My complete website design client process checklist
When starting out in your own entrepreneur venture there is a LOT to figure out.
Website, payment processing system, email marketing platform, project management system, design processes, payment terms, policies, contracts…and more!
It’s a bit of an under taking to launch a business (but oh so worth it. Promise!) 🤞
I will admit that I love seeing the processes and systems of others in a similar line of work.
It greatly helped me learn how others ran the backend of things, and that influenced how I designed my own processes and systems.
I’ve spent SO much time and effort honing in my web design process, and I’m happy to report that I have it pretty well down to a science now. 👩🔬
In case you’re new here, I offer 1:1 custom design, which means on I only work on one project at a time so that I am able to give it my full attention - and both myself and my clients love that I can offer this!
There’s a few FAQ I get on the regular…
A) What exactly the backend of the process looks like
B) How I’m able to turn things around so quickly (just two weeks!)
C) How I’m able to keep clients on time and projects on schedule.
Ready for a little insider peek at my start > finish web design client process checklist?
First a pro-tip: When a client inquires, I create them their own checklist, to ensure I hit every bit of the process and don’t forget any vital pieces.
I also use my secret weapon - Honeybook to help!
I have two demo checklists, one for each of my packages. I have both a web design process & a web design and branding process.
When a new client inquiries, I copy & paste them their own checklist, and begin working my way through it, checking boxes complete as I go. ✅
FROM INQUIRY > BOOKING
Client inquiries
Initial call
Create contract & invoice
Send contract & invoice
Client signs contract and pays invoice
Change availability on website
Make Google Drive folder & Google Doc
Send Welcome PDF & Google Drive/Doc links
Build a BoxFox & send
FROM BOOKING > PROJECT START
Follow up 1 week prior to start date to remind of Pinterest board & design questionnaire due
Follow up 2 days prior to start to remind of content due
Email to set up a call time on first day of design period
CONSULTATION CALL
Get domain details
Ask for SEO terms want to rank for
Go over inspiration websites
Discuss content and images provided
Ask questions related to brand, style & vision
WEB DESIGN CLIENT PROJECT WEEK 1
Begin domain transfer if necessary
Make mood board + color palette
Send mood board + color palette
Client okay’s mood board + color palette
Design full website
Send website live link for feedback
WEB DESIGN CLIENT PROJECT WEEK 2
Client sends edits
Implement client feedback (repeat as needed)
Link up external services/programs
Add functionality
Check SEO
Do site finishing checklist
Set up 1.5 hr lesson call time
Send over lesson plan
1.5 HR LESSON
Complete lesson plan
Get to pay remainder 50%
Launch website
Congratulate (woo!) 🎊
Thank & tell will follow up with Farewell PDF (I also have a hidden page on my website itself I send them to the link to as well)
Send PDF
MONDAY AFTER DESIGN PERIOD
Follow up with items used in design (backgrounds, optimized images, logo files, etc.)
1 WEEK AFTER DESIGN PERIOD
Follow up to ask if have any site questions
That's it!
That exactly the checklist behind my 2 week website process.
I hope that this checklist can help guide you in the creation of your own.
Of course you'll need to tailor your checklist to your specific projects & processes, but the starting foundation is right here for you! 👍
Oh, and if you’re wondering where I store this handy dandy checklist so that I never miss a reminder, and can quickly peep that things are on schedule from any of my devices?
