My Design Process

Getting Started

When a client first contacts me, they often don’t know exactly what they need. Some are dealing with outdated or ineffective websites, while others are starting fresh with a new project. Whatever the situation, my role is to listen, guide, and help shape the vision for your website.

Initial conversations are key. For smaller projects, a brief chat might be all that’s needed to get started. For larger or more complex sites, we may need further discussions, meetings, or even visits to your business premises. This helps me understand your goals, your audience, and any challenges we need to address.

Inspiration and Ideas

Clients often share websites they admire or competitors’ sites they like. This gives me a sense of their preferences and industry trends, which I can build on to create something unique and effective. If you’re unsure, I’ll guide you through the process and offer suggestions to get us started.

Planning and Research

Before any design work begins, we need to plan. This involves creating a structure for your website, mapping out sections and pages, and reviewing any existing content. Sometimes, older sites contain redundant or duplicated information—like an empty events section or outdated news. I’ll help streamline and organise your content to ensure it’s relevant and engaging.

If you have branding guidelines, I’ll ensure these are followed. For new businesses without existing branding, I can offer advice and work with you to develop a consistent, professional look.

The Design Phase

This is where the website starts to take shape. I typically create a few example pages—such as a homepage or a key inner page—for your feedback. Regular communication is vital, and I encourage clients to be honest about what they like and don’t like. It’s a collaborative process where your input is invaluable.

Throughout the design phase, my aim is to create something that not only looks great but also functions seamlessly for your audience.

Development and Testing

Once the design is approved, I begin building the site. I work on a temporary URL or subdomain, giving you the ability to view progress at any time. This ensures transparency and allows for regular sign-off as the project progresses.

During development, we’ll test all functionality, such as contact forms, shopping baskets, and third-party integrations. For larger projects, we may also conduct usability testing or A/B testing to refine features and improve the user experience.

Launch Day

When the site is ready, we’ll agree on a launch date. For existing websites, this involves taking down the old site and replacing it with the new one. I ensure that both you and your team are available during this time to handle any potential teething issues.

Long-Term Collaboration

For me, the launch is just the beginning. My favourite projects are those where we work together over time to keep the website evolving. I offer ongoing support with content creation, image sourcing, proofreading, and feature updates. If something isn’t working, we’ll refine it. If new opportunities arise, we’ll explore them.

This collaborative approach ensures your website stays fresh, engaging, and effective—long after it goes live.

Let’s Create Something Amazing

Building a website is more than just a project—it’s the start of a partnership. If you’re ready to create a site that grows with your business and makes a lasting impact, let’s talk. I’d love to help bring your vision to life.