The development phase is where the designs created during the previous phase are transformed into a fully functional website. This is where your website truly begins to take shape in terms of its functionality and user experience. At Binge Island, we ensure this phase is carried out meticulously to create a seamless and high-quality website. Here’s a breakdown of what happens during the development phase.
Step 1: Setting Up the Development Environment
Before we start building, we’ll set up the necessary environment for your website. This includes:
- Setting up your hosting: We’ll either configure your existing hosting or set up a new one, ensuring the environment is optimised for the website.
- Domain configuration: We’ll make sure your domain is connected to the website.
- CMS Installation: If we’re building a content management system (CMS)-based site (e.g., WordPress), we’ll install and configure the CMS and its core functionalities.
Step 2: Converting Designs into Code
With the designs approved, we begin coding the website. This process involves:
- Front-end Development: The visual elements you see on the site, including layout, images, text, and animations, are coded using languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
- Back-end Development: This is where we make the website functional, handling things like databases, server-side scripts, and integrations with external tools. This is crucial for websites that require dynamic content, such as e-commerce sites or membership areas.
We will integrate all design elements, ensuring the website is not only visually appealing but also fully functional.
Step 3: Implementing Features and Functionality
If your project includes specific features (e.g., contact forms, booking systems, e-commerce, or membership areas), we’ll implement them during this phase. This may include:
- Integrating third-party tools or plugins
- Setting up payment gateways for e-commerce sites
- Configuring any necessary APIs (e.g., social media integration, live chat systems, etc.)
We will also perform initial tests on the features to ensure they work as expected.
Step 4: Content Integration
During development, we’ll start integrating your content into the website, including:
- Text, images, videos, and other media
- Setting up blogs, portfolios, or product listings (depending on your site type)
- Organising the site’s navigation and internal links
You’ll need to provide the content as outlined in the What Information Do I Need to Provide to Start a Project? article.
Step 5: Testing and Quality Assurance
Before the site goes live, we perform thorough testing to ensure everything works properly. This includes:
- Browser compatibility: Ensuring the website works across all major browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, etc.).
- Responsive testing: Making sure the website functions correctly on mobile devices and tablets.
- Functionality testing: Verifying all forms, buttons, and features are working.
- Page load speed optimisation: Ensuring your website loads quickly for a better user experience.
Any issues identified during testing will be addressed before proceeding to launch.
Step 6: Client Review and Feedback
Once development is complete, we’ll present the website to you for review and feedback. This is your opportunity to ensure everything is working as expected and that the site aligns with your vision. During this stage, you may request minor adjustments or fixes, such as:
- Content changes or corrections
- Minor design tweaks
- Testing additional features
What Happens After Development?
After receiving your approval, we’ll move on to the final stage—launching the website. This involves transferring the site to your live server, configuring DNS settings, and making the site accessible to the public.
How Long Does the Development Phase Take?
The development phase typically takes 5-10 business days, depending on the complexity of the website and the features required. This timeline may vary, especially if we encounter unforeseen challenges or scope changes.
If you have any questions about the development phase or would like to track the progress of your website, feel free to contact us. We’re here to ensure your website is built to the highest standards.
