An effective Web site is the result of three key aspects:
- Using the latest technology
- Building a solid process
- Understanding your audiences
Estrada calls these the tripod of Web foundation. Without all three, a site typically is doomed to fail. Or more realistically, continually be worked on by new people and with new initiatives. You are thinking, “How can I build a strong foundation?” Great question. Our staff uses a proven process to build medium- and large-scale Web sites. If you build your site without following these steps, we will look forward to your call in about a year.
- Planning. To kick off any Web project, no matter how big or small, Estrada wants to answer some key questions. To do this, your team meets our team to discuss site goals, technical environment, site visitor profiles, team roles, and site management processes. The result is a plan that everyone agrees on. With everyone on the same page, it is surprising how quickly the next steps go.
- Architecture. More than a site map, the results of our architecture phase will help build a design platform that can grow through future presentations of the Web site. Knowing where content comes from and who manages that content help us incorporate the right feeds and business rules for the production phase. With an architecture that includes wireframes and business rules, you are ready for design. You are ready to get content going. You are ready to build a working version of the site.
- Production. Time to build. It’s time to put the site together that you have been working so hard on. You are building in the look and feel of the site, adding functionality, and developing a navigation system that makes the site easy to use. As we complete production, you will be able to send your boss, co-workers, and friends to a place where they can see the site coming together. It is time to alert content managers that the time to add the “meat and potatoes” to the site.
- Implementation. With a beta site up and running, content authors, image managers, template controllers, and decision makers are building and seeing the site develop. During this phase, Estrada will spend a lot of time training key team members in authoring, administration, and publishing. It is also the time to talk about how the launch will go.
At the end of this phase, it is time for launch. You have brought your site back to life.