Having a solid workflow can greatly improve your company's productivity and the quality of your service. One of the best ways to create a good workflow is to create a solid structure for your company and the way you work.
What is a web design workflow?
A web design workflow is a detailed framework that lays out all the steps and tasks required to create a website. It covers all aspects of the process, from planning to execution and post-launch.
This structured approach to web design frees the designer from the stress of managing projects, as the entire process is well documented, easy to follow and optimized for success in the process. We break down the following phases:
Phase 1: Research
In this phase, the web designer uses a variety of resources, including the client, to gather information about:
Company
Website objectives
Target audience
Industry
Competition
Design and content trends
The designer also gathers the necessary information provided by the client at this point, such as logos, images and other elements characteristic of the brand.
Phase 2: Planning
Once the information gathering is complete, the designer plans the website. During this phase, the website information hierarchy, the UX concept (the website wireframes for the main pages) and the visual design concept are designed.
These tools, along with the initial research will be used in the execution steps to ensure that everyone involved in the project, designers, writers, developers and SEOs, follow the same structure in the project.
Phase 3: Execution
During this phase, the designer and his team (if they have one) will put all the pieces together to create a fully functional website.
They will create all content, graphics and a fully functional and responsive design for the website. In addition, they will implement the UX strategy to ensure that the website not only looks good, but also feels good to visitors.
The implementation will involve several rounds of QA and testing to ensure that there are no glitches or errors in the website and content. The client will also be logged in to review what has been done, provide feedback and ultimately approve it.
Phase 4: Launching
With a website finalized and approved, the web designer will move it to a live server and officially launch it.
The client will receive all deliverables for their website. If further maintenance work needs to be performed on the site, this will also be discussed and initiated at that time.
Why is a good workflow necessary when creating your own website?
We expose some points that a good workflow when creating your website can help to improve processes:
A stress-free way of working
Your workflow represents everything from onboarding your client, to launching a flawless website. With a comprehensively designed plan you will experience less stress in the creation of new projects.
Create more accurate timelines
When you create a repeatable workflow process, it won't be long before you learn how long it takes to complete each step and task. With this data, you will be able to set more accurate deadlines for your jobs and thus complete them on time.
Work faster
Another benefit of having a repeatable workflow is that it becomes a daily activity. You'll want to refer to your workflow checklist to make sure everything is done in the right order, and you'll be able to get all your tasks done much faster.
Less time invested
An undocumented process can easily get lost from sight; they are more prone to errors and failures when working from memory rather than using reliable tools. Your workflow process should reduce the amount of time you spend on revisions.
Quickly solve firefighting problems
A well-documented web design process will improve your productivity. As you discover faster and better ways to accomplish your tasks, you will have more "free" time to address client emergencies or personal issues, and you won't have to compromise your schedule to do so.
Deliver better results
When you work without a process, there will be too many things competing for your attention, for example: Answering emails from clients who want to know how things are going. A good workflow provides structure and order so you can focus on creating rather than coordinating.
Increase profit margins
With improved productivity and fewer errors, you'll be able to work faster and smarter. As you complete projects quickly, you'll be free to take on more work, giving your profit margins a big boost.
Start the year with a better structure.
With a workflow in place, you will have a step-by-step action plan that will allow you to effectively solve your clients' goals and their perfect website.
In addition, having a solid workflow can greatly improve your productivity and in turn, your profit margins.
