Computer & Consulting Services
New Web Site Development :Process

Conceptualization Content Construction

The three phases of web site development…
The development of a professional web site is a complex process, and is a great deal more involved than just programming. We recommend that clients consider our three 3 Cs of initial web site development: "Conceptualization, Content, and Construction." In addition, after a web site is developed, there are also maintenance and update issues to consider*.

Conceptualization
The first phase, Conceptualization, is often overlooked. However, we consider this to be the most important of the three phases and the one that will most affect the quality and effectiveness of all development efforts that come after. In this phase, you and/or your staff are interviewed, current marketing and informational materials are reviewed, and target market(s) are identified. Emphasis is placed on consistency with the current mission statements, goals, and objectives of your organization. The end deliverable of this phase is the flowchart or storyboard that you have approved. This flowchart will identify the structure of your site and provide a summary of the content intended for each page.

Content
The second phase, Content, involves identifying or creating the text, photos, graphics, sounds, video, and other various communications that will be included in the site. Some of the text may have already been drafted, or it may involve all original writing. Photos may already exist and can be scanned into digital format, or a photographer may be required to take traditional or digital photographs of people, places, or products. There may be audio/video recording or a variety of other content-related activities to produce the actual final content for the pages developed. The end deliverable in this phase is the actual text and graphics that have been developed for your review and approval before inclusion into the web site.

Construction
Finally, in the third phase, Construction, the web site will need to be built (programmed) using the flowchart or storyboard as the "blueprint" and the text and graphics as the content of the various pages created. The final step in this process is the "programming" that we referenced in the first paragraph and is what most clients think of when they are looking for a "web master" to develop their web site.

One request we often receive from clients is to provide a fixed price bid or quote on the development of a web site. However, this can be difficult if the first two phases, conceptualization and content, have not been completed. If you need this type of a quote, you will need to provide us with a flowchart and copies of the text and graphic content that you expect to see for your site, and we can then give you a firm quote for the phase three construction activities. If you do not have a flowchart, then we can provide a fixed price bid for developing one, and along with the flowchart you get as your end deliverable, we will provide a quote for the next phase of services.

Computer and Consulting Services is available to provide services in any or all of the three phases described above. We can assist in the development of the concept, and you may use the flowchart/storyboard created to guide you in your own web development efforts. Perhaps you have a information officer and graphics specialist and do not need help in the development of content (phase two) but would like technical assistance in phase one and three. If so, we can do it! In fact, we will adapt to your needs and situation in any methodology feasible to make you successful in your web site development project.

Our staff of associates includes professional digital typesetters, programmers, and business consultants. We not only have substantial expertise in the for-profit world of small business, we also have decades of experience working with non-profits, governments (including Indian Tribes!), and educational institutions. If you are ready to join the digital world of the twenty-first century, let us help you look professional and create effective electronic marketing and outreach utilizing the Internet and world wide web.

*Once your site is completed, you will want someone to maintain it and to update the information as necessary. Links to the pages of other organizations need to be tested to make sure that they are still current and active. New links may need to be added as new sites come on-line. Time sensitive information will need to be changed on a regular basis. A site that is never changed or has many bad links will quickly be shunned by most users on the "net". CCS also provides these services or will train you and/or your staff to do it "in-house."

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