The Platform Web Process

Register:
The first step is to decide on what domain name we need to register and then what is the best top level domain, e.g. ‘.ie’, ‘.eu’, ‘.com’ etc.  This is usually an annual agreement but can be for longer too as appropriate.  If you already have registered your domain, we may need to access control of it so that we can do the next step, hosting.

Host:
The files that make up your website need to sit somewhere – At Platform Web we use state of the art Virtual Private Server (VPS) technology.  What we typically need to decide here is whether or not you will need Linux or Windows hosting, and this depend largely on your website and email requirements.

Develop Site:
Platform Web specialises in getting your website visible, active and effective almost immediately.  To expedite the process we have formulated a unique template system which allows us to build your site instantly.  You choose the best looking template for your needs and we can create pages and sub pages straight away. Your company logo, livery and branding guidelines can be incorporated into the templates, bearing in mind you will always have full control over content.  If one of our templates does not suit your needs we can of course tailor design for you.

Approve Site:
We will build the site on a hidden location.  Here it will stay until you are satisfied that it is ready for public exposure.  While the site is hidden, you will have access to it, so that the ultimate development of the site for release is a collaborative effort between you and Platform Web.

Optimise Traffic, Market your Site:
The structure of the site is developed to automatically optimise its content under Google and other search engines.   Platform Web will set up a statistics service for you that can be periodically monitored by you and/or Platform Web.  You may require Social Media Optimisation too, this is usually more easily achieved once your website is in place.  Together we can formulate a plan of what social media options are most advantageous for you and your website.  For some it will be www.linkedin.com and for others it may be www.facebook.com and similar blog sites.   To market your site, we will plan how best to make your site visible and ‘sticky’ so that browsers will view as many pages as possible, and return regularly.  This generally speaking is a process of maintaining interesting content, using e-mail marketing techniques and tools, deploying appropriate linking strategies and optimising your site through search engines and social media as mentioned.  Your website should be fully integrated with your overall marketing plan.

Maintain Site:
Platform Webs Content Management System has been designed to allow our clients to maintain as much or as little content control as required.  It can be quite frustrating when you need to amend some key pieces of information on your site but for whatever reason it can’t be done!  We can maintain your content for you with your guidance, or you can maintain your content with our help if required.  If you want to maintain your own content, we will help you to keep your text font consistent, your images true, and your search ranks high.  An up-to-date manual is available to assist you at all times. 

Other areas:
Sometimes when working on a website clients take the opportunity to look at other related areas that may be in need of some attention.  Platform Web can give you free and independent advice on branding and design requirements, computer networks administration and overall marketing strategy and activities.  For a detailed outline of David’s profile, please follow this link:  http://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbourke