Our Web Development Process

First, there is an initial meeting and analysis in which we get a feel for the project you envision. We learn what the new site will need to do and gather ideas as to what it might look like. At this juncture it’s helpful for us to learn what other websites you like. We also begin to research the competitors to see what’s already out there. Ideas are generated through questions about your particular business, what you do and who you think of as your target audience. Another important discussion involves your current business model, with a thoughtful look at what the internet currently is and isn’t doing for you and whether your site will need to be updated on a regular basis. All of these discussions lead us towards a proposal and timeline for the project.

The core goal is to determine functionality, usability and design -- the way the website will work and its visual characteristics. A website’s navigation needs to make sense, along with links and other interactive elements. Most of our energy goes into the areas of content creation, design concept and design of the information architecture and structure. Then we need to actually build the site, create individual pages, launch the website and determine keywords.

Throughout the process, clients are encouraged to use our online forum, COLLAB, to communicate with the Horton group on a number of important issues regarding their project. We have found this platform to be very beneficial as a place to offer comments, ask questions and check on a project’s progress. Clients can post files, start discussions, email updates and requests. Through COLLAB a website is continually adjusted until it works and includes all intended features.

At the completion of the web project, there is a training session so that you will know how to work as an administrator on your site, adding content, graphics and more. The training will also show you how to deal with various technical snafus.