The Heart + Honey Web Design Process
Creating a website that truly reflects your business can feel like a big task, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Heart and Honey Design Studio, I’ve put together a simple, structured two-week process that helps keep everything on track. Having a clear process is important for any project, especially when it comes to building something as important as your online presence. Following this process ensures that every detail is given the attention it deserves while keeping the entire project organized and manageable.
Throughout the process we will work through each phase of the design together, step by step. From gathering your content and understanding your vision to designing and launching your site, each stage has its own purpose and importance. By following a well-defined plan, we can make sure that nothing gets overlooked and that your website comes together just the way you envisioned.
Whether you’re a photographer, interior designer, event planner, or any other type of business owner, this process is tailored to fit your specific needs. By the end of these two weeks, you’ll have a website that not only looks great but also works effectively to support your business. Let’s take a closer look at how this process unfolds and what you can expect along the way.
The Planning Phase
The Planning Phase starts prior to your scheduled two-week design period. This is where we lay the groundwork for your entire website project. During this phase, we focus on gathering all the necessary information and inspiration to ensure the design aligns perfectly with your vision. By carefully planning each detail upfront, we set the stage for a smooth and efficient design process, making sure that the final product meets (and exceeds!) your expectations. Depending on how far out you have scheduled your project on my calendar, you may have 2-6 weeks to complete this phase of the project.
#1 Website Content Questionnaire
Our journey begins with a website questionnaire hosted on Content Snare that’s all about getting to know your business and your vision. This platform is designed to simplify the often daunting task of gathering content and requirements for your website. It serves as an interactive tool that helps me understand your business, your goals, and the kind of content you envision for your website. The user-friendly interface allows you to save your progress, come back to it as needed, and submit everything in one place.
I’ve designed this questionnaire to be more than just a form—it’s a conversation starter that helps us dig deep into what makes your brand unique. The answers you provide give me the insights I need to start shaping your website’s structure and content. Don’t worry if it feels like a lot; I’m here to guide you through it. Your thoughtful responses will set the stage for a website that truly speaks to your audience and reflects who you are.
#2 Pinterest Board
Once we’ve laid the groundwork, it’s time to dive into the fun part—visual inspiration! I’ll ask you to create a private Pinterest board where you can gather images, colors, fonts, and any other visuals that resonate with the look and feel you want for your site. This is your chance to show me what you love, and it’s always exciting to see your personality come through in your choices. Whether you’re into clean and modern designs or something more eclectic and cozy, your Pinterest board will be a creative guide as I start designing your website.
The Development Phase
The Development Phase is crucial because it’s where the initial ideas and concepts begin to take shape in a more structured way. Here, we focus on creating a wireframe. This step is essential as it helps us ensure that the site’s structure is intuitive and aligns with the goals we set during the Planning Phase, paving the way for a successful design.
#3 Wireframe Development
With your vision clear, I’ll get to work on the wireframe—think of it as the blueprint for your website. This step is all about mapping out the structure and flow, making sure everything is where it needs to be for a smooth and intuitive user experience. To do this, I will be using Balsamiq. This is a fantastic tool for creating low-fidelity wireframes that focus on structure and functionality. It allows me to quickly sketch out the layout of your website, showing you where each piece of content will live and how users will navigate through the site.
When I’m finished I’ll share this rough outline with you so we can both ensure it meets your needs before moving forward. Your feedback here is so valuable because it helps us fine-tune the layout to perfectly fit your business goals. Once you’re happy with the wireframe, we’ll be ready to dive into the detailed design work.
The Design Phase
The Design Phase is where the vision truly comes to life. During this phase, we take the wireframe and begin adding the visual elements that define your brand, starting with the home page and expanding to the entire site. This phase is not just about making things look good; it’s about creating a cohesive and engaging user experience that resonates with your audience. By focusing on both aesthetics and functionality, we ensure that your website not only captures attention but also effectively communicates your message and drives results for your business.
#4 Designing the Home Page
The home page is the heart of your website, and I take extra care in designing it to make sure it feels just right. Using the approved wireframe, I’ll create a home page that not only looks amazing but also captures the essence of your brand. When it’s ready, I’ll send it over for your review using Markup.io, a platform that allows us to collaborate in real-time. It is extremely user-friendly and allows you to leave comments for me directly on the page.
#5 First Looks
Now that the home page design is locked in, I will move on to designing the rest of your website. This is where all the pieces come together, and you’ll get to see the fully completed website for the first time! I’ll share the complete website with you, using Markup.io so you can explore it just like your future visitors will. It’s an exciting reveal, and I can’t wait for you to experience it! You’ll have the opportunity to provide feedback by simply dropping comments directly on the website, and if there’s anything that needs adjusting, I’ll take care of it to make sure you’re in love with the final result.
Launch Day
Finally, we arrive at Launch Day—the day your website goes live! Before we hit that launch button, we’ll have a one-hour training call where I’ll walk you through your entire site, showing you how to manage and update it on your own. I’ll record the session so you can revisit it whenever you need a refresher. This call is also a great time to ask any last-minute questions. Then, with everything in place, we’ll launch your beautiful new website to the world!
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