Info gathering
1-2 weeks

Information gathering – The following information is needed to as we start the project:

• FTP settings –We need File Transfer Protocol login information for your existing server or new hosting account. If we are setting up hosting, you will be sent an email from the new host that you will need to forward to us.
• Site map – The hierarchy of pages or outline of your site. In some projects, you provide this while in other instances we may be working together to create this.
• Likes and dislikes – It is always helpful to have a list of sites that you like and don’t like and the reasoning behind each of your thoughts on these.
• Home page copy – Initially, we just need home page copy to create the design concept. Eventually, we’ll need all copy provided for the site as well. If your organization is preparing your own web site copy, please download a copy of Tips on Developing a Site Outline and Content for Your Web Site (PDF file). Should you desire writing assistance, check out our list of expert copywriters.

Design Concepts
1-2 weeks

Initial home page design concept(s) - will be provided within one to one and a half weeks after home page copy has been sent to Stellar Communications.

Secondary page design concept(s) – Some clients desire that their secondary pages have a different look than the home page does. In those cases, concepts for the secondary design are presented for review after the home page template is finalized and before the HTML template is created.

Design concept edit rounds - Most clients go through two or so editing rounds before we reach a final concept. This part of the process can take a week to two weeks, depending upon how fast your feedback is provided as well as Stellar Communications' current workload. Edits are expected and welcome! Note that most changes to the design (with the exception of body copy text) after the next step is completed will incur additional costs. So as much thought as possible should be put into the creation and editing of the design concept.

XHTML template development and browser testing
1 week

XHTML template creation – Once the home page and secondary page (if applicable) design templates are finalized, the designs are transitioned from static graphics to XHTML with CSS (cascading style sheet) documents that can be read by web browsers. We don’t use the static graphics as the HTML page because it would take too long to load and the content wouldn’t be readable by search engines. During this time, it’s a good idea to finalize the copy for the rest of the site and put it together in MS Word files so that it will be ready to go for page creation. We test our web sites in both Mac browsers (Safari 1, IE 5, Opera, Mozilla) and PC browsers (IE 6, Netscape 7) to ensure that your site will show up correctly in the most current popular browsers used.

Editing/Form Testing - Once your site pages have been posted, you’ll have two chances to edit the copy. Once your edits have been communicated (preferably in writing via marked up printouts via fax or sent as a correction list via email), we’ll make the edits and give you another opportunity to check out the pages to make sure the edits were made to your satisfaction. We’ll also test the forms to be sure they work they way you envisioned them to.

Publishing – Once everything has been tested and approved, we will make the site will “go live” by moving some files into place.

Search Engine Registration and SEO - For new sites, we will do minor search engine submission with google.com and yahoo.com. SEO (search engine optimization) and search engine submission referrals are available on our Resources/Partners page if you are interested in gaining higher search engine rankings.

Maintenance Services - We do not offer ongoing maintenance services for web sites as our focus is in the creative and building aspects of web development. There are companies who specialize in web site edits and maintenance that charge more competitive hourly rates and are experts at this type of work. See the Resources/Partners page.

Training - For clients who wish to be able to do their own site updates, we are happy to train you (customers local to the greater Austin, Texas area) at your location on the use of Macromedia Contribute to edit your site. Most people can learn how to use this software in less than an hour and a half. For blog sites, you will be trained to use the online blog editing and posting software.