Bespoke Websites
A business should understand the creative process of a design studio they choose to engage. Reviewing their portfolio can indicate the quality of the studio's work, but their method can reveal what it may be like to work with them. Below is an overview of how Smith-Cordell Design creates bespoke responsive websites.
Web Design Process
Conversation
The process starts with a discovery meeting to gauge the project’s scope and get to know your business. A design proposal is then created based on the findings. Once both parties are on the same page, a contract is signed, and a deposit is collected.
Strategy
Together we agree on a sitemap — a diagram which shows the connections between web pages and content. Next, research is conducted, and a content strategy is created outlining who will provide content and when.
Wireframes
Wireframes are monochromatic layouts that outline the exact size and placement of page elements, site features, conversion areas, and navigation for your website. They are devoid of brand colours, font choices, logos or any fundamental design elements that take away from focusing on a website’s structure. Instead, they act as the blueprints for the visual design and allow us to focus on the website’s usability and accessibility without visual distractions.
Visual Prototype
A high-fidelity visual prototype is produced once the wireframes have been completed and signed off. Fonts, colours and imagery are introduced at this stage. The goal is to create an exact mockup of the website’s appearance when developed for design approval.
Development
Website development only starts once you have approved the design. Smith-Cordell Design builds websites using Webflow for the majority of use cases. In addition, a content management system (CMS) is set up to allow you to edit your website in the future easily. Throughout development, your website is optimised for speed.
Test & Deploy
Quality assurance is an essential part of the process. Thoroughly testing your website on multiple devices and screen resolutions before launch ensures the site is delivered error-free. If the website replaces an existing site, server-side redirects are implemented to ensure there are no broken links. When testing is satisfactorily complete, the website is deployed to your domain.
Why Webflow?
Rapid Development
Webflow is a visual development tool that allows developers to build at a higher speed than traditional hand-coded solutions while still allowing the full implementation of custom code when necessary. As a result, a reduction in development time reduces the overall cost of a website build.
Fully Bespoke
Webflow doesn’t rely on templates to create a website. Instead, you can completely customise and build any design starting from a blank canvas.
The Webflow Editor
The Webflow Editor is intuitive and allows a website owner to adjust content on-page without affecting the design with ease. There is no complex dashboard to navigate.
Bloat Free Clean Code
Webflow generates clean code without excess bloat from unused functions resulting in faster-loading websites that are more SEO-friendly.
Security You Can Trust
Webflow requires no manual security updates or plugin maintenance which means a much lower risk of a malicious actor taking down your website. Instead, all security patches and maintenance are automatic. In addition, all Webflow websites include an SSL certificate providing end-to-end encryption.
No Updates, No Worries
Webflow doesn’t require regular manual updates and doesn’t require the use of third-party plugins. As a result, there’s no risk of updates breaking third-party code and crashing a website, thus removing potentially expensive maintenance costs when something goes wrong.
World-Class Hosting
Webflow provides lightning-fast, ultra-reliable hosting without the hassle of maintenance. Built using Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Fastly’s networks, Webflow-hosted websites take advantage of enterprise-grade scalability and security. While processing over 10 billion page views a month, Webflow hosting had 99.99% uptime in the last 12 months*.
Frequently Asked Questions
Click/tap on a question below to reveal the answer.
How much does a bespoke website cost?
As with any design project, the cost of designing and developing a bespoke website entirely depends on the project scope. Some factors that can impact the price include the website’s size (number of pages and features), the complexity of the design and functionality, the number of integrations with external systems, and the level of custom branding and content creation required. By having a discovery meeting, Smith-Cordell Design will assess your needs and provide an accurate estimate based on the project’s scope.
Can I edit my website after it’s been built?
Yes. During the development phase, a Content Management System (CMS) is set up, allowing authorised website administrators to edit the content on the page and publish new CMS items, such as blog posts or products.
How long does it take to create a bespoke website?
The time it takes to design and build a bespoke website varies depending on several factors. Of course, the project scope plays a big part, but it will also depend on how quickly feedback and sign-off are completed at the end of each phase and how quickly required brand assets are delivered.
How much input will you need from me (the client)?
Smith-Cordell Design likes to include its clients’ input throughout the process, with regular check-ins at each phase. For example, during the strategy phase, we will determine who will provide content, and each step requires review and sign-off from the client.
Are you able to create the website’s content?
Yes, Smith-Cordell Design can provide an initial draft of the website’s copy for the client to approve or edit. In addition, Smith-Cordell Design can provide imagery or custom photography, such as team or product shots.
Will I get options to choose from?
No. Instead, Smith-Cordell Design includes your input throughout the process to produce a design that suits your brand and requirements. A site’s structure is decided during the wireframing stage and signed off by the client. Once this is set in stone, the visual elements (colour, typography, imagery) are added, which will follow your brand guidelines. Revisions will be possible at the end of each phase before sign-off. Including your input throughout the design process will produce a finished website that executes your goals and showcases your brand.
Why should I choose a bespoke website rather than an off-the-shelf template?
It is possible to create a good-looking website using an off-the-shelf template; however, making a template reflect a brand’s identity can be problematic. In addition, using a template will likely make your website look identical to many others on the internet, making it harder to stand out from the crowd.
A bespoke website is designed and developed to meet a brand’s specific needs and goals. It allows for complete customisation of the design and functionality and can be optimised for a better user experience, scalability, search engines, and security. A bespoke website can provide a brand with a unique and tailored online presence better aligned with its target audience and business objectives.
