If you've never hired a Web Developer before, you may have no idea what to expect. The fact that we work remotely where you can't see us work makes it even more of a mystery. Wonder no more! At Hello World Web we explain things along every step of the process, and break things down into main sections, so you can gauge the progress that's being made. More than that, you'll get to watch as your site is being built on the test site!
Project Milestones and Production Phases
Though each website or custom development project is different, we use the following formulas as a blueprint. Please note this schedule is subject to unforeseen circumstances, such as major scripting or unforeseen browser compatibility issues, changes in external services used, etc.
| Project Size & Type | Install Premade Theme | Custom Theme / Small Brochure Website | Medium Website / Project |
eCommerce Development Project |
Large Development Project |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project Budget Hours Project Package Cost |
10-15 hrs $750-1,125 |
25-35 hrs $1,750-2,500 |
50-80 hrs $3,750-5,600 |
150-200 hrs $8,250-10,000 |
350+ hrs $14,000+ |
Phase 1 |
|||||
Initial Kick-off Meeting
|
.50 - .75 | 1 | 1 | 1.50 | 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Project Management
|
1 | 1 | 1 | 3.50 | 5 |
Mockups & Test Site
|
1 | 10 - 15 | 15 - 25 | 25 - 30 | 40 |
Phase 2 |
|||||
Coding, Customizations
|
4 - 7 | 8 - 10 | 12 - 30 | 65 - 90 | 135 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Graphic Design
|
n/a | .50 - 2 | 2 - 10 | 10 - 15 | 40 |
Install & Test Plugins, Software
|
.25 - .50 | .50 | 3 | 8 | 20 |
Client Communication
|
.50 | .75 | 4 - 8 | 14 - 20 | 50 |
Phase 3 |
|||||
Browser & Functionality Testing
|
.50 | .50 - 1 | 3 - 5 | 5 - 8 | 15 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Transfer To Live Site
|
.50 - 1 | .50 - 1 | 2 - 3 | 3 - 5 | 8 |
Finalize Site
|
2 - 2.50 | 2 - 2.50 | 4 - 8 | 10 - 12 | 15 |
After Care
|
.50 - 1 | 1 - 2 | 3 - 5 | 5 - 7 | 20 |
What To Expect During The Progress Meetings
Phase 1
At the first meeting I'll show you the conceptual mockups, drawings based on what we've talked about for your website, and get your input on which design and layout you like best. If you project is based on WordPress you may be shown different themes rather than mockups, depending on what we've agreed upon at the beginning of the project.
When the test site is built you'll be notified so you can monitor the progress as it happens. There is typically a second meeting after the test site is built, when enough progress is made to show what it will look like when finished, and to answer any questions you might have.
Remember, it's called a "test site" for a reason. Please don't come to the first meeting expecting to see a finished, polished and functional website. If it were that easy, I'd be rich and retired.
There may be times when things look completely out of place, the fonts are the wrong colors, and various other things that don't look right. During web development, things get messy. My goal is to have everything on the site "settled" at least 2 hours before our scheduled meetings, so that you have time to review the site before we talk about it.
Phase 2
At the end of Phase 2 your website is almost (but not quite) complete. This meeting is typically to go over any final questions I may have and make sure you're happy with the progress before moving into the final testing phase.
Phase 3
After the site has been tested in all major browsers as well as for functionality (forms, scripts, etc), then we'll meet again more while your future website is still on the test site. This is when you'll give the final approval for the site. After the site is transferred to the live site, it's final home, we may meet one final time, just to make sure everything is as it should be.
How Online Meetings Are Held
Online meetings are done through our Live Chat. If you click the chat icon (in the lower right corner of this page) it will open up a small window. That way you can view the test site in another tab while we talk. There's also a link to the Live Chat in the "Welcome" email you were/will be sent.
Online Time Reports
We try to be as transparent as possible in reporting the time spent on your project. The Project Management software we use allows us to share a live report with you, that gives an overview of how the time is being spent, using the same blueprint as the chart above. The link to your online time report will be sent with your "Welcome" email.
The Scheduling Calendar
Also in your "Welcome" email will be a link to our Online Scheduling Calendar. You'll find your project has been added to it, using only the project number to protect your privacy, since the calendar is public. Please take note of any days the office will be closed due to major holidays within that time. If you use Google calendar you can subscribe to your projects' calendar simply by clicking on the project within our calendar.
Design Services FAQs: New Client 101
Please review our set of FAQs meant just for Design Services clients: New Client 101, if you haven't already. Use of our Design Services assumes acceptance of these terms, so please read them carefully. The New Client FAQs are written in plain English, and contains information that will help us work together and allow us to do the best possible work for you in the least amount of time.
