our thoughtprocess
For every project we touch, we have — you guessed it — a process. Years of experience with various types of projects have helped us hone our development process into something of a science. By following a structured methodology we are able to keep things moving forward while still being flexible enough to absorb unexpected obstacles and work with (sometimes around) them to get the project back on schedule and in your hands on time.
Phase 1: Planning & Discovery
During planning and discovery, we sit down with you and determine exactly what you want your project to be, do and deliver. We'll also review your expectations of our team and what we will need from you to meet those expectations. A good reciprocal partnership achieves the best result possible.
At the end of phase one you'll receive a design mock-up for approval and/or a comprehensive site analysis, competitive analysis and a list of project goals and success metrics that will be evaluated in phase three. Once you've given your seal of approval, we move into making your objectives a working reality!
Phase 2: Implementation
For web design and development projects, the next step involves the creation of HTML prototypes and backend site architecture. For a dynamic site or one with a CMS, this is when we begin object and data modeling. This step takes the finished prototypes and architecture and begins the back-end code to make everything work together seamlessly. Templates are built for content management and ease of architecture as well.
Once all the code is written and templates are made, we integrate them together to create a fully functioning site that is ready for internal testing. This is where the majority of functionality is worked out and solidified. Upon completion of internal testing, the site is ready for a full beta release.
On the marketing end, phase two sets the wheels in motion by beginning to implement the chosen marketing strategy. The scope and timeline of this step varies depending on your project goals and the tactics that will be used to accomplish them.
Frequent and responsive communication is particularly important during this stage for development and marketing projects alike, so we take special care to focus on two-way communication at this pivotal point in the process. For large-scale projects we will set milestones along the way, and be sure to notify you as each milestone is accomplished so you're able to monitor progress easily on your end.
Phase 3: Testing, Monitoring & Evaluation
In the final phase of web development projects, the name of the game is beta testing. Beta testing is conducted by the client and other site users. We encourage you to use the site to its fullest capabilities. Any further functionality that needs to be addressed before release is completed and fully tested at this point. Once we're both satisfied with every aspect of the site, we execute the live launch. Now all that's left to do is get the word out (hint, hint)!
For marketing campaigns, phase three is about monitoring and evaluation. Now is when we'll review the list of objectives we set in phase one and begin tracking our success. If your goal was to increase traffic to your website, we'll be monitoring your website traffic. If your goal was to obtain top 10 rankings for important keyword phrases, we'll be monitoring your search engine rankings and delivering reports that show your site's progress in the search engines.
No matter what you've teamed up with us for, our success is defined by your success, and this is the phase where we make sure that we're both coming out ahead.
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No, we're not worthy...
Wow. You guys are amazing. Not only does the site look awesome and work smoothly, the back end is crazy easy to update. Thank you, thank you, thank you! We're not worthy! :)
Jen Neuhoff
Northfound