Web Design

Every website on the internet sends a message to its users. This 'message' can be the attitude of professionalism, the mark of integrity, the enjoyment of the work of the musician, or the feeling of satisfaction when making a convenient purchase.

The first step in Rockland Web Design's process to build a site is an in-depth consultation with the client(s), to determine the message that he or she wishes to set forth. Perhaps a child care center website would want to convey to its viewers a central concept of safety. Or an air purification business would like to promote the idea of cleanliness.

Once the message is agreed upon, the next step is to find out what features would be useful in communicating the message to the client's target audience. A banner, if not yet available, is key in grabbing the attention of the web visitor, just as a storefront sign would turn the heads of passersby on a main highway. Ideas such as streaming audio and video, interactive elements such as search engines and questionaires, and methods of contact can be planned for later creation. Once all the details are together and agreed upon, the final creation begins to take shape.

Our team of designers work to create the perfect site for you and your customer base. The process can take from one day to a few months, depending on how elaborate the final product will be. The web is then loaded onto the host of your choice at its completion, and monitored / tweaked for any small adjustments that need to be made. This follow up service lasts for one month from the day of the upload, and is included in all web design packages at no additional cost.

A final note: when choosing a company to create the website that lies within your mind, be sure to ask as many questions as possible, to ensure that you are satisfied with the result. Pay attention to the small details, and the big picture you envision will create itself.

  1. An effective website typically has five key components:
  2. Primary goal or objective of the website, from which all other components are built
  3. Target audience toward which the website will be designed
  4. Attractive look and feel to the overall design of the site
  5. Functionality that allows the client and the end user to exchange information, currency or other data
  6. Content which reflects the primary purpose, offers incentives, and is discoverable by search engines

Stage 1: Discovery and Planning
During this stage, RWD representatives will conduct a series of ½ hour interviews to determine the client’s primary objective(s), message, business model and desired clientele. Potential calls to action, site banner and other features will be discussed. We will also begin collecting any relevant materials (assets) that will be included in the design / production of the website, such as digital images, video, and text.

A design specifications document is then submitted to the client, which will outline the plan for creation of the site, along with a proposed banner, site map, and description of any specialized features. If all specifications meet the client’s approval, the document is signed and returned. Time is of the essence once design specifications are submitted to the client and a signature is requested.

Preliminary digital sketches of the client’s website are generated. The client will choose one which is most suitable to its needs, or request additional designs and offer criticism to attain the desired end result. During this stage we will provide unlimited sketches via web or e-mail, provided the client offers constructive feedback and direction that is intended to move the project toward the next stage.

Stage 2: Design

  • Our standard design services include the following:
    We will use the client’s logo, provided to RWD in digital format
  • We will use the client’s provided digital images/video, or provide one hour of image/video research for required specific elements as detailed in design specifications document
  • We will use these materials to create
    • a site banner which can be used on all interior pages of the client’s website
    • a template(s) that will be used as the basis for production of all interior pages of the client’s website
    • A landing page which will be used as the index page of the website, and will contain links to immediately direct the web visitor to products, newsletter or contact page(s).

Stage 3: Production
The site template(s) are then used for the creation of landing and interior pages. Agreed-upon calls-to-action will be constructed.

The client can view progress at any time during this stage by requesting an online meeting with Rockland Web Design. Please allow 1 business day to properly schedule a suitable time for the meeting.

Subject to agreement costs, RWD will modify page descriptions and navigation links at the request of the client, until this stage has been completed. Any additional programming of the site, such as PayPal coding, will be implemented at this phase. Contact form(s) will be programmed to send information submitted by end-user to a suitable e-mail address provided by the client.

Stage 4: Content Inclusion
Once the production stage ends, the site is ready for content. At this stage we will include client-supplied text, images and/or video onto specific pages of the site as requested. All content should be presented to RWD prior to the conclusion of this stage. Please note that all content must be submitted to RWD in a suitable digital format. Customized copywriting services are available from RWD at the request of the client, and require a separate fee-based agreement. 3

Stage 5: Site Launch
When all relevant submitted content has been included in the site, RWD will launch the website in its completed form, and bill the client. Additionally, we will configure up to 10 e-mail addresses using an agreed-upon naming convention (e.g. firstname.lastname@domain.com or initial.lastname@domain.com)

Analytical software will be installed on the home page of the launched site, and user name / password information will be submitted to the client. Finally, we will set up complimentary trial accounts for Yugma and Google AdWords, tools that will aid the client’s future sales processes.

Stage 6: Training
One of the most important stages in our process is to educate the client on how to use his / her new website. Rockland Web Design will provide 1 hour of complimentary, customized training to give the client a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively use, update and/or market the completed website. Such training can be provided in person, or through an online conference call. It is recommended that all key personnel that will use / update the client’s new website be present for this training.

Stage 7: Site review
Rockland Web Design will contact the client from time to time with recommendations on how to use the website and its applications in a manner that will aid the client’s business.

The completed design will then be submitted to the client for final approval. Once the client has approved the site design, the design phase is complete, and the site model will be constructed. Requests for minor modifications to elements such as font colors and sizes, and individual graphics other than the completed banner are appropriate at this stage and will be honored by RWD.