The usual web design process follows certain basic steps. Of course the entire process if extremely flexible and I work at a pace which the client feels comfortable with. This means it can take three weeks or three months. The usual steps are as follows:

1. Free 1/2 hour consultation. This can be done over the phone or in person. If in person then this can lead into the initial development consultation.
2. Initial development consultation. This is where I find out what the client wants from the internet, the type of site he wants and the information to be included on the site. Sometimes a client has a clear idea what they want - they may have seen a site they like, or have a distinct corporate identity, or they may be content to let me come up with the design. either of these options is fine and sometimes it's a combination. This consultation works all those issues out and by the end I have a clearer idea of the direction the site is going to take as well as a rough estimate of the cost.
3. Business proposal. After sifting through all the information gathered from the development consultation I submit a business proposal indicating the purpose and outlining the information to be included on the site and the cost of the site. I also attach a site map which shows the structure of the site more clearly and, if appropriate, rough sketches of the design.
4. Contract. If the business proposal is acceptable to the client then I forward a standard contract to the client which they should then sign and return to me, together with an initial deposit and any further information related to the company (either on disk or paper).
5. Site development. I create the initial design for the web site and upload the files to my server so the client can review and make any suggestions or changes. Then the information gets added and the client can review the progress of the site while it's still hidden from the rest of the world.
6. Completion. Once the client gives the final OK I upload the files to the client's server and test.
7. Marketing. Upon payment of the balance of the site I submit the client's site to the major search engines and your on-line venture is complete.

If you would like more information about the different types of sites available, or have any specific questions, then please email me at adams@rollanet.org .