1. Design & Branding : The first phase, the creative and aesthetic elements of the website are developed, building on the strategy and user research. Key activities: Visual Design: Develop the look and feel of the website, including color schemes, typography, imagery, iconography, and other design elements. Branding Integration: Ensure that the website aligns with the brand’s identity, including logo, messaging, and tone of voice. User Experience (UX) Design: Focus on designing a seamless, intuitive experience for users, ensuring ease of navigation and accessibility. 

Responsive Design: Ensure the website design works across a variety of devices, from desktops to smartphones and tablets. UI Design: Create high-fidelity mockups that show the final look of the website's pages, including interactions and animations. 

Deliverables: High-fidelity design mockups (desktop and mobile versions) Interactive prototypes UI elements and style guides

2. Discovery & Strategy : This phase is all about understanding the project’s goals, target audience, and technical requirements. This is a foundational step where the groundwork for the entire project is laid. Key activities: Client Briefing: Understand the business goals, brand identity, and desired website functionality. Audience Research: Define the target audience and their needs. Competitor Analysis: Review competitors’ websites to find opportunities and best practices. Content Strategy: Plan out what type of content will be featured (e.g., blogs, case studies, videos, product pages, etc.).

Technical Requirements: Decide on the CMS, eCommerce platform (if applicable), integrations, security protocols, and hosting. Wireframing/Prototyping: Create low-fidelity wireframes and/or interactive prototypes to visually map out the user flow and page structure. Deliverables: Client questionnaire or brief Project roadmap and timeline Initial wireframes or prototypes Content plan

3. Development & Testing : This phase is where the website starts to come to life. The design is translated into code, functionality is built, and testing is performed to ensure everything works as intended. Key activities: Frontend Development: Convert the design into HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, making the website interactive and visually appealing. Backend Development: Build the server-side functionality (database management, content management system integration, custom functionality, etc.). Content Migration: Import existing content or add new content (text, images, videos). SEO Setup: Implement on-page SEO best practices, including metadata, headings, alt texts for images, and optimized URL structures. Performance Optimization: Ensure the website loads quickly by optimizing images, leveraging caching, minifying CSS/JS, and reducing server response time. Testing: Conduct thorough testing (functional, usability, cross-browser, performance, security, etc.) to ensure the website works as expected. Deliverables: Fully functional website with content integrated Debugged and optimized code SEO setup and performance optimizations Test reports (including browser, device, and load testing)
 
4. Launch & Ongoing Maintenance : Once the site is developed and thoroughly tested, it is launched. However, high-end websites typically require continuous monitoring, updates, and enhancements. Key activities: Launch Preparation: Final review and approval from the client. Set up analytics, tracking, and user monitoring tools. Launch: Deploy the website to the live server and ensure all elements function as expected in the production environment. Post-launch Support: Provide ongoing support for bug fixes, content updates, and other issues that might arise after launch. Performance Monitoring: Continuously monitor website performance, including speed, uptime, security, and user behavior. SEO & Content Updates: Periodically update the website with fresh content and SEO optimizations to keep it ranking well and engaging visitors. Deliverables: Live website Documentation (for content management, updates, and troubleshooting) Ongoing maintenance and optimization reports Analytics and performance review