Process
The Verticalwerks Process
Explore > Define > Create > Develop > Launch > Refine
Verticalwerks takes a systematic approach to working with Clients. This approach involves taking a project from concept to launch through six phases: Explore, Define, Create, Develop, Launch, Refine.
Our process assures that all project goals and expectations are clearly identified and achieved. Realizing that the web is a dynamic medium, we emphasize the importance of the sixth stage (refine), which is all about continuous improvement. It is through measuring and analyzing results that we help you optimize your return on investment.
As an example of how our systematic engagement approach works, read on for details on how we will apply this process to developing your website.
Step 1 - Explore
Research your Web Design Needs, Visitor Behavior & Competitive Environment
In the Explore phase we take time to learn everything we can about your company and understand your web design expectations. There are 3 steps involved:
- Conduct usability testing and traffic analysis on the current website to find opportunities to improve the layout and flow that visitors take, as well as to identify areas of strength on the current website.
- Perform a competitor analysis of other related websites to discover opportunities are that you may not know exist.
- Install web analytics onto your website to improve your traffic reporting.
Step 2 - Define
Define User Roles & Goals and Define Website Structure
Verticalwerks collaborates with your staff to identify your website goals, create user personas, develop a website structure, and define a page by page functionality and layout through three steps:
- Define website goals and user types so that we are clear on the purpose of the site.
- Outline the organization of pages and information in a site map.
- Create detailed page by page blueprints (wireframes) of the entire website.
Approval of these blueprints will allow us to move onto the web design and develop phases with confidence that we have correctly identified the structure and all features of your website. If you have elected to have Verticalwerks create content for your new website, we will conduct keyword research in order to optimize your content for search and advertising campaigns.
Step 3 - Create
Create Multiple Website Design Mock-ups & Incorporate Feedback
Based on your aesthetic preferences, the site map and the wireframes, Verticalwerks will design your new website. Visual elements of the website will be rendered, including selection of colors, images, font, navigation options, layout, and key "calls to action" that engage your visitors and persuade them toward the desired outcomes. The web design process entails:
- Create multiple design options for the home page and incorporate your feedback into the final design.
- Create core page and content page templates (to create the overall site look and feel).
- Gather your feedback and create final designs for coding.
- If help with content development and editing is desired, Verticalwerks will work with you to refine and update your existing content.
Step 4 - Develop
Program Your Website & Load Content
Based on the finalized website design, Verticalwerks will begin programming your new website on our staging (test) site. In this phase we will:
- Integrate your designs and desired features into a robust, bug-free and seamless website.
- Website development is done with an eye towards future needs and ease of integration with additional components and features after the launch of the website.
- All of our websites come with an open-source content management (CMS) system out of the box ... at no additional charge!
Step 5 - Launch
Test Website & Transfer to Live Domain
When the website is finalized on our staging site, Verticalwerks will perform quality assurance testing, train client personnel in how to use the new website, and launch your site onto the World Wide Web.
Step 6 - Refine
Improve Conversion Rates, Acquire & Optimize Traffic
Your website is a dynamic tool that will work best if it is being constantly improved. Verticalwerks will work with you to continually analyze your traffic and conversion rates, and suggest options for improvements. Ongoing website services include:
- Conduct A/B and multi-variant experiments that show different page elements to different visitors, allowing you to discover which components raise your conversion rate.
- Engage users via social media and content marketing, link development and online advertising to drive new visitors to your website and build site traffic.
- Continually engage visitors with new and valuable content, e-mail marketing campaigns and other online promotional activities to ensure your new website is a living, constantly growing entity and not just a "static brochure ware" site.
Next Steps:
Request a Quote
View our Work