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One of my favorite questions: What does a website designer do? AKA: "Can I DIY your job?" The answer is "Sure, you could..."

Writer's picture: Ally PenroseAlly Penrose

Let me outline the comprehensive steps of website design/development. I should preface this by saying that every designer/developer is different. Some people only design. Some people only develop. Some people do both. This is my step-by-step process... ( You may ask, why are you giving us your process for free? The reason is simple- it took me 15 + years to perfect it, so if you can replicate it then GOOD FOR YOU!) No gate keeping here. ;)


Discovery Phase

  • Gather client requirements

  • Define target audience

  • Establish project goals

  • Set budget and timeline

  • Collect brand assets

  • Review competitors


Information Architecture

  • Create sitemap

  • Plan user flows

  • Define navigation structure

  • Organize content hierarchy

  • Identify key features

  • Map user journeys


Content Planning

  • Create content outline

  • Identify content gaps

  • Plan content creation schedule

  • Gather existing content

  • Define tone and voice


Wireframing

  • Create low-fidelity sketches

  • Develop basic layout structures

  • Map content placement

  • Design user interface elements

  • Plan responsive layouts

  • Identify interaction points

  • Get client approval on structure


Visual Design (If you lack a brand guideline.)

  • Create mood board

  • Develop color scheme

  • Choose typography

  • Design UI elements

  • Create high-fidelity mockups

  • Get client design approval


Development

  • Build frontend structure

  • Implement backend functionality

  • Integrate required features

  • Integrate content management system

  • Ensure responsive design

  • Implement SEO basics


Content Integration

  • Upload all content

  • Format text and images

  • Optimize media

  • Check for consistency

  • Implement meta descriptions

  • Add alt text for images


Testing

  • Check functionality

  • Test responsiveness

  • Verify forms and links

  • Check cross-browser compatibility

  • Test load speed

  • Validate code

  • Integrate added security where needed


Launch Preparation

  • Final client review

  • SEO implementation

  • Setup analytics

  • Configure backups

  • Test contact forms

  • Check for broken links


Launch

  • Deploy to live server

  • Configure DNS

  • Test live site

  • Monitor for issues

  • Verify functionality

  • Check analytics tracking functions


Post-Launch

  • Monitor performance

  • Address bugs

  • Gather user feedback

  • Plan a maintenance schedule

  • Document site features

  • Train client on CMS (If training is booked.)


So I have answered the question, " What does a web designer do?" The next question you're probably asking, " How long should it take me to build my own website? "


Someone who is interested in building their own Wix website should expect the following general timeline, though this can vary based on complexity and learning pace... Here are a few situational examples to give you an idea of what you can expect to invest time-wise.


Simple Website (4 or Less pages):

- Learning basic concepts: 1-3 weeks

- Planning and wireframing: 1-3 days

- Building actual site structure: 2-3 weeks

- Adding content and styling: 1-2 weeks

- Testing and refinement: 1-2 weeks

Total: 5-7 weeks


More Complex Website (10+ Pages, Custom Features):

- Learning necessary skills: 2-3 weeks

- Planning and wireframing: 1-2 weeks

- Building structure: 2-3 weeks

- Adding content and styling: 2-3 weeks

- Implementing features: 2-3 weeks

- Testing and refinement: 1-2 weeks

Total: 8-12 weeks


Factors That Can Impact Timeline:

1. Prior technical knowledge

2. Time available to dedicate to learning/building

3. Website complexity

4. Use of website builders vs. coding from scratch

5. Amount of custom features needed

6. Content preparation time

7. Client feedback cycles (if building for someone else)


Tips to Speed Up the Process:

1. Start with a website builder like Wix

2. Use templates rather than starting from scratch

3. Plan content before building

4. Focus on essential features first

5. Get feedback early and often

6. Take advantage of online tutorials and resources


Lastly, consider hiring someone if you're unsure at any point in the process. Remember: Quality takes time, especially when learning. It's better to build a simple, well-functioning website than to rush a complex one that doesn't work properly.


As always, I'm here if you need me. :)

Ally Penrose Professional Website Designer

Ally Penrose

Designer/Marketer/Mom/Nerd

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