Why the process matters
Plenty of businesses jump into a website project thinking it is just about design, but the real challenge is in the process. Without a clear roadmap, projects blow out timelines, overshoot budgets, or deliver sites that miss the mark.
A well-run process saves time, avoids costly mistakes, and ensures the final website is more than just attractive, it is functional, scalable, and aligned with business goals.
Why this decision impacts growth
Your website is often your first and most important sales tool. The process behind it directly affects:
- Sales: Conversion-focused design turns traffic into customers
- Efficiency: A well-structured backend makes content updates easy
- Trust: A professional site signals credibility to new customers
- Scalability: A clean build supports growth without constant rebuilds
Key Tip: Skipping discovery is the costliest mistake
Many businesses rush into design without doing proper discovery. The result? A site that looks fine but does not solve core problems. Spending time upfront on research and planning saves far more than it costs.
Step 1: Discovery and strategy
The process starts with understanding your business, your audience, and your goals.
What this includes:
- Stakeholder interviews
- Market and competitor research
- Defining user journeys
- Mapping must-have features
Without this step, you are designing blind.
Step 2: UX and wireframing
Before jumping into colours and typography, a wireframe lays out the structure.
Think of it like an architect’s plan: clear flow, placement of key elements, and an outline of how users will navigate. Wireframes keep everyone aligned before design begins.
Step 3: Visual design
This is where the creative direction comes in. In Figma, designers bring brand identity, imagery, and typography together to create a site that feels both beautiful and functional.
The focus should not just be on looks. A strong design balances:
- Clarity: Simple navigation and clear calls to action
- Brand alignment: Visuals that reflect who you are
- Conversion: Layouts that guide users to act
Step 4: Development
Once designs are signed off, developers bring them to life.
On platforms like Shopify and Webflow, that means:
- Building templates or custom layouts
- Integrating apps or third-party tools
- Ensuring mobile responsiveness
- Optimising for site speed and SEO
Red flag: If an agency skips proper testing here, expect broken elements and hidden bugs at launch.
Step 5: Testing and QA
Testing ensures everything works before launch. That includes:
- Cross-browser and device testing
- Checkout and form testing
- Accessibility checks
- Performance optimisation
Step 6: Launch and training
Launch is more than flicking a switch. Agencies should provide:
- DNS and hosting setup
- Migration support if needed
- Training for your team to manage the site
- A launch support window to handle any issues
Addressing common objections
“Can’t we just design as we go?”
Skipping wireframes and strategy leads to messy sites and endless redesigns.
“Do we really need testing?”
Yes. Launching without QA is like handing customers a faulty product.
“Why pay for discovery?”
Because it prevents expensive rework and ensures the site aligns with real business goals.
What to Do Now: A Quick Checklist
✅ Spend time on discovery before design
✅ Use wireframes to align structure before visuals
✅ Prioritise UX and conversion, not just looks
✅ Ensure thorough testing before launch
✅ Get training so your team can manage the site
Final Word
The website design and development process is not just a technical workflow, it is the difference between a site that frustrates and a site that fuels growth.
If you want a process that avoids wasted time and money, talk to an agency that knows how to run projects properly. In New Zealand, that means finding experts who design for growth, build cleanly, and hand over sites your team can actually use.
