My Website Design Process Explained

Creating a professional website shouldn’t feel like a black box. If you’re thinking about working with me, this post gives you a clear picture of how I guide each client from the first conversation to a fully launched and supported website.

Below, I break down my website design process into four clear phases, with ten simple steps. Whether you're starting from scratch or rethinking an existing website, this roadmap gives us both a shared path built for clarity, quality, and results.

Phase A: Working Agreement

Before starting the project, we need to reach an agreement, lock in the timeline and collect all necessary information laying the groundwork for our project. This phase is all about making sure we’re aligned and ready to move forward with clarity and confidence

Step 1: Align

We start with an initial connection, whether it’s by email, WhatsApp, or a form on my website. From there, we have a focused conversation (usually over email or messages) to clarify your goals, needs, and expectations. This step helps us both decide if we’re a good match and sets the foundation for a smooth collaboration.

Key actions:

• Get in contact via email, WhatsApp, website form, or other

• Clarify needs with a few simple questions or a short form

• Reach a clear mutual understanding

Step 2: Book

Once we’re aligned, I’ll send you a detailed proposal covering the project scope, timeline, and pricing. After you approve it, we confirm the start date and secure your spot with a 50% upfront payment.

Key actions:

• Review and approve of a clear, detailed proposal

• Agree on deliverables and timeline

• Reserve a calendar slot with a 50% upfront payment

Phase B: Project Setup

While we wait for the project start date, this phase is all about preparation. It’s the perfect time to share your vision and to gather everything that will be needed. The work you do here will help the next phase run smoothly and efficiently.

Step 3: Describe

You’ll receive a welcome document with all the guidance you need to get started. This includes how to describe your goals, preferences, and the overall scope of the project. If you have an existing website, you’ll also reflect on what’s working and what’s not — so we know what to keep, improve, or leave behind.

Key actions:

• Receive and review the welcome document

• Answer a guided questionnaire about your brand, goals, and style

• Share thoughts on your current website (if applicable) and reasons for redesign

Step 4: Deliver

This step is about gathering the building blocks: text, images, documents, and any media you want to include on your site. You’ll have clear instructions on what’s needed and how to send it. Meanwhile, I’ll be setting up our project management platform so we can stay organized, track progress, and keep all communication and files in one place throughout the project.

Key actions:

• Write text content on a shared document (e.g. Google Docs)

• Upload images and other files using a shared folder (e.g. Google Drive)

• Create a project management platform (e.g. Squarespace Membership)

Phase C: Website Creation

This is where the magic happens. Your website starts to take shape, evolving from ideas and content into a fully functional, beautifully designed online presence. Each step has its own goal, though they naturally overlap and evolve through collaboration and feedback.

Step 5: Envision

We lay the creative foundation for your website. I’ll create a mood board that reflects the desired tone and style, choose a color palette aligned with your brand, and define the structure with a sitemap. This step ensures we’re working with a clear, cohesive vision before moving into detailed design.

Key actions:

• Create a Mood Board to define the look and feel

• Select a Color Palette

• Draw a Sitemap for clear navigation

Step 6: Design

Now we bring the visuals to life. I design the homepage and key internal pages, including blog layouts, contact forms, and any special features. The mobile version is also designed to ensure your site works beautifully on all devices. The goal here is to finalize the visual and user experience.

Key actions:

• Design the Homepage and the main pages

• Design the Mobile version for a responsive layout

• Approve the Design before moving to Build

Step 7: Build

With the design approved, I start developing your website. All content is integrated, and any needed custom code is added. I also test everything to make sure the site performs smoothly and meets all quality standards. Small revisions are handled during this phase too.

Key actions:

• Develop the full site and integrate content

• Test and revise

• Build Ready-to-launch website

Step 8: Launch

Time to launch! Before going live, I optimize the site for search engines, connect your domain, and do final checks. You’ll also get a walkthrough or training so you feel confident managing your site. Once everything’s ready, you make the final 50% payment, and your website officially goes live!

Key actions:

• Setup SEO and run final tests

• Deliver client training + manage final payment

• Connect domain and make website public

Phase D: Ongoing Support

Once your site is live, the work doesn’t stop. This phase is about keeping your website running smoothly and evolving as your business grows. From performance monitoring to future updates, I’m here to help your site stay fresh, functional, and effective.

Step 9: Monitor

For the first three months after launch, I keep a close eye on how your website is performing. I monitor things like traffic, loading speed, and user engagement to make sure everything’s working as it should. If any issues pop up or small improvements are necessary, I’ll let you know.

Key actions:

• Monitor traffic, loading speed, and user behavior

• Identify bugs or friction points

• Ensure everything is running smoothly

Step 10: Improve

A website is never truly finished and should keep evolving after launch.I offer optional maintenance and update services to keep your site growing with your business. While you can easily update content like text and blog posts, I can help with bigger changes like adding new pages or features. A maintenance plan with dedicated hours can be arranged to keep things running at their best.

Key actions (as needed):

• Update content and design

• Add new pages or features

• Set up a maintenance hours plan for ongoing support

A website doesn’t just need good design, clear goals, and audience understanding. It starts with clarity, trust, and a collaborative process that brings everything together.

Whether you're a solo professional or running a small organisation, I’m here to guide you from our first contact to launch day and beyond. My 4-phase process is designed to make the journey smooth, clear, and tailored to you.

Ready to take the next step?

Let’s talk about your goals, and see if we’re a good fit.

Feel free to get in touch !