our web design process

See how we do it

Keystone Graphics has developed a simple, step-by-step procedure that allows us to work successfully with our clients to continually create great looking sites. We encourage our clients to familiarize themselves with this process so that they can help us move from stage 1 to stage 7 smoothly and get their site up as soon as possible.

1. Project Scope
In this stage we gain an understanding of the project in order to provide a quote. This requires many decisions to be made by you. We believe successful web site projects don't just happen without clear steps and guidelines to follow. We want to find out specifications such as your target audience, goals of the web site, budget, and timeframe, just to name a few. Taking all this information into account, we are able to create a site that will best suit your needs. To do this, we first create a structural diagram of the web site that will accomplish your goals and objectives. Our price quote is based on the number of graphics, the amount of HTML and the level of technology. Once we agree on the scope, timeline and quote, we move to stage 2.

2. Concept Development
At this stage you work directly with the design team to determine initial direction on the look and feel of the site. We will want to know:

• will the graphics be used on other mediums, for example specialty items or print ads?
• what sites you like, and don't like, and why?
what feeling are you after with the site?
• will the site be graphics intensive, or more streamlined for quicker loading?
• do you want photo composite art or custom graphics?

Once we agree on the concept, we move to stage 3.

3. Design prototyping
With your initial comments in mind, our creative team will design a concept for you to review. Our ideas are posted to a secure area on our server. This will allow you to see what we've done and give us feedback. This will help us fine tune our ideas or design something completely new. Once we agree on the look and feel, we move to stage 4.

4. Design production
After all of the graphic elements have been established, we begin laying out the pages with your content to complete the site. As we continually add to the site, you can check it out in our secure area. When everything is looking good, it's on to stage 5.

5. Testing and launch
At this point, your site is transferred over to your domain and tested. Once on your domain, we test on Windows and Mac formats to insure that the web site is consistent on both platforms. When everything is working on the server, the site is ready for the world!

6. Marketing
Here's where we drive traffic to your site. People don't come just because your site is live, you need to get the word out. We can create marketing ideas and plans to help you reach your target audience. We can also register your web site with search engines and any relevant news groups.

7. Maintenance and wrap up
Now it's time to measure results and make any necessary adjustments. At any time after publishing, you will be able to use our Webalizer to look at your site's hit rate and determine its success based on your initial goals. Changes can be made as necessary. Over time your goals and objectives may change which might necessitate modifications or a complete redesign. We can help you update content, change graphics or add new technology to keep your site fresh and get the most out of its longevity.

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