How Long Does a Web Project Take?
One of the top questions we get asked is “How long does a web project take?” The length of the project depends on the type of website we are building. There are two different options: RAD (Rapid Application Development) and Custom Websites. Here are the key differences between the two:
RAD Websites
- 35-45 Day Timeline
- Customized Logo
- Customized Color Branding
- Links to Social Media Sites
Custom Websites
- 65-90 Day Timeline
- Fully Customized Home Page Design
- Custom Header
- Custom Footer
- Custom Sidebar
- Content Transfer Included
What Can You Expect During the Web Project?
From the moment we first meet, we spend some time getting to know you and your business. It is important for us to understand your strengths and opportunities, as well as long term goals to make your business as successful as possible. Once we’ve determined the best course of action, we’ll show you what services and packages we have that will be the best fit.
Moving to Development
Afterwards, you are in the good hands of our Web Development team. They will take you from initial project launch all the way until your website is ready to go live. This is outlined in further detail in the table below.
After the Web Project
That is really just the beginning to your success story with us. After the website is live, your project transitions to our professional SEO services team. They are the ones who help search engines such as Google see you and get you to the top of the search results. Simply put, more results = more business.
Web Project Key Steps
Every web project follows a basic outline of steps in the process. The table below outlines these steps in detail:
Timeline: 2-3 Business Days
The project launch call is meant to get a feel for our client’s goals and desires for their new web page. This is where we begin to know them on a more personal level.
This is where we also cover the project’s estimated timeline and what the client can expect moving forward.
One last thing to do before ending this call is to go over urgent information we need to get started, which includes (but not limited to):
- Logo design
- Onboarding forms
- Primary locations
- Color schemes
Timeline: Typically 5 Business Days
During this phase, we discuss with the client the overall look and feel of their homepage. This typically takes place via a Zoom meeting, but can easily be a phone call or email; Whatever is most convenient. Ultimately, the timeline here is based on client feedback.
One important note in this phase is that images and text seen in this “rough draft” can and will be replaced at a later time.
After the client feedback is received, we will either submit for a redesign or proceed to move forward to the next phase.
Timeline: 2-3 Days
Now that you have given us the green light on the overall look and feel of their website, we start on the interior page design.
Items that are added in this stage are:
- Current promotions
- Sliders (an on page “slideshow” showcasing current offers, awards, new items, etc)
- Content based on keywords client subscribed to when partnering with us. They consist of the services offered
Timeline (Varies by Project Type)
- RAD (Rapid Application Development) – 2-3 weeks
- Custom project – 4-6 weeks
Here we set the expectation that this phase is typically longest in the overall process. Time may vary based on our developer’s pipeline.
This phase is where all images and text are customized to your liking.
Based on what you provide, our development team starts building a real working site that you can use to try out, show to friends/family, etc.
Timeline: About 5 Business Days
The content transfer stage is where the site starts to come alive.
At this point is when all of the images are uploaded, financing links/logos are added, all of the buttons are setup (ex: contact us, schedule, and social media pages).
In addition, should you offer maintenance packages, they are designed and added to the website on their appropriate section.
This all happens in the background while you are watching the growth happen on the development site.
Timeline: 5 Business Days
On page SEO (Search Engine Optimization) occurs directly after the content transfer. On every website that we design and develop, our team creates properly structured meta data, optimized alt tags, and ensure your permalinks are effective
The keywords appear as headings on the webpage, and typically include phrases such as:
- AC Repair
- AC Maintenance
- AC Installation
- Heating
- Indoor Air Quality
- etc.
Before moving on to final review, we make sure all primary and surrounding cities are listed, the content pages reference them, and your site can set out on the right track from the very beginning.
Note: This is not take the place of an SEO plan, if you are interested in marketing your website schedule a free digital evaluation today!
Timeline: Based on Your Feedback
A number of things are covered in the final review to make sure we are able to take your website live:
- Go over the website with you a final time
- Show you how the mobile version of your site looks
- Gain any last feedback on the project
- Ensure everything is running smoothly and there are no glaring issues
- Submit any last minute, small changes
- Pre-live audits (links are working, no errors on page, etc.)
Timeline: 5 Business Days
This timeline may also vary slightly, dependent on how long it takes to get the domain delegation (which gives us access to change DNS).
Key events here are:
- All final site audits are completed
- A “Go Live Party” scheduled once go live approval is received.
The purpose of the “Go Live Party” is to introduce the client to the CI Web Group team members that will be handling your business after the website is live. We will discuss our help desk, briefly discuss e-commerce solutions, and ultimately gain feedback/reviews on the project.
We want to make sure all of our clients are happy!
Timeline: About 2 Weeks (Website is Live)
During this time, we are still keeping an eye on the site to ensure everything is operating as expected, nothing is “broken” and you are totally happy.
You will still have the option to remain in touch with web team should you have any updates before working with help desk going forward.
To put in any changes after the Post Live Audits stage, you’ll simply send an email to help@ciwebgroup.com
Our work doesn't stop there
After the site has been live for a few months and has had time to gain traction in the marketplace, you will have periodic meetings with our marketing team to discuss how well your website is doing in terms of being found by prospective customers.
In a future article, we will discuss the in-depth and extremely detailed information we receive from a multitude of different SEO tools that are involved with bringing visibility to your website.
Did You Know we are Offering a FREE Website with Any SEO Plan?
Interested in more lead generation? Check out our LeadsXM program!
