If you have never had a website built before, the process can feel like a bit of a black box. You have a conversation, some time passes, and eventually a website appears. We think you deserve to know what happens in between.

Here is how we design and build websites at Delivered Social, step by step, and what we will need from you along the way.

Step 1: Getting to know you

Every project starts with a conversation. You can pop into one of our offices in Guildford or Portsmouth, jump on a video call or pick up the phone. We want to understand:

• What your business does and who your customers are
• What you want the website to achieve, whether that is enquiries, bookings, sales or something else
• What is and is not working on your current site
• Websites you like (and dislike) and why
• Your budget and any deadlines

There is no such thing as a silly question at this stage. The more we understand, the better the result.

Step 2: The brief and proposal

We turn that conversation into a clear brief and proposal. It sets out what we will build, the pages and features included, the timeline and the cost. No jargon and no surprises later. If you want to get a head start, our guide on what makes a good client brief is a useful read.

Step 3: Research and planning

Before any design work starts, we do our homework. That usually includes:

• Competitor research: looking at what similar businesses are doing well and where there are gaps.
• Keyword research: finding out what your customers actually type into Google, so the site is built to be found.
• Sitemap: planning which pages the site needs and how they connect.
• User journeys: mapping the quickest routes from landing on the site to getting in touch.

If you already have a website, we also look at what is currently ranking so we can protect it. Our guide to how a website redesign affects SEO explains why this matters.

Step 4: Content

Good design starts with good content. We work with you on the words and images for each page, whether you write the copy yourself, we write it for you, or we do a bit of both. We will also talk about photography and video, as real images of your team and your work almost always beat stock photos.

Step 5: Design

Now the fun part. We design the key pages around your brand, your content and your goals. You get to see the designs, share feedback and ask for changes before anything is built. We focus on:

• A look that feels like your brand
• Clear calls to action so visitors know what to do next
• Layouts that work just as well on a phone as on a desktop
• Accessibility, so the site is easy for everyone to use

Our article on the best website design principles for UK businesses covers the thinking behind this in more depth.

Step 6: Development

Once the designs are signed off, we build the site in WordPress. That means you own it, you can update it yourself and it can grow with your business. During the build we add your content, set up forms and integrations, and make sure the site is fast and secure.

Step 7: SEO set-up

SEO is not an afterthought. Before launch we set page titles and meta descriptions, structure headings properly, optimise images, plan redirects from any old pages and connect Google Analytics and Google Search Console. It means your new site is ready to be found from day one.

Step 8: Testing

We test everything before it goes live: different devices and browsers, every form, every link, page speed and mobile layouts. You also get a chance to look around the finished site and tell us about anything you want tweaked.

Step 9: Launch

When everyone is happy, we put the site live. We check the redirects, submit the sitemap to Google and keep a close eye on things in the days after launch. We will also show you how to update your own content, so you are never stuck waiting on us for a simple change.

Step 10: Aftercare

Launch day is the start, not the end. A website needs looking after: updates, backups, security and fresh content. We can take care of that for you and help you keep improving the site through SEO, content and advertising. You will always have a named contact and real people who pick up the phone.

What we need from you

• Time for the initial conversation and feedback on designs
• Your logo, brand colours and any brand guidelines
• Content and images, or time to work on them with us
• Access to your domain, current website and Google accounts
• One main point of contact to keep decisions moving

Ready to start?

If you are thinking about a new website, we would love to hear about it. Have a look at our website design services, find out how much a website costs in the UK, or get in touch and let’s get your business seen.