Just like to get an idea as to the process some of you designers use when building a website for yourself or a client. Assuming site has been decided as far as content goes. 1. Choose relevant domain name 2. Draw out pages and content 3. Construct pages 4. Secure backlinks
I've been thinking for some time now that this process could use a formalized project plan. Here's an interesting bit that PeterMcC wrote in a thread not so long ago, but far far away: Intro - scope and purpose of the report Exec summary - key points and action recommendations Body - sections on such stuff as: Search engine methodology SEO and PPC: analysis merits and appropriateness Optimising on-screen content words graphics links Optimising off-screen material js and other scripts html headings <head> contents Optimising server methodologies HTTP, dynamic pages... Optimising off-site factors such as: IBLs ON-line presence in other forums Optimising off-web factors: Other comms media Branding The future - projections as to likely developments Conclusion - including proposed strategy - see exec summary Appendixes Code (markup):
ahhhh Bob, who would expect anything less from you. Let's also assume that those 'creating' websites know HTML, and throw in PHP just to keep you from coming back and adding that.
Very nice, that is a great start. PPC near the top though? Does that mean that site design should be built with using PPC as the focus?
For information sites I do research PPC because from an adsense point of view for example, targeting the higher paying PPC keywords means more revenue for the information site.
The site in my sig (http://www.website-design-101.co.uk) is basically one big tutorial - how to build a good website, from start to finish... Scroll to the bottom of the index page and you will see it.
NewComputer: Perhaps these SEO Optimization Checklists are closer to what you are looking for? (I just typed these up.)
I really don't do much design work, but it is always a good idea to start with keyword research, and then do some more keyword research, and then do some more keyword research. I see many nice website with good SEO work, but with a focus on the wrong keywords. - Keywords should bring enough quality traffic (you want to make sales), - You should able to get a good enough ranking for your keywords to get enough quality traffic. You should not pick fights with webmasters/SEOs that surely will beat you. Pick your enemies wisely, people like to protect their income. - You should be very certain that your visitors land on a page with the correct sales copy. This is the part of keyword research that most SEO forgets to do in their initial analysis
I usualy don't do the coding myself ( my friend usualy does most of the code work) Create the concept (theme, site map, content, features ) Design it ( the most fun part for me) Pick a domain name. Then make someone else do the hard work.
Seems to me like it's you doing the hard work... I'm exactly the same as you, except I only do the Coding and SEo stuff.
I buy a template or use free template of any cms like wordpress. Put all of my contents in the template and that's it for web design process. I then draw my focus to seo and continuously do seo unless i start getting business
I would also try and pick what is the best way to manage your site. If you're at home often then it can pretty easy to manage. But if you travel then I suggest building the site with a CMS.