The second step in the design process is to map out a project’s sections, pages and functionality in written form, using flowcharts and organized content. Thorough mapping means we cover all aspects of your site’s content.
Measurable success.
A site map is a visual representation of your content within your site. After we organize content, we create this visual to plan the pages and layout of your website. We also use a flowchart of functionality that lists actions and tasks required to achieve each goal — such as searching for content or registering for a newsletter or buying a product. Defining what happens with each step saves valuable time during development and prevents project “creep” and budget overruns. We use both to refine a requirements document to state tasks required, the order in which tasks are started and finished, and who is responsible for what portion of each. A requirements document provides a means to measure your project’s success.
An iterative process.
When refining the look and feel of your site, we work with you to translate your requirements to functional site elements and layout. We’ll map out just where everything goes before spending precious time building anything. A hour spent in refining goals now saves hours of design and development later!
What does all this cost?
The cost of a website varies depending upon what your requirements are and to what level you participate, so it’s difficult to put a “per-page” price on things. From graphics to programming to content management, the total hours required to complete a project determines the cost. We’re happy to work by the hour or provide a proposal bid. Bids typically cost less, but include specific restrictions on changes throughout the process. Hourly rates depend on the nature of the work required by your project.
We’ll work with you to develop a budget in support of your goals. Based on your requirements, we provide a client contract that states exactly what both parties are expected to do to meet stated goals as well as when payments are required.
Project milestones & invoices.
Typically, we like to spread the cost of a website over the entire project. At SYNCBOX, we set up milestones in your contract at which points you are asked to review and sign off on key aspects of your project. Depending upon the nature of your project, there may be four to five invoices generated during the life of the project. The project moves forward when sign off and payment occurs. The first of such invoices is a deposit on the project — somewhere between 20-25 percent of the overall total budget. We find this makes the overall cost more affordable and it actually motivates you to get your content together! (Would it surprise you to know that frequently the most difficult part of any web project is getting the content from the client? It’s true!)
Your goals are our goals. Let’s work together to meet them!
