Learn about our step-by-step process of developing a small business website.
Designing a website is a multi-step process. Every web design company has their own way of managing projects, but at Plan 9, we’ve learned what really matters when it comes to designing websites for small businesses.
One thing that stands out in our experience was seeing which project management system would work best- some proved more useful than others depending on different needs or goals.
Our website design and development process was designed to be simple for you. There is nothing worse than an overly difficult and complicated project management plan that troubles our clients. On the contrary, a well organized process will simplify decision making and guarantee sticking to the project timeline.
Designing a site isn’t always easy, but we make it simple with our 9-step system. Each step covers a different part of a website. We start with the basics — we create a basic website wireframe and move forward one page at time as we add content and images gradually. We begin by designing the top parts of the website, the header and hero sections, to ensure that everything looks cohesive before moving onto more difficult parts.
For every step we have predesigned a number of visual elements, clickable prototypes and mockups for our clients to use as guidance. These are classic and universal website design elements that you see on the majority of websites. Our clients can use our predesigned visuals or go with any other referenced visuals of their own.
We begin our web development process by working on the very top part of every site. Headers have a defined and clear purpose in the website build. They set the website’s information architecture featuring the logo, top navigation and contact information.
In this phase we establish the site hierarchy, structure of pages and ensure your header is coherent with your business goals. Learn more about website header design.
In the next phase of the web project we get started with developing the most visually interesting part of every site. The top section below the header, also known as the hero section, is the most prominent part of any page of your website. It’s the first visual impression of a page. It always features the main headline, an image and a call to action.
Typically small business websites include two top section designs — one for the homepage and a different design for the remaining pages. Popular design elements in the top section are:
Learn more about hero section design.
Every site must include a footer, which is the bottom most part of your website. Footers often contain information such as contact details and other useful links for visitors to navigate around on your site easily.
The contact us page is the second most important page on any website, right after the homepage. Many website visitors won’t take their time to read through your website, instead they quickly click on the contact page to fill out a form. Common website elements found on the contact page:
Learn more about contact page design.
The about page is an important page for prospects interested in finding out more details about the company. Common website elements found on the about page:
When it comes to creating key pages on a website, every business has different needs. While some startups will be satisfied with a couple of basic pages, other companies in other industries require additional content for their target audience.
In many cases this is the most important step of a web design project. The homepage is the foundational page on any website, it establishes the main impression and sets the visual tone of the site. Since this is an advanced page, we focus on it at the end of the design process. Popular website elements found on the homepage:
We develop both versions of the website simultaneously, however we initially focus more on the desktop since it’s more advanced. In this critical step we develop the responsive version in depth making sure it is mobile friendly.
In this planning phase, we take a strategic approach to the website build. Creating websites optimized for on-page search engine optimization is what Flamingo Agency specializes in. Being a full-service web development and search engine optimization agency, we take great efforts to build websites that are seach-engine friendly and are highly optimized for conversions. In this design phase we complete all aspects related to your SEO strategy, from content management, to installing Google Analytics and Google Search Console.
The final step before website launch is the revisions and device testing stage. In this phase we revise everything and take a step back if needed. Sometimes business owners like to take a good look and decide to apply changes to the new site and this is when we take action and make sure the final product is exactly how they envisoned it.
Common steps we take in this phase:
Take a look at what our amazing clients have to say about us, and the great impact Plan 9 has had on their businesses.
What an OUTSTANDING company!! From creating my logo to designing my website, working with Chris @ Plan 9 Graphic Design was truly an incredible experience. His creative eye and professional insight on "small business" start up was EXACTLY what I needed to launch my new business and hit the ground running! My website looks AMAZING...truly a one of a kind design! Looking forward to working with Chris on ALL of my future business design needs. THANK YOU so much, I couldn't have done it without you!
Chris did an awesome job on the logo for my company. He also did custom invoices and envelopes that I still use today.
Re-ordering is a cinch too. I highly recommend using Plan 9 for any marketing needs!
Chris did and amazing job on redesigning my company's logo and also our flyers and business cards. He is easy to work with and has great talent and vision for advertising and helping people to brand an grow their business.
If you need anything from brochures, logos, to full websites Chris at Plan 9 is the man! Very cost effective, quick turnaround times, and Chris is just an absolute joy to work with. 10/10 highly recommend!
Chris is friendly, professional, efficient, prompt, and overall wonderful to work with. I've had Chris complete a few projects and been extremely happy with his work every single time. I'm actually about to contact him about another small project now that the State is opening back up. Thank you Chris!
We are ready to help you take your website to the next level. Send us a message today!
Get In Touch