This checklist shows the basic tasks involved in developing a new or replacement web site for a small business.
Many tasks are also relevant when making changes to an existing web site.
Keep in mind that this checklist is very general.
Your web site may require more or less steps.
For web development and related services, I recommend the
Elance marketplace.
|
|
Task |
Category |
Typically Performed By |
|
Create a web site design plan
At the minimum, the plan should include the following:
- Web site purpose
- Target audience
- Type and amount of information
- List of automated processes
|
Planning |
Client |
|
Determine online selling goals
- Will you be selling on this web site?
- Number of items in catalog?
- How frequently will the items change?
- How will you process online payments?
I use and recommend
PayPal
for online credit card processing.
|
Planning |
Client |
|
Select web hosting provider
I use and recommend
iPower.com
for web site hosting.
|
Planning |
Client |
|
Select domain name of your web site
To see if a domain name is available, enter the desired name in the Check Domain Availability box on the
iPower.com
home page.
|
Planning |
Client |
|
Register domain name
This should be done soon after the name has been selected, so that it will not be taken by others.
|
Planning |
Client or Web Developer |
|
Create and administer POP email accounts
|
Administration |
Client |
|
Develop content
Knowing the content of your web site will help you decide on the layout and other functions. Typical content includes:
- Text content such as titles, slogans, paragraphs, articles, product and service description, contact information, directions, hours of operation, etc.
- Data for generating dynamic content
- Links to other resources on the web
|
Developing |
Client |
|
Develop graphics
- Logos
- Photos
- Illustrations and other graphic elements
|
Developing |
Graphics Designer |
|
Design site and page layout
Start from scratch with your own layout ideas or review existing web sites on the Internet for inspiration.
|
Developing |
Client and Web Developer |
|
Determine site complexity vs. cost balance
Web site layout and features have a direct impact on complexity and cost.
Consider requesting a quote from the web developer early in your planning process, to allow time for adjustments.
|
Developing |
Client and Web Developer |
|
Develop web page metadata content
Metadata is information in the web page code that search engines use to determine information about the page.
Common metadata:
- Page title displayed on top of browser window
- Page description seen by users in search engine results
- Relevant keywords and key phrases (used by some search engines)
|
Developing |
Client |
|
Develop web site pages and scripts
|
Developing |
Web Developer |
|
Test all functionality, navigation, and links
|
Developing |
Web Developer |
|
Final proofing and content validation
|
Developing |
Client |
|
Upload web site to hosting server
I use and recommend
iPower.com
for web site hosting.
|
Developing |
Web Developer or Client |
|
Final testing and acceptance
|
Developing |
Web Developer and Client |
