Custom Design Process

We will work closely together during the design process to take your vision & bring it to life. Here is a brief outline of the process.

Step 1 :: Planning

Once your initial deposit is received, we'll send you a detailed design questionnaire for you to complete. It contains a number of questions about you, your business and your design vision, and it provides insights and information to help us understand what you envision for your website. We'll discuss this information and together we'll work through ideas of functionality, layout, style and design elements. Since your input is critical at this stage, you will need to have a clear vision of your ideas!  We'll also be requesting other information we'll need to personalize your design & set up your website, which will need to be turned in prior to your assigned start date.  At this time, we may also work with you to set up your hosting so that you can begin adding your products & content to your site,  so that you can familiarize yourself with the content management system.

Step 2 :: Design

At this point we'll take the ideas from our planning discussion & begin designing a proof of a basic logo concept & a static mock-up of your website design for you to review.  A static mock-up is a large image of what your site will pretty much look like, but without actual working links & any special effects.  We allow up to 2 rounds of major revisions (new layout, graphics, functionality, etc.) with minor revisions being accepted (and expected!) throughout the entire process.  Requesting more than 2 major revisions, or excessive minor revisions, will result in added design fees.  Giving your feedback about what you like and dislike is very important at this stage, since it helps avoid costly redesign later on in the process. Once a design has been approved, and any minor revisions completed, we'll work on setting up your hosting account and Coming Soon page (if applicable). At this time, 50% of the remaining estimated project cost will be required.

Step 3 :: Installation

Now is the time when we get to work our geeky magic.  This is when we take your approved design mock-up and translate it into a functional website & install the graphics, code and other software to your site.  Also taking place is set-up of your shopping cart, email and any other custom work that is to be installed, if we haven't already done so.  Once your site is installed everything will be tested & reviewed for your approval, including making sure your site looks & works right in several different web browsers.  Any minor adjustments will be made at this time. Work will also begin on any custom print designs at this time.  At this time, the final balance due for the project will be required.

Step 4 :: Launch!

Here we go! Once final testing & changes are complete, we will turn over the website to you and you're ready to "go live."   We will make sure there everything is working smoothly & answer any last-minute questions you may have.   Your Coming Soon page will be removed and you're ready for business!  Your brand new great-looking website is available for the world to see.   Any changes that you request after launch will be subject to an hourly maintenance fee.  We will also be happy to fix any problems, free of charge, for 14 days after launch - just contact the studio.  Please do note that if any errors are caused because someone other than Simply Chic Creative has modified your site, any such fixes will be subject to an hourly maintenance fee.

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