Lately, I have been building all my own themes using a framework in which I design the theme myself. More importantly, visual design and navigation are not the first step. The first step is to gather and prepare the verbal content and internal graphic components of the website. From the content we determine everything else. Here is a glimpse at a short list of website building procedures for a very simple website. This list is not complete or detailed, but it gives you a basic idea.
- Outline the Website and write a draft of the verbal content.
- Assemble a collection of photographs and graphics for the content.
- Determine the best navigational pattern through the information.
- Diagram the Layout Design and determine the feature set.
- Make a list of plugins to fill out the feature set.
- Install WordPress and Plugins, initial configurations and settings.
- Install WordPress and Plugins, initial configurations and settings.
- Upload all prepared content in a predetermined pattern and install onto pages.
- Activate and Populate a set of column widgets for blog tools and plugins.
- Place all widgets on target pages and complete page navigation structuring.
- Edit market copy, and tweak all the GUI for optimal user experience.
- Complete a thorough SEO examination and enhancement session.
- Coordinate email routing and test forms and messages.