How a website project works: what happens from first call to launch

A website project at Ariston Studios runs through four stages: discovery, strategy, design and build, and launch. You agree the scope and a fixed project price in writing before any work starts, and you give feedback at set points along the way. This article explains what happens in each stage and what we need from you, so there are no surprises.

Key takeaways

• Every project starts with a free 30-minute conversation, and nothing is built until the scope is agreed in writing.
• Project prices are fixed, so the price does not grow with the hours spent.
• You see the design before it is built, and feedback happens in defined revision rounds.
• Content and quick decisions from your side are what keep a timeline on track.
• Launch is a checked process, and measuring enquiries is set up before you go live.

Stage 1: Discovery

It starts with a free 30-minute discovery call. We ask what the website needs to achieve, who you want to reach, what you have today and what you like or dislike about other sites. The most useful answer is a concrete goal, such as more enquiries from a certain type of client.

If you already have a site, the free website audit gives us both a starting point based on real data. Many first conversations end here with no obligation, and that is fine.

Stage 2: Strategy and proposal

Before any design, we decide what the site should say and how it is organised. That means the list of pages, the main message on each, and the one action you want visitors to take. You then receive a written proposal with the scope, the timeline and a fixed project price.

A deposit starts the work and the balance is due on completion, as set out in our terms. The proposal also states how many revision rounds are included, so you know how feedback works before you commit.

Stage 3: Design and build

We show you the design before we build it. You review it, send your feedback and we revise, within the rounds in the proposal. Once the design is approved, we build the site, test it on phones, tablets and desktop screens, and set up the basics such as page titles, descriptions and speed.

Feedback goes better when it is organised. Our article on giving design feedback shows how to make each round count.

Stage 4: Launch

Before the site goes live we run a final checklist: forms deliver to the right inbox, links work, the site loads quickly, the domain and hosting are set up and, where relevant, old addresses are redirected to the new ones. We also set up measurement of form submissions and bookings, so you can see what the site produces from day one. Our monthly website check shows which numbers to look at afterwards.

After launch, a website still needs updates, backups and monitoring. We can look after that for you, or hand over everything you need to run it yourself.

What we need from you

Four things make the biggest difference to how smoothly a project runs.

• Content. Text, photos, logos and any documents you want on the site. If writing is not your strength, tell us early and we can work with notes and conversations.
• One decision-maker. Feedback from several people works only when one person collects it and gives us a single answer.
• Fast replies. Waiting for content or approvals is one of the most common reasons a schedule slips.
• Honest feedback. Tell us what does not work for your customers, not only what you dislike.

Questions worth asking any studio

Ask what is included, how many revisions you get, who owns the finished website, what happens after launch and how you reach the person doing the work. Our guide to choosing a web designer has the full list.

If you would like to talk through your own project, book a free 30-minute discovery call, or see our services and work first.