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Here are the technical terms of agreement for website projects. If you have questions, please call 312-337-2592.
This page explains the typical flow of a design / development project, typically with a complimentary content management system installed (optional) and/or Google Analytics installed (optional).
Web Site Design and Development Services
Process Overview
Phase I. Project Evaluation
Ceed Partnership, Inc.‘s assigned Client Project Principal (Belinda Fuller) will meet with the Client or the Client’s appointed agent to discuss key goals, marketing and branding positioning, design direction, copy development and the competition, plus any concerns or issues you want to address.
Phase II: Design Planning
Step 1: Planning
The Project Consultant will:
- Conduct an evaluation of existing site (if available / prior to first meeting) or any other available marketing materials.
- Document proposed creative direction and preferences.
- Conduct keyword research, the results of which will be used for Search Engine Optimization of the website.
- Document the proposed Universal Navigation System.
- Create wireframes for critical pages for review.
Step 2: Client Review
The documents listed above will be presented to the Client for review, feedback, possible revisions, and approval.
*Phase III: Web Copy Writing (optional / concurrent with Phase II)
Step 1: Writing – Ceed will complete the rough draft of the site outline, plus 1-2 short starter paragraphs of recommended copy in a Word document (the length as included by your package).
This outline will be search engine optimized based on information and insight gained from the Client during the earlier exploratory phase, plus additional keyword and phrase research pertaining to your specific practices areas, the breadth and depth of which is indicated initially from the size of the website package purchased.
The Client will then have the opportunity to edit and/or add to the copy as desired, on completion resubmitting the copy document or the edited text by any digital method.
In terms of critical META fields, these will be completed and sent to the client for review, either with the copy document or in a separate document.
Step 2: Client Review – The Client will proof/ enhance the copy as desired, and resubmit proofed and approved final text within five business days of initial receipt.
Phase IV: Web Design Development
Step 1: Design Development
Ceed will create and present design ‘comps’ to the client via the Web for review:
- The home page design
- One ‘drill-down’ page design to demonstrate navigation flow
Step 2: Client Review
The Client will have the opportunity to review and request edits to the design renditions. The Client will have the opportunity to review and approve the requested revisions on an iterative basis within the guidelines set in this contract, and your approval of the work will be requested before proceeding to Phase V.
Phase V: Website Production
On receipt of all final proofed content from the Client (i.e. site texts, graphics, photos, service PDFs if desired and so forth in digital format please) (or this can be retrieved directly from the existing site where available); and following the Client’s final approval of the design comps in Phase IV, Step 2, actual production of the site will begin.
Step 1: Develop the Website
Using the approved design comps and page content, build out each page of the site and cross-platform test using a PC and Mac, and Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer and Safari.
Step 2: Client Review
The Client will have the opportunity to review the new site before it is launched in order to review and ensure design and editorial accuracy in accordance with the project specifications developed in the prior phases. The Client will have the opportunity to review and approve the requested revisions on an iterative basis within the guidelines set in this contract.
Following the Client’s final review and final sign-off Ceed will launch the new website.
1. TIMELINE
This is the ‘typical’ project timeframe:
Phase I – II ——-> Five business days
Phase III ——-> Five business days
Phase IV ——-> Five – seven business days
Phase V ——-> Ten – fifteen business days
Target start date: On receipt of contract
Target launch date: 25 – 32 business days thereafter
Quick turnaround time of Client input and approvals at each sign-off point is necessary in order to meet or exceed the estimated timeline dates. Quick client turnaround on requested approvals can result in a quicker website launch.
2. OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES
If third party fees are deemed relevant during the course of this project, these will first be presented to the Client for review and approval and such services will be invoiced or payable on delivery. A surcharge of 20 percent will be applied to the price of the purchase. After 20 days, we reserve the right to charge an 8 percent interest fee (annual basis) on the outstanding balance of third-party services.
Most common out-of-pocket expense(s):
- May apply to purchases of stock photography for use with design.
3. CONTENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (CMS)
If you are requesting installation of a content management system, please consider using Sprout Hosting. Extra development charges may apply on other hosting systems (please add from 2 – 21 hours to the estimated ranges above). Hosting must be PHP compatible.
Following installation, you will own all code rights and there are no ongoing fees for use. No ongoing annual fees are required for access to your website.
4. HOSTING SERVICES
If possible, the client’s website will be set up on Sprout-Hosting.com’s Basic or Delux Hosting Plan ($6.95 – $12.95 per month – see current rates at Sprout-Hosting.com). This helps shorten the development cycle because the ‘CMS’ is compatible and ready to install on Sprout Hosting. Sprout Hosting services are not required if the Client has another Linux / Apache hosting account they prefer to use, however, additional charges may apply for custom installation of the CMS to your hosting system, based on an hourly service rate that will be added to the project package total.
Similarly, final installation of a website contact form on your website depends on availability of compatible technology from the hosting company if using another provider other than Sprout Hosting. Form code should be available in working order from your hosting company (additional charges may apply for custom installation of your hosting company’s form code to your website).
5. PROJECT INACTIVITY TERMS / FEE
Should the client withhold approval due to no fault of Ceed’s installment fees will be due as usual. If the project remains inactive for more than 30 days following the last installment payment, a project restart fee of $75 will apply (will be invoiced on the completion of the project with any other final out-of-pocket expenses that have accrued; you may pay by check or online).
6. LATE FEES
Account balances that are past due will be subject to a late fee of 2 percent per month.
For example, your invoice is dated for the first day of the quarter, due NET 20. If your balance has not been received by the first day of the second month of the quarter, a 2 percent late fee will accrue and your late payment notification will reflect the fee. If it is not received by the first day of the third month of the quarter, an additional 2 percent will accrue to your total, and so on. However, Ceed may cancel overdue accounts at any time.
Installment payments due on receipt will begin to accrue late payment penalties after 20 days.
6. CANCELLATION
Either party can cancel this agreement at any time. At the time of cancellation, if Ceed has funds paid in excess of labor and service rendered, the balance will be refunded to the Client. If Ceed has worked hours and provided services in excess of received payments from the Client, the account balance will become due from the Client at the time of account cancellation, however, such labor fees cannot exceed the price cap set through the project contract. In the case of flat rate packages, the hourly rate used to calculate expended labor will be $79.50 per hour. Hourly usage is documented on an ongoing basis and available on request from the Client. Calculation of hourly rate begins on receipt of deposit (for those paying online) or on receipt of contract approval, either by fax, email, or in writing (for those paying by check).
If you have questions, please call 312-337-2592. Thanks in advance for your call.
Let’s get started.

