For clients unaccustomed to working with marketing or design firms, the process of creating a website can be quite overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. The key to a positive experience is found in understanding the process that's involved. Marketing research and strategy aside, the basic approach to creating a website is as follows.

1. site-mapping and approval

2. layout design and approval

3. development, testing and launch

These steps must happen in sequence much the same as building a house. Site-mapping is where we create a visual flowchart diagram outlining the organizational structure and functionality of your website. Layout design involves creating the look and feel of your site, (based on the site-map) often using dummy/greek copy and placeholder images. Finally Development is taking the layout design template(s) you have created and building out the actual website with all pages and functionality.

When these phases are not worked through in sequence, or when they are worked through in reverse, for example making a design change once you are already in development, the results can be a disaster. When followed, they serve to keep your website project effective, on time, and on budget.