When starting a new project I usually have an agenda of task to accomplish from start to finish, it keeps me focused and my customer appreciates the professional care when it comes to the order of events.
First of all when acquiring a new client I thank them for choosing me, Roanoke Web Design [http://www.madtalentdesigns.com], and then begin discussing their web design needs. We offer a basic static website, website with Flash or Jquery banners, Wordpress or an Ecommerce website. We also offer graphic and SEO services. When discussing colors, if he or she has a logo (usually you want to use colors of the logo for branding if they do not have a logo I offer logo design services). We also discuss what industry they are in, what type of message they want to portray, and what type of theme or feeling wanted for the website. A website is not just plastering text and a picture, it is used as a digital brochure of your business and it should bring a specific reaction according to your industry. If the customer is coming to me raw with no domain or hosting I will offer those services.
I also ask the client how they found me so I will know to market myself more intensely from that source.
After acquiring all the details of the project and all text and or pictures have been received, I start my research and look at other websites in that industry to get an idea of how others design for their business. Not to copy just for research purposes. I also take into account the requirements of the client because sometimes they may like certain elements from other websites. I will advise my client if I feel that a particular design element is not appropriate for their business, and after explaining the client then begins to understand and appreciate my professional advice.
When research is done I begin to create a couple of sample layouts for my client to choose from. We choose pictures or use the client's pictures if requested, we use the colors of logo or a set color scheme and come up with a great website design. I then send the sample layouts to the client and ask for feedback. When they have decided on a layout we get started on the project.
Last step is finalizing the website and making revisions requested by the client. After everything is complete website goes live. Voila! Another great website completed from yours truly Mad Talent Designs.