The Web Development Phase

The Web Development phase is the primary work phase when creating a new website. The design “look” of the website has been established in the Design Phase and with the client’s approval it is time to actually build the website. When developing a website the development phase is the most time intensive. It is also a critical phase when you consider that great designs with poorly developed websites don’t produce great results…

But I Thought the “Look” Was the Most Important Aspect of Your Website?

The look absolutely matters – without a great design, you drastically reduce your ability to keep new web visitors engaged. BUT no matter how beautiful the website is, if it doesn’t function well, if navigation is confusing, if key information is missing, or if half the menu says “Coming Soon – Please Check Back,” your visitors will leave. Worse yet, your website might as well say, “Please visit a competitor who took the time to give you what you’re looking for!”

Can’t We Just Add Information “After the Site Goes Live”?

No way. Clients and prospects don’t enjoy wasting their time. Seeing empty pages and “great intentions coming soon” pages frustrates them — and once they leave, they usually don’t come back. You lose real prospects when your content isn’t ready.

Having a full understanding and a solid game plan for your web content must happen at the start of The Web Development Phase. Developers and clients must collaborate on the menu structure and ensure core content is ready before launch. The client’s most important information should be finalized during the design phase — not later.

Planning for Great Content

A good development company works closely with the client during The Web Development Phase, pushing to make sure essential content goes live with the site. Great websites are built when everyone agrees during the design phase about which items and content will deliver the right results.

Good Content Takes Hard Work!

Today, many organizations jump into the “Web Design” business. You’ll find everything from old-school webmasters (if you can still find one) to small web development companies like BeareWare to massive companies like AT&T, Network Solutions, and GoDaddy.

But no matter who builds your website, you — the client — are responsible for providing the content.

Adding Content is Not as Easy as It Sounds

Most web contracts say, “Client to provide content.” Sounds simple, but creating good content takes real work.

During the sales process, clients often hear, “…and then we add your content” — as if by magic (and sometimes it sounds like you’ll get a free car wash too!). In reality, a good web development company must guide and support you through the content process.

Web Development Checklist

• Approved Design: Client approves the “look” in the design phase.
• Route Domain: Point your domain (yourdomain.com) to the new website.
• Setup Hosting: Place the website on a web server (host).
• Install CMS: Install the CMS Website on the web server.
• Integrate Design: Integrate graphic templates into the CMS Website.
• Setup Menu: Define menu options and functions clearly.
• Customize Software: Fine-tune CMS Software for the best look and functionality.
• Add Web Content: Add core content to bring the site to life.
• Add-On Systems: Integrate Online Shops, Calendars, or Photo Galleries.
• Add 3rd Party Software: Include tools like Real Estate Listings or RSS Feeds.
• Setup e-Mail: Configure email accounts using your domain.
• FTP Requirements: Set up FTP access for file uploading and downloading.

What Happens If You Can’t Complete It All?

If you skip key steps, you end up with a website that doesn’t perform — and looks unfinished. That’s simply not acceptable to us.

Unfortunately, many websites online clearly skipped parts of The Web Development Phase, and it shows. Half-finished websites hurt the credibility of the businesses they represent.

Client Commitment Matters

Clients must stay committed and involved throughout the development process. The best websites result from strong teamwork between the web design company and the client.

Be cautious of companies that advertise web design as a “bundled” add-on — if they barely mention The Web Development Phase, you’re in trouble. Building a site is not “SOOO EASY” — it’s careful, structured work.

Web Design as an Add-On Product?

Many companies suddenly became “Web Design” companies overnight. Everyone needs a website — so big corporations bundled web design into their internet or advertising services.

But if you glance at our checklist above, it’s clear: web design is a serious project. It’s not like flipping on a phone line or running a single ad. And bundling services locks businesses into long, costly contracts tied to non-related products.

Do You Need to Understand Every Aspect of Development?

You don’t need to be a technical wizard, but understanding the basics is crucial. It’s like investing — you shouldn’t invest in something you don’t understand.

While a few technical elements like CMS customization may sound complex, everything about The Web Development Phase can be explained simply and clearly.

Always Ask Questions

We encourage clients to ask — and keep asking — questions. We’re in it for the long haul with our clients, aiming for relationships that last 20 years or more. A strong foundation of understanding helps make that possible.

Completion of The Web Development Phase Means a Great Website!

Almost there!

Typically, we spend at least 30 days building a new website (more if needed). Multi-skilled team members — designers, developers, programmers — collaborate closely.

Once development wraps up, we review everything with the client. We also provide CMS training sessions and manuals to make sure clients feel confident taking ownership of their new site.

After all that work, your professional website is ready for action on the World Wide Web. And trust me — it just doesn’t get any better than that!

Cheers Mate,

Peter Beare – Webmaster

Peter Beare is CEO of BeareWare, a Website Design & Development Company located just outside of Nashville, Tennessee. Since building his first website for a local sports club in 1998 Peter has been a webmaster. Over the last 10 years Peter’s duties with BeareWare have included website planning, design and development, website marketing and sales, as well as database application programming & project management. But when all is said and done, Peter is still a webmaster and this is “Interview with a Webmaster“.