Our Process

At Atlanta Web Gurus, we like to say: ”We do not design websites, we manufacture experiences.”

We connect with an online audience by creating experiences that transcend the web, moving towards the world beyond. Atlanta Web Gurus is unique that we are versed in MARKETING 2.0. We use multi-media ( graphics, music, video, film) to illustrate our most dynamic web applications. We create the attention needed to propel your brand, in order to engage its target audience in the most meaningful way. This marriage of digital and traditional mediums is essential for an efficient and lasting impact of your brand. In today’s digital age, target audiences are increasingly found in creating online experiences that act as portals to real world events, which can be tracked using analytics then linked to increased sales.

Planning: The Development Process

Consider this: A website is a tool, a cog, in a greater machine. It must be in synch, in time, and in groove with other necessary cogs in order for the machine to function properly.

Our process will vary slightly from client to client but the basics are generally the same.

1. Information Gathering
2. Planning
3. Design
4. Development
5. Testing and Delivery
6. Maintenance

Phase One: Information Gathering

Designing a successful web experience starts with communication. Atlanta Web Gurus pride ourselves on the ability to create a level of comfort with our clients, so that no idea or concept is left out of discussion. Vision is the keyword in visionary, and for us to act as your construction team, we need to share your vision in order to maximize the design of your campaign.

This first step is actually the most important one, as it involves a solid understanding of what the desired outcome is to be. Our standpoint is, what does the client want to happen as result of the experience we are creating together? We strive for an understanding of our clients and what their business goals are, so that we can help etch out a targeted strategy in order to assist them in achieving those goals.

Phase Two: Strategic Planning

Now, it’s time to put together a plan for your web experience. AWG will perform extensive research by using the information gathered from phase one. AWG will then compare and contrast your project goals across extensive strategy archives to help you decide what concepts, technologies, and workflows work best for your goal.

The AWG concept map is a final layout plan that our clients receive and sign on. It includes the main topic areas of the site, as well as sub-topics. It also includes technologies, timelines, tiers and transfers applicable to the project.

This guide dictates what content will be on the site. This is essential to developing a navigational system and connections to affiliate technologies, including tracking. A good user interface along with a solid strategy allows your end-user – your customer – to absorb the full experience created for them to share with others. These are, after all, the people who will be learning about your service and buying your product.

Phase Three: Design

Atlanta Web Guru’s key focuses are communication and research. These two elements are very important within the design phase. AWG will research trends in design and trends within the industry or field of our clients. Drawing from the research surrounding your target market, AWG will discern how your visitors think and how they will move around your website. We will then create a prototype design, typically a .JPG or .PDF image of what the final site design will look like, and give you access to view it in a secure area. During this phase, communication between the client and AWG is crucial to ensure that the final web site will fuel your campaign experience in the desired manner.

*A sign off form is issued defining the totality of the project from a design and technology standpoint. The development phase is initiated following the sign off.

Phase Four: Development

The developmental stage is the point where the website itself is created. At this time, your AWG representative will take all of the individual graphic elements from the prototype that the client has chosen and use them to create the actual, functional site.

This is typically done first by developing the home page, followed by a “shell” for the interior pages. The shell serves as a template for the content pages of your site, as it contains the main navigational structure for the web site. Once the shell has been created, AWG will take your content and distribute it throughout the site, in the appropriate areas.

Elements such as social networking functions, interactive communication protocols, flash animations and e-commerce shopping carts are available to be implemented and made functional during this phase.

Phase Five: Testing and Delivery

At this point, AWG will make the final adjustments of testing your functional website. We will test the complete functionality of forms and other scripts, as well testing for last minute compatibility issues (viewing differences between different web browsers) ensuring that your web site is optimized to be viewed properly in the most recent browser versions.

AWG is well versed in current standards for website design and development. We will check to be sure that all of the code written for your web has cross-browser compatibility, meaning the site validates with all known browsers (Firefox, Explorer, Safari).

Once you give your web designer final approval, AWG will deliver the site. An FTP (File Transfer Protocol) program is used to upload the website files to your server. For customer convience, Atlanta Web Guru offers domain name registration and web hosting services as well. Once these accounts have been setup, and your website uploaded to the server, the site will be put through one last run-through, as a precautionary, to confirm that all files have been uploaded correctly, and that the site continues to be fully functional.

This marks the official launch of your site, as it is now viewable to the public.

Phase Six: Maintenance

The development of an AWG web site is not necessarily over when the site becomes viewable to the public. Our client may prefer to have all the control of the website, so they can make updates whenever they decide to. Other clients prefer to hand off their site to a third party, as they have enough tasks on-hand that are more important for them to handle directly. AWG can provide additional website maintenance for our exclusive clients, offering them the benefits of having
a certified web technician to maintain the functionality and design of their site.

*AWG offers maintenance packages at reduced rates, based on how the client anticipates making changes or additions to their web site.