Here at Soto, we talk a lot about what we do: development, hosting, making websites that don’t spontaneously combust under pressure – that sort of stuff. But what about how we do it? That part matters just as much. After all, if you’re going to trust us with your beautiful designs (if you have some) and your precious website, you’d probably like to know what your journey with us will actually look like.
No smoke, no mirrors, no technical mumbo-jumbo; we’re laying it all out clearly, step by step. Because nobody likes surprises – except maybe cake-related ones.
Step 1: Project go time
Once the project’s confirmed, we don’t just crack our knuckles and dive head-first into code. Our first move is to get clarity on the scope of the project. We’ll make sure you know exactly what’s included in the cost, and what – if anything – will be extra. We send over a super clear, easy-to-follow breakdown of that in your package. No vague promises or mystery deliverables; just a full, transparent overview of what we’re building, how we’re doing it, and when you can expect each bit. Think of it like a satnav for the project: you’ll always know where you are, where you’re heading, and if there’s any traffic up ahead.
Step 2: Kickoff
Next, we have our kickoff meeting. This is where we dig into the good stuff: your client’s business goals, their branding, their audience, and what makes them tick. We’ll take all that info and start mapping out a proposed structure for the site, making sure it hits the right notes with the right people. We’ll also set up a shared folder (Google Drive is our go-to) so you can drop in any helpful goodies; stuff like logos, images, resources, and any content you’ve got ready to go.
Step 3: The mighty template
Now it’s time to build… sort of. We’ll present a wireframe-style template. This isn’t the final design – in fact, it’s not even close. It’s a layout that shows what content will go where, how users will move through the site, and what each page is actually doing. It’s like an IKEA instruction manual, but for a website (and with fewer Allen keys). Don’t worry – everything here can be changed and customised. This is just to help you see the structure and start picturing how the site will function.
Step 4: Staging site magic
Once everyone’s totally on board with the template, it’s time to build a staging site. This is a fully functioning version of the final website, but on a separate URL. What this means is that we can add new features and plugins, make little tweaks, test everything, and roll out updates, all without any risk of breaking the real thing! Basically, it allows us to have a comprehensive play around with things in a safe way, so there’s no chance of any disasters. Think of it like a dress rehearsal before the big show.
Step 5: Showtime!
When it’s all looking (and working) exactly how you want it to, we go through our final checks and flick the switch. The site is live! Visitors can start poking around, and you can start seeing how everything performs out in the real world. Sometimes, things can pop up post-launch – stuff that only becomes obvious when real people start clicking and interacting with the site. That’s totally normal. We’re always open to feedback, and we’ll be ready to help fine-tune things based on real user needs.
Step 6: Still here, still helping
The site might be up and running, but here at Soto, we don’t just mysteriously disappear into the digital mist once the site’s live. At this stage, we’ll confirm which support package you’ll be on. We’ll keep the backend ticking over nicely, and make sure the website keeps doing its job without you having to think about it, so that you can focus on your clients and doing what you do best!
One less thing to worry about
Working with Soto is easy, collaborative, and actually kind of fun! We keep the whole process clear, structured, and stress-free, so you can stay focused on the business side without wondering what’s happening in the background. If you’re a small business looking for a down-to-earth web development and hosting partner who’ll make your life easier, let’s chat. We’d love to be part of your project, so get in touch with us to find out more about how we can help.
