Getting started

Okay, you like our work. You like our ideas. You like the way we think about things. And you need what we offer. Here's how to take the next step.

1. Determine your strategic needs


A web site has both form and function, and it is imperative that you know what you want out of your site before you start the design process. Identify your target market, and what — at the end of the day — will determine success or failure for the site. Sometimes it helps to separate those lists into Design (look, feel and layout) and Functions (store, email signup, subnavigation, RSS feeds, etc.).

Make a list of things that are most important to you, and prioritize them from most to least important. At the top of the list should be the things that we must have when your new site goes live. Is an aggressive content schedule your most pressing issue? Is ecommerce at the top of your list? Is a simple re-design the most pressing issue? Make a list and check it twice with your team. Having a priority list that everyone on the team buys into before you start the process is the best way to guarantee budgets, timelines and a happy post-launch party.

2. Determine your budget


It's okay if you don't know exactly how much money you have, but you need to have a range that you know you can afford, and a wish list that could expand that number by a certain amount if we choose to go there. If you don't have a budget, you aren't ready to undertake the design of a custom web site.

3. determine your assets


Without a doubt, the thing that bogs down a site launch are missing needed assets. In the web world, assets are anything that will appear or be downloaded at your site, and/or any databases you need to incorporate into your new site's databases. Here's a few common examples:
  • Photos: Make sure you have copyright to post them at your site
  • Videos: In hand or linkable via YouTube — not "out there somewhere"
  • Copy: Words that will appear on your web pages
  • Music: MP3s with copyright approval from the publisher(s)
  • Forms: If you need to post forms at your site, identify the list of info you need to collect
  • Databases: Organizing, merging and transferring email lists can be a major undertaking
  • Products: What do you have to sell at your site, including quantities and warehousing?

4. Create a basic site map


A site map is a simple, graphical representation of the organization of your site. The most important thing to determine are your site's main categories, which will be represented by the main navigation buttons. Try to make it possible for your site's visitors to connect with the content they are looking for in as few clicks as possible. Keep it as simple as possible — that's what makes a great site map!

5. Set a soft deadline for launch


You can't produce an effective web site in two weeks. Expect it to take two to four months, from conception to launch. If you have key upcoming dates that are Mission Critical, state them up front so we can get a realistic read on what we can do to meet those deadlines, and be prepared to adjust your expectations if it's determined that we just can't get there from here in the time frame you've set.

6. Discover your contractual limitations


Does your retail publisher have rights to, or restricts, your online presence? Do you have to get approval from your publishers and writers before you put your songs onto your site? Better to find out now, rather than after you've spent a month brainstorming a new site and discovering you can't sell your products online.

7. Pick a GeneratorTools service plan


Surf through our GeneratorTools content management license plans and select a plan that fits your strategic goals and fits your budget.

8. Fill out a project set-up form and make your deposit


Once we've got all our ducks in a row, it's time to commit to a budget, make your initial deposit, and put the pedal to the metal!