Average Design Process Timelines

Design and development times will vary by the type of design or even by specific project. By being clear on our normal design process timelines, we give our customers clear expectations and confidence in our design and development.

For average completion times by type of project, please refer to the table below.

Website Design
(up to 5 pages)
2-4 weeks
Website Design
(up to 10 pages)
3-6 weeks
Website Design
(10+ pages)
5+ weeks
Logo Design
Initial Designs in less than 48 hours
Business Card Design
1 week
Letterhead Design
1 week
Postcard Design
1-2 weeks
Brochure Design
2 weeks
Vinyl Decals
1 week
Banner Design
1-2 weeks
Vehicle Lettering Design
1-2 weeks
Custom Signs
1-2 weeks
Email Marketing Campaigns
1-2 weeks

 

Design Process

Customer satisfaction is our number one concern. Because of this we are very clear and upfront about how we handle the design process and what our customers can expect each step of the way. For a more detailed explanation of how the design process works, see the information below.

Tips for the Customer Regarding the Design Process
By implementing the tips below our customers will be able to ensure they are doing their part to make the design process run as smooth as possible
  • Use Email - Email is the best method of communicating with us. It also gives us written details about your project to refer to if a question arises during the design process. Please use this method of communication whenever possible.
  • Be Clear on Goals and Content - Let us know not only what you want on your website, but what you want to get out of your website. If you are interested in gaining potential clients rathering than showcasing your products or services to existing clients - we need to know. By familiarizing ourselves with what you want out of your website we will be better prepared to help you acheive those goals.
  • Offer clear and helpful feedback - When you, as the client, are presented with preliminary designs please be as clear and concise as possible with changes you are requesting. It is helpful to let us know exactly what it is that you like and do not like about the design. It is only with this information that we are able to tailor the design to your specific needs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Web Site Design Process

Discovery

All of our sites are custom designed to meet the needs of the specific client or organization they represent. In order for us to create a custom site, we must first understand what the client's expectations and goals for the site are. These goals and expectations are mapped out in an initial meeting which takes place either at the client's location or via the Internet or phone for long-distance clients. Questions which may arise in this initial meeting include target audience expectations, purpose for web site (sales, gain prospective clients, informational, etc.), and different functional necessities for the specific site. This meeting also gives us a chance to get to know you, as a client, and the culture of your business or organization. The more familiar we are with your organization, the better we will be able to represent you through your web site.

Design

Once we are aware of your goals and expectations for the site, we can begin creating the look and feel to accompany the requested features. This is also known as the "design phase" and is where the largest amount of communication is necessary between the designer and the client. In this phase you, as the client, will be sent "mock-ups" of what the site will look and feel like. These will be graphic-only mockups, and will not be "functional". In other words, they will be static pages which have no navigational links, etc. Once we settle on a look and design for the site, we can move onto the next phase of Development.

Development

This is the "back-end" development phase in which all of the "coding" is done for your site. While this may seem like a slow period in the process, it is actually one of the busiest for the designer. In this phase html code is written to accompany the graphic designs created for your site. In addition, CSS, or Cascading Style Sheets, are created to enhance the site. Any javascript or other web page functionality is also incorporated in this phase. At the end of this phase you will be presented with a fully-functional, html and css compliant web site which can be tested and then approved by the client.

Maintenance

Once you have approved your web site and are happy with the design and functionality, you will sign off on the site. This begins the maintenance phase of the process. In this phase you may choose to purchase a maintenance agreement with Creative Edge Designs for a specific amount of alloted maintenance time per month or quarter, or you may agree to be billed at the current hourly rate for any changes or updates you request for your site. Maintenace to your site may include changing content, photos, updating portfolios or items or even complete site makeovers. Please note that content management systems or editable regions of your site may be incorporated into the development upon request for additional fees.

Marketing

Marketing your website is one of the most important steps in the process. With proper marketing your site can draw in potential customers and even increase sales for your business. We offer marketing techniques to our clients and those who have a site previously designed through another designer or agency as well. Technqiues we use to market your site can include Search Engine Optimization, Search Engine Marketing, Pay-per-Click Advertising or Directory Submit Services. All of these services can be purchased together or seperately. For more information, please see our Internet Marketing section. Additional offline marketing techniques offered by Creative Edge Designs include different print methods such as business card, postcard, brochure and letterhead design and printing. By placing your website address on these materials and then distributing them to potential or current clients, you are participating in actively recruiting potential visitors to your site. In addition to Internet marketig and Print design, Creative Edge Designs has also begun offering Email Marketing campaign creation. For more information please visit our Email Marketing section.

Measuring

An excellent way to measure your efforts and to see what exactly is working positively for your site is by using an Analytics program to track how customers are being referred to your site, where they are coming from, which keywords they are using to get there and what portions of your site they are viewing. This information is vital to the long-term success of any internet marketing campaign. By measuring the success of different types of Internet marketing you can see exactly what is and is not working for your particular site and discontinue use of less effective marketing approaches.

 

We would love the opportunity to answer any questions you may have about our services or design process. Please feel free to contact us for more information.