects, if desired, are completed.
Site Map
The creation of a site map page is done which includes easy one-click access to all the pages of your site.
Site Content
Incorporation of your logo, photos and text content is included in all projects. Sandbudd Custom Designs can create a custom logo design for an additional fee, so please inquire if this is something in which you may be interested.
CSS Stylesheet
CSS Stylesheets are used to define font faces, styles, sizes and colors for consistency throughout the site. Should you have anything specific in mind, we can incorporate your ideas into your new website.
Response Forms / Email Contact Forms
We always recommend at least one contact form for your visitor’s convenience. When visitors want to contact you, they can email you directly from your website without needing to open their email program. This is especially convenient if a visitor is not using his own computer or when their email program is not available.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Meta Tags, Page Titles, Page Heading, Alt Image Tags, Link Text, and Page Body Text evaluation and adjustment where needed throughout the website. At no time can we guarantee when or where the search engines will place your website within their search results or directory, but with search engine optimization, your website will have the best chance available in being found.
Browser Compatibility Testing
Sandbudd Custom Designs will test your website on a variety of operating systems and browsers to insure proper display and functionality, i.e. Internet Explorer, Netscape, Mozilla, Foxfire, etc.
Grammar & Spell Check
Before the website is launched, Sandbudd Custom Designs will proofread and perform a grammar and spell check to insure there are no mistakes.
Dead Link Check
A thorough check for misdirected links and missing files is performed by Sandbudd Custom Designs just prior to, as well as after, the launch of the website.
Forms / Programming
Any email contact forms and/or programming features included in your project are tested to confirm they are functioning as required.
Launch Phase [Return to Top]
Final Payment
Final payment is always due before we take the website live onto your domain. Upon receipt of final payment, you will be emailed a final/paid in full receipt, and notified that the website was launched.
Launch Website
All necessary website files and scripts are copied to your domain and databases are setup by Sandbudd Custom Designs when your website is launched.
Error Testing
After the website is live, any interactive programming and scripts are tested to verify proper function. Since the design and testing phase often occurs on a different server, it is very important to once again verify that everything is working correctly after taking the website live. Should you observe any problems associated with the launch of your website, please bring those to our attention so that they may be addressed as quickly as possible.
Website Files
After launch and testing of the website, you are provided with a zipped archive of all website files.
Instructions & Documentation
When necessary, any documentation needed to use the administration functions of your website is included in PDF format.
Search Engine Submission
Hand submission and automated search engine submission occurs after launching, testing and fixing any issues there may have been. Because the website will be optimized, your website will be more easily located.
Minor Adjustments / Changes
Sandbudd Custom Designs will “tweak” your website, performing minor adjustments to the website, which are included at no charge for up to two weeks after the website has launched (maximum of up to 3 hours labor). Minor changes include adding or changing text, adding or changing photos, etc. Any major revision requests will require additional discussion and possibly incur a fee. Please feel free to talk to your developer any time during the development, though, to discuss any changes you may require.
We recommend ADR Enterprises hosting services. Many of our clients host their websites with ADR Enterprises, and they have great server uptime, lots of features, as well as good customer support.
Hosting Features:
- Online File Manager
- Email accounts @yourdomain
- Web Based Email Interface or POP3 Access
- Online Web Stats (invisible hit counter)
- Website Backup Utility
- MySQL Database Management
- Add/remove sub-domains
- Custom error pages
- FTP Access
- Auto responders
- Many more features ...
- E-Commerce Store
- Flash Effects & Animation
- Secure Forms with Database Back end (SSL Encryption)
- Website Editing (CMS)
- Site Search
- RSS Feed Aggregator
- News/Article Posting
- Photo Gallery
- Guestbook
- Community Forum
- Events Calendar
- And more!
Optional Add-ons pricing will vary. To obtain pricing, please inquire about the specific add-on you wish to include. Optional Add-ons may be limited by what programming languages your host supports.
Get started today with a free project estimate – Request for Quote
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