Web Site Design & Development Milestones.

Wondering how long it takes to design and develop a web site? There is no exact answer since there are many factors to consider. Below is a typical timeline for the design and development of web sites, assuming that you get back to me within 2 business days on requests for feedback, content or approval.

Initial Design Concepts

After we have discussed your web site needs, collected information, received your content as well as your signed contract and 50% deposit, I can begin designing your web site. Initial designs are posted in the WorkSite within 1 week of your start date.

Fine Tuning Your Design

Once you’ve had a chance to look over the initial designs, you have the opportunity to provide feedback and request changes. Ideally I'd like to hear back from you within 1-2 business days, but some clients choose to wait a week or more. This can delay the project completion date.

After receiving any revisions, you can expect a turn around time for relatively simple changes in 2 business days. Major changes to the design or requests for an entirely new design concept will take 1 week. I will continue this process of fine tuning the design until I have your complete approval.

Development of Home Page & Interior Templates

Once the design is approved, development can begin. This is where the XHTML / CSS markup that add function to your web site is created. I start by designing the home page then moving onto the interior page template. The interior template page has placeholders for all of the text, images and other content soon to be populated. Following the architecture as defined in the site map, I’ll create all the pages and upload them to your WorkSite so that you can navigate through all of the links.

Migration of Content

The content and number of pages will vary greatly from site to site. A typical 1-10 page web site can usually have the interior pages completed within 1 week, compared to a 50 page web site which will likely take closer to 3-4 weeks to complete. I know how anxious you are to get your web site up and running so I always strive to complete your web site as quickly as possible.

Launching Your Web Site

With your approval on all of the content areas, I will send you a final invoice for the work completed thus far. Final payment of the invoice is required before moving your web site files to your server. Once the balance is received, I will immediately upload the site to your server and run through a final set of tests to be sure everything is functional. This marks the official launch of your web site, making it “Live” for the viewing public.

Regular Maintenance

eadesigner offers several maintenance plans at reduced rates. Even if you don’t have a plan and just want me to make updates for you on an as-needed basis, I am more than happy to help. Simple updates to your web site are completed within 1-2 business days while larger changes can take up to 1 week.

Other articles:

• The 6 Stages of Web Design & Development
• Print Design Milestones
• Motion Development Milestones