A clear process from planning to launch

Step 01

Discovery

Before anything gets designed or built, I take time to understand the business — what it does, who it serves, how it operates, and what the site needs to accomplish. This includes reviewing any existing site, understanding content requirements, and identifying any constraints or must-haves. Good discovery prevents problems later and leads to much better results.

Step 02

Planning

With a clear understanding of the project, I put together a concrete plan — the sitemap, content structure, functionality requirements, and a realistic timeline. This gives both sides a shared reference point and makes sure nothing important gets missed before work begins.

Step 03

Design direction

I work through the visual and structural direction for the site — layout, typography, color, and the overall presentation of content. This might involve style reference boards or initial layout sketches, depending on the project. The goal is to establish a clear direction before development begins, so that feedback happens at the right stage.

Step 04

Build

With planning and design direction locked in, development begins. I build the site in WordPress — custom theme development, content structure setup, functionality implementation, and any integrations or plugins needed. I work through the full build systematically, keeping the development environment accessible for review throughout.

Step 05

Review and refinement

Once the build is complete, I walk you through the site and open it for a structured review period. Feedback is collected, prioritized, and addressed. This isn't unlimited revisions — it's a focused review to make sure the site meets the agreed requirements and feels right before launch.

Step 06

Launch

With everything approved, the site goes live. This involves the technical steps of moving from staging to the live domain — DNS configuration, SSL, redirects if needed, and a final check across devices and browsers before declaring it done.

Step 07

Handoff and support

After launch, I walk you through how to manage the site — how to update content, add pages, manage products if relevant, and handle everyday tasks without needing a developer. I answer any questions and make sure the handoff is complete. Ongoing support is available for sites that need it beyond the initial handoff.