My Web Design Process: A Blueprint for Success
When a business invests in a new website, their biggest fear is writing a cheque and ending up with something that just isn't them. We’ve all heard the stories: a designer disappears for six weeks, only to reveal a "finished" site that completely misses the mark. This leads to a painful, frustrating, and expensive series of revisions, all because of a simple lack of communication.
At Brand Canyon, I believe the best web design in Market Harborough is built on a foundation of collaboration. A project's success is determined long before I write a single line of code.
My experience as a Project Manager at Amazon, juggling incredibly high-stakes campaigns, taught me that a meticulous plan is the only way to guarantee a smooth delivery. That's why I follow a structured, transparent process with client feedback built-in at every key stage.
This isn't about red tape; it's about making sure your project is delivered on time, on budget, and exactly as you envisioned. Here is the blueprint I follow.
Phase 1: The Foundation (Strategy & Structure)
Before we can build the house, we need to agree on the blueprints. This phase ensures we are building the right website for your specific goals.
Step 1: Brand & Strategy Document
I start with your brand. We'll sign off on your brand identity - your logo, colours, fonts, and tone of voice. This ensures every design decision we make is consistent and authentic to your business.
Step 2: Sitemap & User Flow
Next, I map out the entire website. The sitemap is the "floor plan," showing what pages we need. The user flow is the "journey," showing how we want customers to move through the site to achieve a goal (like booking an appointment or making a purchase).
Feedback Point:
You sign off on the complete strategy and structure before any design or content work begins.
Phase 2: The Content (SEO, Copy & Visuals)
With a clear structure, I now create the high-quality content that will fill it. A beautiful website with no strategic content will fail.
Step 3: Keyword Research & Content Map
I conduct in-depth research to see what your local Leicestershire customers are actually searching for. This data informs a "content map," assigning target keywords to each page of your site.
Step 4: Final Website Copy Report
Based on the content map, I write the website copy. This text is provided in a simple report for you to review and approve, ensuring your message is perfect before it's placed into the design.
Step 5: Google Business Profile Report
For a local Market Harborough business, your Google Business Profile (GBP) is critical. I provide a report on its current status and an optimisation plan to ensure it works hand-in-hand with your new website.
Step 6: Cloud-Based Image Library
I create a shared, cloud-based folder (I tend to use Google Drive) where all imagery for the site is gathered. You can review, approve, and add your own photos in one organised place.
Feedback Point:
You sign off on all the raw materials - the words, the keywords, and the images - before the build starts.
Phase 3: The Build (Design & Testing)
This is the phase where all our preparation comes to life. Because I've done the hard work upfront, this stage is efficient and focused.
Step 7: Website Design Mockups
Using the signed-off content and brand guide, I create high-fidelity design mockups. You'll see exactly what your website will look like, and you can provide feedback on the visual layout.
Step 8: Private Staging Site
Once the design is approved, I build the fully functional website on a private, password-protected "staging" link. You can click around, test every button, and see how it works on your phone and desktop, all away from the public eye.
Feedback Point:
You get to test the real, working website and request any final refinements before it goes live.
Phase 4: The Launch (Go-Live & Handover)
This is the exciting part. After your final sign-off, I launch your new website to the world.
Step 9: Launch & Client Handover
I "push the button" and make your site live. I then provide you with a clear, simple user guide (and/or a personal training session) that empowers you to manage your new website, update content, and write your own blog posts.
This collaborative process removes the guesswork. It keeps you in control, prevents wasted work, and ensures that the website we launch is the one you dreamed of.
If you’re a Market Harborough or Leicestershire business looking for a professional web design partner who values a clear process and no surprises, let’s start with an introduction.