The 6 Steps to Creating a Website from Scratch When Working with a Marketing Agency

Our team at True Fit Marketing takes pride in creating a website from scratch. It is an exciting journey, one that combines creativity, strategy, teamwork, and many levels of expertise. As with any marketing agency, we want to deliver a website that not only looks, great but is also functional. A website serves as a powerful tool to meet business goals and is a roadmap to drive business. However, building a website isn’t a one-sided process. It’s a collaboration between our team and the client to ensure that the final product truly represents a vision and brand. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to create a website from start to finish.

Step 1: Discovery and Planning

The foundation of any successful website is a solid plan. This phase begins with a discovery meeting where we dive into the client’s business: what are the goals, who is the target audience, what does the brand identity look like, and the specific functionalities wanted on the website. During this stage, we’ll ask questions like:

  • What is the primary purpose of the website? (e.g., lead generation, e-commerce, informational)
  • What websites does the client like and not like? It doesn’t have to be competitors, but just any website in general.
  • What content, images, and videos are ready, and what will need to be created?

From there, we create a roadmap, including a timeline, who the client will work with on the team, and deliverables, to ensure everyone is aligned and ready to go.

Step 2: Wireframing and Design

Once our team fully understands the client’s website goals, we will move into the design phase. This starts with wireframing where we outline the structure of the website. Think of it as a blueprint. Wireframes show where key elements like navigation, calls-to-action, and content will go. This will require the client to do some homework to make sure everything is where it needs to go and they are happy with the number of pages we have mapped out.

After the wireframes are approved, our experts move to the design phase and showcase the look and feel of the site through proper branding, color schemes, and visual styles. We’ll share these designs with the client for feedback and revisions, ensuring they match the original vision.

Step 3: Content Collection and Creation

Create a website from scratch with the help of a marketing agency

A website needs words. Those words are part of the client’s content and the content is what is searchable on the Internet. Unless the client already has a website and the content is already created, approved and in proper formatting for the website, this is likely where we will need most of the input. Content will vary depending on what the website is for, but some items that are typically needed are photos, icons, videos, product descriptions, blog posts, about section(s) or company bios, contact information, services offered and so much more. If the content already exists, we can work with the client to refine them for the web. If content creation is needed, our team can help write copy, take photos, or produce videos. The content is only as good as what the client creates or helps to create. The client is the expert and is responsible for educating our team on what they want their website visitors to know and see. 

Step 4: Development and Backend Setup

With the design and content in hand, our developers begin the sometimes lengthy process of building the site. This is where the magic happens behind the scenes and what clients don’t get to see in action. We can set up:

  • Responsive Design: Ensuring the website looks great on any device including desktops, tablets, and smartphones.
  • CMS Integration: Setting up a content management system like WordPress or Shopify.
  • Functionality: Implementing features like contact forms, e-commerce capabilities, or membership portals.
  • SEO Foundations: Adding metadata, alt text, and ensuring the site is optimized for search engines.

During this phase, we also test the site’s performance, speed, and functionality to ensure everything works seamlessly.

Step 5: Testing and Revisions

Another step that happens before the client gets to see the website is a rigorous testing regime by our team. Before launching, we share the website with other members of our team to comb through it to test for:

  • Broken links, spelling, grammar, and other content edits.
  • Ensuring forms and interactive features work properly.
  • Testing on multiple devices and browsers to guarantee compatibility.
  • Photo and video playback and quality.

We’ll present the site to the client for review and make any necessary revisions. This is the client’s opportunity to fine-tune the details and ensure the site meets all expectations.

Step 6: Launch and Post-Launch Support

Once everything is approved, it’s time to go live! We handle the technical aspects of the launch, such as connecting the domain and hosting. After launch, we continue to monitor the site and provide support as needed. Whether it’s troubleshooting or updates, we’re here to help.

The Bottom Line

Creating a website is a team effort. While we handle the technical, design, and strategic aspects, we can not stress enough how critical the client’s input is. The client knows their business best, and their involvement ensures the final product aligns with their goals and vision. By working together, we create a website that not only meets but exceeds all expectations.

Building a website from scratch takes a lot of time, effort, and collaboration. But when it is done right, it’s a powerful investment in a business’s future.Â