What actually happens between saying “I need a website” and seeing it live online?
Don’t worry – this post will simplify the web design process. Let’s walk through the five main stages of web design process, in plain English.
Step 1: Planning & Discovery
This is where everything begins. You and your web designer sit down (virtually or over a cuppa) and talk about what the site’s for, who it’s aimed at, and what kind of content it’ll include. You’ll chat about your goals, your audience, and your brand style.
You might even sketch out a rough sitemap – a simple outline of the pages you’ll need. It’s also a good time to start gathering any text or images you want to use. Don’t worry if you’re not sure what to write yet – many designers can help with that too.
Step 2: Design (Visual Layout)
Now the fun starts. Your designer will create mockups showing how your site will look – layout, colours, fonts, images, and sample content. You’ll get a feel for the overall vibe and can give feedback.
Maybe you’ll want to swap a photo or tweak the colour scheme. This is your chance to shape the look and feel of your online presence, so don’t be shy about sharing your thoughts.
Step 3: Development (Building the Site)
Once the design’s signed off, it’s time to build. Your designer (or developer) turns the mockup into a working website.
They’ll add your content, set up any features like contact forms or booking systems, and make sure the site works well on phones and tablets.
Behind the scenes, they’ll also do some basic SEO setup so Google can find your site. You might get a private preview link to see how things are coming along.
Step 4: Testing & Refinement
Before your site goes live, it gets a thorough check.
The designer will test it on different browsers and devices, make sure all the links and forms work, and fix any little bugs.
You’ll also get a chance to do a final review – double check your contact details, make sure everything looks right, and request any last tweaks.
Step 5: Launch & Beyond
Time to go live! Your site is published under your domain name and ready for the world to see. You can share the news on social media, keep an eye out for any issues, and ask friends or customers for feedback.
But remember, your website isn’t a “set it and forget it” thing – it needs regular updates and maintenance to stay fresh and secure. Many local designers offer monthly support packages so you don’t have to worry about the techy stuff.