A website strategy aligns the website’s proposed structure, content, and features with business goals. It’s where we make high-level decisions about the direction of the website. During strategy, an experienced website strategist collaborates with UX, design, and content specialists to conduct research, identify challenges and opportunities, and make recommendations. At the end of the phase, we present a strategy document that guides the creation of the website and sets the tone for your project

In planning, our information architects and UX designers turn strategic direction into a blueprint for the site. Planning is also where we identify the site’s technical requirements and specifications. [link to IA + UX page] The first key deliverable is a sitemap, which shows the structure and hierarchy of the site’s pages. Next come wireframes – low-fidelity, black and white designs that show each page template’s essential structure. These deliverables are supported by as much user research as we can conduct – we’re passionate about getting our concepts in front of users in order to test and refine them.

Design is where the hard work really starts to pay off. We begin with an exploratory – as the name suggests, we explore a range of possibilities with you, getting a feel for how to represent your brand. Some of our clients have strict brand guidelines, while others are looking for guidance on how to define or reimagine their brand – we’re equally comfortable working with both. The deliverables for the design phase are full-color mockups of each template, which build on the wireframes created during planning. Each mockup is presented to your team for detailed feedback as we go, starting with the homepage. And since a fully responsive design is non-negotiable, we design separately for desktop, mobile, and tablet, optimizing every element and interaction for each device.

SEO is part of the fabric of an effective website, not an accessory. Building your site first and “doing SEO” later can result in missed opportunities or put existing equity at risk. For that reason, each website we design is built with SEO front of mind. Our SEO specialists stay involved throughout the project to help ensure we create the right pages in the right places. Sitemaps, wireframes, copy, and even design elements are carefully reviewed to ensure they’re discoverable, relevant, and follow SEO best practices.

When we deliver your new site, we don’t just throw you the keys and run. We walk you through the CMS, show you how to use it (and how not to use it), and make sure everyone touching the website is comfortable with managing it. Launch day is time to celebrate – and to start planning enhancements that deliver even more value to your users and business.