Getting Started
If ewe are a new lamb entering into the world of website design for the first time then below we have provided you with information regarding the steps involved in getting your website online.
Deposit
After your initial contact with us outlining your requirement, if you wish to proceed, we will ask you for a deposit of 40%.
Domain Name
(The address people type into their browser to find your site
e.g. www.random-sheep.co.uk)
If you haven’t already decided on a domain name for your site, we will work with you to find the best one for your business. We will also purchase it for you once your deposit has been received.
Content
The flock at Random Sheep believes that it is important to lay out the website in a way that is easily navigated. We will work with you to decide on the number of pages you require and discuss any content that you have in mind for your new site. Don't worry if you don't know at this stage. We can give you advice depending on the type of business that you are running and the clients that you are looking to attract. Websites can always be altered at a later stage.
Design Process
The design process is a highly personal one and if you have any design preferences or specific requirements we will do our utmost to incorporate them. It is a good idea to browse the internet and look at sites that are similar to what you have in mind. This is useful in order to gain an understanding of your taste and style ideas. We always build sites independently and try to make each design unique.
We are also able, through our extended flock, to help you design a logo if you do not have one already. This may come at an extra cost but as with all Random Sheep products this will be kept to a minimum and will be a personalized service. Your logo can be supplied in a resolution suitable for printing on letterheads or business cards.
Once we have agreed on your basic content and images that you wish to include (these can be sent to us via email or on CD), we will complete a draft design and present it to you via a web link. This draft site will be held on our server and will not become live on the internet until we have your approval. The site will be password protected, however if you would like to present it to any interested parties then you would be free to do so.
Whilst we can provide you with advice on writing your content, we cannot write it for you. We do know our business very well and pride ourselves in our wide range of experience, but we may not have knowledge of your business.
If you don't have any images in mind for your website, we can provide some for you, one or two of the flock have shown a knack for pretty good photography!
Once you have reviewed your site we will then work with you to make any changes you require until you have approved a final design.
Testing
As soon the design process is complete, we will ask you to fully test all the pages and links. We test too, but unfortunately we are only sheep and can sometimes miss things, unless it’s food! This is especially important for sites where ecommerce is included as things like postage and delivery options can vary according to items purchased. It is vital that you are fully satisfied that everything works properly and as you expected it to.
Going Live to the world
Once the website has been fully tested, the balance of payment is then due. We will then set up the hosting for your site (the space that your website will occupy on our server). At this point we will also set up any email addresses that you request.
The website will be password protected until the final payment has been received. Your website will then go live on the World Wide Web.
N.B. For database driven websites such as ecommerce shops, we generally set up the hosting and build the site on our server from the outset as they are more complex to build.
Post Release
Despite our combined testing, there are occasionally problems that occur after the website has been made live. If any problems are found then you should notify your design team as soon as possible so they can be corrected. Problems will always be fixed free of charge.
Pormoting Your Website
We will be able to advise clients about ways of promoting their websites such as Google Adwords campaigns and links to other websites. This is worth considering in order to gain maximum exposure for your website.
More Information
If you have any questions or points that you would like to discuss, please contact us for a free consultation via our contact form.
