Over the years, I have developed my technical skills alongside an entrepreneurial streak which led me to start my business in the first place. I've worked for myself for a long time now and I've been employed by a vast and diverse array of different businesses of all shapes and sizes. This has given me excellent commercial knowledge of the communications sector, and a polished and professional approach with my clients.

It may also interest you to know that I worked for 2 years as a business and enterprise officer with the University of York, helping start up and manage their internationally recognised Center for Enterprise.

Researching your business

First things first, I need to find out about your business. Before I even meet you I will have researched your business and those of your competitors so that when I walk into the room to shake your hand, we will be able to talk about the things which really matter to you straight away.

First meeting

This is the critical meeting. If possible I walk away from these meetings with a sheaf of papers detailing almost all aspects of the potential website. I'll know your business inside out, who you're selling to, what you're selling and any existing communications and corporate identity strategies you have in place. With all of this in mind, I'll work to create a first draft design. We will also have talked about content management options, database requirements and If possible I will have met your sales and communications team to talk about their processes and responsibilities when it comes to client communications and promotions.

I will also suggest various website hosting options at this stage, depending on the complexity of the proposed website. It may be appropriate to stay with any existing hosting company you are with, or we may decide to investigate alternatives.

The first draft

Once I've got to grips with what your business is and who your customers are, I will create a professional modern website template for you, with all the options we will have discussed. It will be developed in a secure area of my own web domain, and once the design is ready you will be provided with access to comment on the design.

Amending the draft

It's quite possible that there will be a number of amendments, but I'm glad to say I usually get it right first time, and after alterations have been made, work will commence to create the website content.

Content generation

Graphics and text. These are critical to the success of a website, and this stage is where I will work in partnership with any in-house designers you may have to create fresh, vibrant, interesting and professional content for you. If the project is a web upgrade, it may be that most of the content is due to be moved from your existing website. If this is the case then this stage should be over in a matter of days.

Bug testing, hosting and handover

As with any digital project, it is vital to test and review absolutely every feature before you even consider making the site live to the general public. This stage is critical, and one many companies fail to appreciate. Bad spelling, broken links and non-working features reflect on your business. I will work with you to wipe them out.

At the same time, your web team will need to be shown how to manage and operate the website. If you chose a content management option, I will provide training to the staff nominated to update your website, and I will set up the content management system will all the appropriate permissions.

At this stage we will also complete the arrangements for hosting the website, either with your current hosts, or with a new hosting company. All hosting matters will have been taken care of before this stage, but we will not require hosting until now.

Live site

Once everything is ready, website hosting has been organised, the site will be copied from my testing area to the live host. At this point, once DNS propagation has occurred, the website will be live to your customers.

Follow up and contract end

Unlike some website designers I won't just walk away once the site is live. If your staff need assistance whilst they learn the ropes I will be happy to help, and I am always at hand to deal with any errors or bugs which crop up. At this stage I will invoice you and you will have a complete, professional website.