The need for a well-designed website is on everyone’s priority as technology continues to dominate our lives. Every day we come across countless websites of different styles. Although each brand creates its distinct website, the process/phases they go through are similar to the other million sites. In this article, we will discuss the development stages of a website. For easy understanding, the steps are separated into phases.
Phase 1: Gathering Information
Information gathering is a step that is often disregarded. However, gathering vital information is crucial in the web design and development process as it guides the proceeding steps. This stage involves understanding the website’s purpose, setting goals, and identifying the target audience.
Phase 2: Plan
1. Wireframe & Sitemap
The foundation of any website is the creation of a sitemap. A sitemap gives the designer a clear picture of the website architecture and the relationship between the pages. The main goal of creating this map is to build an easy-to-navigate and user-friendly website. Customers, sometimes, can request for mockup website to verify the details before heading to the next step. In such situations, a wireframe is created. A wireframe does not contain any of the design elements; instead, it acts as a guide for the end product.
2. Designing
A good design is fundamental to the success of any website. In this step, all visual elements like images, videos, themes are created. When designing, it is crucial to consider the target audience; as a site for teens will look very different in comparison to a website for working professionals. Moreover, a website is the first component a customer interacts with. Therefore, it is necessary to design a website that clearly represents the brand.
3. Content Writing
Along with visual elements, adding valuable content is also essential for creating an excellent website. The content should relate to the brand, engage the audience, and entice them to take necessary actions.
Phase 3: Development
4. Coding
Once all the visual elements are created, the next step is developing a functional website. Essential elements like CMS, interactive forums, and online stores are fully working in this stage. Since various technical aspects are involved in the step, it is necessary to have an expert in the project.
5. Testing
The next important and routine step in the website development process is testing. Once the website is created, all the links, forms, and scripts should be checked. Similarly, spell-checks are also necessary to ensure the website is free from typos. The site should also be tested for its speed, screen compatibility, and cross-browser compatibility. Once all essential factors are double-checked, the website is ready for upload.
6. Maintenance
A common misconception among business owners is that once the website is developed, it does not require regular maintenance. In reality, the site is more of a service than a product. Therefore, it is crucial to provide great user-experience and quickly fix any inconveniences consistently.
There you have it—a general step-by-step guide to website development. If you need professional assistance to simplify the process, contact Infobahn Consultancy. With over 13 years of experience and 6,000 satisfied clients, you can count on us to create a great website!