How We Work
We’ve worked hard to develop a smooth process—here’s what to expect when you work with us.
Slow is Smooth.
Smooth is Fast.
Our approach is to turn the complex demands of a website project into bite-sized deliverables that ease you into our tools and methodologies. You can count on us for support, guidance, and honest collaboration every step of the way.
Step 1
Strategy
Kickoff Research
We begin with a “getting to know you” meeting, plus a content audit, rankings report, competitor keyword audit, and brand discovery. These critical pieces drive the creative and strategic choices we’ll help you make throughout the project. Some clients may want more or less of this work, such as adding in-depth keyword research, depending on the project needs.
Step 2
Strategy
Google Tools
If you already have Google tools set up, all we do at this stage is request access. But if you’re missing one or more of Google Analytics, Tag Manager, or Search Console, we’ll set those up on your current site for you. This way we all have access to pre-launch data, to compare how your new site performs.
Step 3
Design
Strategy
Branding
If you need your brand better defined and documented, a logo design or redesign, or a larger visual rebrand, we’ll guide you through that process. This way we’re all aligned on a clear vision for the creative decisions ahead. Clients who already have well-documented brand guidelines and visual assets don’t need this step.
Step 4
Strategy
Information Architecture
From what we learn in the content audit, we build out a visual sitemap. This is the complete blueprint for the structure of your site. It maps out page hierarchy, navigation, content relationships, and an optimized flow towards conversions. It also delivers a high-level view of what content will go where. For smaller projects (and budgets) we can provide a simpler version of the sitemap that’s quicker to approve.
Step 5
Design
UX Prototyping
Guided by our audits, the sitemap, and an understanding of your audience’s needs and goals, our talented UX designers create a functional wireframe of your new site. This no-frills prototype allows you to explore page structure and content layouts, test navigation, and interact with all of your links, menus, and forms.
Step 6
Design
Style Tiles
Based on what we learn in the early stages, from your brand discovery meeting and the assets you supply, our designers create variations of potential visual directions. These mood board-like deliverables explore colours, typography, photography, icons, and other visual website elements that evoke your brand’s personality.
Step 7
Content
Copywriting & Content Collection
Depending on your needs we might be writing the copy to fill your new website, or supporting you as you create your text and images. We can also provide extra supports like proofreading, SEO advice, and AI copywriting prompts. This stage works in tandem with design.
Step 8
Design
Web Designs
UX wireframes + style tiles = full page mockups! We apply all of the approved pieces into full page designs (still using placeholder content), so you can see how your new website will look and feel. We’re able to support smaller budgets through customizable style packs.
Step 9
Development
Custom WordPress
Using the approved web designs and our low-code methodology, we bring your website to life. The complexity of the development can be tailored to your needs, from build-only projects and small business sites through to highly customized enterprise websites, multi-sites, and more. We always share a ‘sneak peek’ of the site once it’s built and before we start QA, so you can see how it’s going and start getting excited about launch.
Step 10
Client Support
Development
QA & Training
After we’ve filled your site with all of its new content, our designers, developers, and QA specialists will examine every nook and cranny of your site, while testing its responsiveness on multiple devices. After two internal rounds, it’s finally your turn! Our amazing client experience managers and QA lead are there to guide you through reviewing and editing your site, and submitting tickets.
Step 11
Strategy
Pre-Launch SEO
SEO is baked into every step of our process, but it’s especially critical to the work at launch time. Our SEO experts will audit and implement 301 redirects, perform metadata optimization, configure an SEO plugin, and migrate and test all analytics tracking codes and pixels.
Step 12
Site Launch
Once your team has signed off on QA and we’re done with our SEO tasks, your site is ready to launch! We’ll work with you on a launch plan to ensure it goes smoothly. This can include working with your IT department, gathering all launch requirements, updating URLs, reconfiguring your domain, setting up SSL certificates, and configuring caching and plugins.
Step 13
Development
Client Support
Strategy
Post-Launch
In the days after your site’s launch, we’re constantly monitoring it with Google Analytics to make sure your conversion points are tracking, and your traffic is steady. We also provide a 2-week support window to wrap up QA tickets, and deliver relevant how-to training videos.
Step 14
Client Support
Hosting & Maintenance
You are always welcome to host your website on any platform that you prefer. Many of our packages include 6-12 months of free hosting on Pantheon, at which point you can still opt to move to another host. We also have various tiers of maintenance, which can cover as much as you need of routine site care like backups, ,monitoring, testing, security, bug fixes, and more.
Step 15
Strategy
Content
Digital Strategy
We want your new site to succeed, and the best way to do that is through concentrated SEO, content, and digital marketing efforts. Some of our packages include 6 months of basic reporting, but we also offer tiers of support in advanced analytics reporting, on-page and technical SEO, blog topic research, blog post writing, and Google Ads (PPC) consulting or management.
Start Your Project
If you need a new website to launch your brand, or a custom redesign to boost performance, you’re in exactly the right place. Tell us all about it.