Getting Started
Here's an overview of what we need and a process overview to help guide you along before we begin!1) What I need to get started
Your Logo
PDF, EPS or high res JPEG or PNG if possible.
Hosting Credentials
Your hosting account login and/or Cpanel username and password.
Wordpress Login
An administrator login to your current WordPress site. (if this is a redesign of the WordPress site)
Images & Pictures
Current and/or new images and pictures you’d like to use on the new site.
Content
Page content and any updated verbiage/information for the site.
Style Guide
Brand style guide, colors or any specific design requirements.
These items can be uploaded to your client portal project Task board or secure Google Drive folder.
2) Our Client Portal
Our client portal is an awesome online platform for project management. We’ll be using this to track forms, contracts, share files and track progress during the process. This will help alleviate content and images being lost in long email threads. You can also use it to see announcements, lodge a support ticket or order other services.
In your client portal is an easy to use task board. We’ll be using this to share files and track progress during the process. This will help alleviate content and images being lost in long email threads.
Once your project is underway, you’ll receive an email to set up your client portal logins.
3) Google Drive
Google Drive is a great online image/file sharing platform. We can also use this to share important logins and credentials instead of sending them through email. I will set up a folder for the project and add the link to your Client Portal. You can upload all images and files there.
4) Communication
HOURS OF OPERATION
Our hours of operation are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm Qld time. Please be aware we do not accept calls outside of our business hours.
HOW WE COMMUNICATE
If you need to communicate with us, the best way to do so is via a short email so we can keep all project details in writing. You are also welcome to use the chat function in your client portal. For anything that will take more than 5 minutes to explain or understand then we’ll need to book in a phone or Zoom consultation.
We generally do not accept phone calls unless they are booked in advanced. We understand that sometimes it’s easier to chat over the phone than try and explain through an email and that’s ok, we’ll book in a time that suits us both.
You can book a call here: https://blackcactus.tucalendi.com/consult/current-client
We keep the majority of our project communication within our Client Portal or team email address of danni@blackcactusdigital.com To keep communication clear we have found it is much more efficient to work with a single, primary contact from your organisation. It is up to this single contact to provide project updates and details to the rest of your team if this is required.
Our project and contract is with you and you alone, so please do not CC us in with communication with third-parties. If additional stakeholders will be involved in the project please advise our team.
PROJECT UPDATES
Throughout the project, you will receive weekly updates on a Friday afternoon. The updates will include what has been achieved, what we are working on next, and what we need from you.
URGENT REQUESTS
If you have an urgent request, ie, your website has gone down or been hacked, please text Danni on 0431 095 155 with as much detail as possible.
WHEN TO EXPECT A REPLY
We aim to reply to all requests within 1 business day. If we do not have an immediate answer for your enquiry, we will keep you updated.
5) The design process
Designing a website, no matter how big or small, is an extensive process that can be overwhelming. To better help you understand what to expect during the design and development, I’ve outlined my process into 3 steps:
1) Research & Discovery
This is the start of our journey! Depending on what is needed for your website, the discovery part of your project may take up to 4 weeks. We will do an indepth interview with you and research your business, your target market, your competitors, etc.
Your copy will be written in this stage and you wil send through any content (images etc.) that’s required.
2) Layout and design
A large and time consuming part of designing a website is in the planning and layout stage of the process. I’ll create the sitemap (Page/Menu hierarchy) of the website for approval first, then I’ll design the home page and a sub page (or more upon request) for approval.
3) Development
Once the site layout and design is approved, I’ll move forward with the designing all site pages and implementing all functionality and plugins. We’ll make sure your site looks great and functions nicely across all devices and web browsers before moving to the final step.
4) Edits & Revisions
Once the site is ready for final review, you’ll be able to review each page and we can make detailed edits until the site is ready for launch. We ask that you please review ALL pages to make sure all spelling, grammar, addresses and information are correct before going live.
6) Wrapping Up & GOING LIVE!
Once the site is ready to go live, all unnecessary plugins, pages, images and backend files will be removed. The new site will be backed up and saved locally, should it ever need restored. Once live, it may take between 24-48 hours for the new site to pull up on some devices. Your browser may need to be refreshed in order to see the new site and though most will see the new site fairly quickly after the launch.
Your website logins and all credentials will be sent to you via your Website Owner’s Manual, ensuring the security of your passwords. A copy will be saved to your client portal. Though your logins and passwords will be saved by me locally, PLEASE SAVE ALL LOGINS FOR YOUR RECORDS AS WELL. Upon completion, you’ll receive a link to my Moving Forward page where you’ll receive tips and tricks on what to do with your new website and also information on our Maintenance/Security Plan which I highly recommend for all my clients.
If you have any questions, feel free to email or send a chat message from your client portal.