My Website Build Process With The Client from Start to Finish

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Building a website is often a complex undertaking. This is especially the case when you are not especially technical and have no prior experience in website building. Nevertheless, these days, there are many tools and resources that have made the process that much simpler. For instance, Squarespace has become a very popular tool for website building in recent years. This is because Squarespace went above and beyond to create a web builder tool that makes web building simple for people with all levels of experience. That said, the following is a closer look at the process from start to finish.  

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Step 1: Starter Kit + Deposit

The first step of this process involves delivering a starter kit to the customer. A starter kit would be something like a questionnaire, used as a method of collecting all the necessary details about the client’s preferences, taste, and expectations. A simple Word Document works best for this process, both in formatting and then sharing with your client to answer. This questionnaire is a way to uncover your client’s style, as well as gives the designer a chance to ask the questions that will help anticipate smaller details.

Moreover, this is also the time in which the first deposit should be made. Although you may not request the entire cost of the project, making a deposit will give the designer the funds needed to purchase any tools, plugins, etc., required to complete the project. It also shows good faith on behalf of the client, to ensure the designer that they are fully committed to the process.  

Lastly, this is also a key time to decide whether a proposal is necessary. Not all designers use them, but if one is being used, it should be signed off on by the client before submitting the deposit. This allows both parties to fully understand what is expected of each of them, and also allows them to make changes as needed.  

Step 2: (Major) Revision #1

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The next step in this process involves revising the first part of the process. This is when an email, loom video, link to the website, a password, and other pertinent information is sent to the client. Using the starter kit, the designer can start to design the site in a way that is in line with the specific requests and preferences of the client. Additionally, once the designer is done with this part of the process, they can then send it to the client to allow them to request specific revisions.  

During this step, the client is now able to see their vision coming to life. Unlike step number one, this part of the process involves live demos and other tools that will show the client exactly how their ideas will be implemented. Moreover, since this may be a new process for the client, it is always wise to include an overview of the next steps, which will allow them to better understand the remainder of the process.  

Step 3: (Minor) Revision #2

After that, it is time for some minor revisions. As long as the web designer has been taking the input and feedback from the client into consideration, this step should only involve minor revisions. No matter if it’s an oversight on behalf of the designer or if the client request slight alterations after seeing their ideas live, the revisions during this stage of the process should only be minor.  

Nevertheless, in some instances, it may be necessary to include major revisions at this stage. Although it is not ideal, at times, it is what is best for the client and the project overall. Also, this is the time in which any outstanding questions or concerns should be addressed on both sides. There is no need in moving forward in the process if there are still issues. So, for instance, if there are questions about the design, functionality, etc., this is the time to address these issues and fix them once and for all.  

Step 4: Deliver Website 

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The last step involves delivery of the website. At this point, the website should be fully designed and functional. Although making additional tweaks isn’t ideal, a few may be necessary is certain situations. Either way, as long as the website is in working order and meets the client’s expectations, it is time to deliver it.  

Nevertheless, this is also the time in which the remainder of the payment must be submitted. Before fully turning over the website, the designer must receive the full payment. If not, it is possible for the client to take control of the website and never pay the designer. So, the best way to keep the process honest is by making it clear that the customer cannot access and take control of the website until they have submitted the final payment.  

Overall, Squarespace is a phenomenal tool to use when it comes to designing a website. Those who are interested in collaborating in a more simplistic process to create website should consider using Squarespace today.  

For More Information 

We have figured out the tips and tricks that make Squarespace web design a cinch. Whether you’re a website developer designing sites for clients or a business owner trying to optimize your Squarespace site for SEO, we can help. Our premium SEO packages are designed to help you create a beautiful, optimized site quickly and efficiently.  

We also offer free resources that Squarespace developers of all levels find useful:

• SEO guides covering everything from designer tips to Squarespace SEO best practices 

• A handy SEO audit tool you can use right now to see how your Squarespace site is performing and where it needs improvement