Welcome to the wonderful world of Web Design. Yes, it's true what people say about programmers and designers. We do live on a planet of our own. But today you will have front seats to the "What is web design without jargon" seminar. This is probably the biggest error any designer can make; communicating with a client and thinking they are programmers.

At I LOVE 2 we try not to use technical jargon. So that each of our clients will understand what we mean when we refer to PHP, MySQL and Apache. Okay, for this scenario we are assuming that you, the reader, have joined I LOVE 2 as one of our clients.

1. Domain Registration

The first thing we will need to do, before continuing the developing process, we need to register a domain. A domain is the URL visitors type in when they wish to access your website, like www.mycompany.co.za. Risk factor: Someone might have taken your domain name! In this case we will need to try to register a different domain name. I LOVE 2 will make recommendations for an alternative domain name. The annually cost for your domain name will be R100. Remember if you are also hosting your website with I LOVE 2, this fee will not be applicable.

2. Corporate ID, Logo, Slogan

Great, we registered your domain name and now we can continue with the development process. The next crucial step is to receive or develop the client's Corporate ID. Without a logo it's impossible to design a website.  Your logo will determine which colors we will use when we design your website. Did you know that the industry you work in determines your colors? If you provide services to children your colors will be shocking and very colorful. Whereas a business working with client's money and investments will use more professional colors like white, light grey and blue. Learn more about the POWER OF COLOR.

3. Content, content, content

This is no doubt the most important component needed from a client before the web design process can continue. What do we mean by content? Content will provide your website with information which visitors will and want to read. You will need to provide this content for us on a digital format, like a flash drive or CD. This will include your company mission/vision, history, products, services, support, service etc. We want to know what your company does. What do you sell? Whom do you sell it to? Who is your target market? Who are your competitors? Why should visitors make use of your services or products and not your competitors? The more content you can provide, the better!

What would a website be without pictures? We will need pictures of your products. Or your building or maybe you wish to include staff photos? No problem. Just make sure that we receive it in a digital format. If you don't have any pictures we can also come and take pictures on your behalf. If you are really serious about your products you might want to get a professional photographer. Quality never goes out of style!

4. I like to see it visually!

Now we are ready to provide you with a couple of designs (templates) for your new website. We provide every client with the most suitable template for their website bearing their company logo, products and services in mind. Rest assure, we know the colors that go!

5. Until we meet again

No, we are not saying good-bye at all, nor do we want to! But we must leave you and start the designing phase. Finally our designers come together. We brainstorm and the whole project gets laid-out for all to understand. We start uploading software and if required special 3rd party software to let your website perform certain crucial functions. And then the magic starts. Our team will upload your template and start with the graphic design phase. At this stage you will be able to view your website. This phase may take up to a week before we continue uploading all the content provided by you, the client. Uploading content may take an additional week. This means, after two weeks you will have a brand new website ready for all your clients to enjoy!

6. What goes on behind the scenes?

This is the only part where we need to talk some jargon. Before your website is completed, our team will have done: page optimization, image optimization, and perform SEO (Search Engine Optimization) tasks, which include search engine submission, page rankings and develop SEF (Search Engine Friendly) URLs. Download the 7 STEPS TO SEO. What doe all this mean? Well, we will make sure that your website is user-friendly, made of utmost quality, fast loading and lastly that your website will be indexed by search engines. This will allow your visitors to find your website where they can find more information about your products, services and where you can even provide customer service! Free of charge!

7. Ready, Set, Go!!

Now we return to the client and make any changes if necessary. This phase of any website is very important and may take a while before completed. Again, if the client is not happy, nor are we. Any changes needed done by the client will be done ASAP and only when the client is 100% satisfied will the web design project be closed.