HARDAGE + HARDAGE

We build shopify sites for the finest small businesses in the world

In Austin, TX, and everywhere.

Project Road Map

 
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you make an INQUIRY

Hello! Thank you for finding us!

The inquiry process will tell us all if we're a good fit. We are committed to working only with folks we think we can bring exceptional value to. If that's music to your ears: digital high five! Please read on.


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a proposal is offered

If budget, scope, and timeline are a match and you would like to move forward, we'll write up a detailed list of what will be included in your project, along with start and launch dates, and our project fee, and send it to you as a simple PDF. If that proposal is accepted, we’ll attach it to a straightforward contract that you can sign online.


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deposit is sent

After the contract is signed, we’ll send an invoice for 25% of your project total.

The rest of the payment schedule is as follows: 25% on project start date, 25% when the design phase is complete, and 25% when the development phase is complete (launch time!). We will not be going anywhere after launch, don’t worry. A month of free support after the development phase is included in all of our projects.


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PROJECT: scheduled!

Sending your initial payment means your officially scheduled. We tailor our project management to each client. For some we may use Slack, for some Basecamp, for some Airtable, for some, simple emails. After scheduling, we'll make a plan for how we are going to collaborate and collect project details.

site content chat

We have a content-first design philosophy. This means that the first thing we will do, before your project even officially begins, is talk about your site’s navigation, graphic assets (things like logo, illustrations, icons), site copy, and photography. Though you'll be able to edit all of the content on your future site of course, we'll need a practical amount of "real" content in order to begin. Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through exactly what is needed, and you’ll have plenty of time to prep.


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Design questionnaire sent

After our content chat, the next thing you’ll receive is a 10-15 question design questionnaire. It’s unique to each company and will include questions about your brand’s personality, your industry, and your typical customer. This will also be a time for us to talk about design inspiration in general, and your vision for the site. (It’s really fun!)


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project start date arrives

Happy day! Even though we’ve already been working together on content strategy and design inspiration, your official start date means that you will be seeing high-fidelity mockups in just a few days.

(Invoice 2/4 is sent)


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the new DESIGN is REVEALed

At this point, Lauren is done weaving your content and design inspiration into a sparkling new site template. She may present a home page, item page, a collection page, or all three together. (It varies project to project.) Grab some coffee and have a look! Mockups are presented online using InVision. Lauren will send information about the design choices, and some helpful notes on how to give feedback.


 
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DEVELOPMENT SITE is SET UP / CONTENT work begins

In parallel with the design process, Zak will be working away on the nuts and bolts. You'll get an invitation to the development site -- that's the naked site structure before it has any clothes on. Clothes will come later. If you’re already using Shopify, this will all be familiar. If not, this is the time you’ll meet the admin side of your new site and, depending on your design, may begin adding some content.


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designs are revised and finalized

Each page in your design scope includes up to three rounds of revision, but 1-2 rounds is usually all that is necessary. A “round” of revision may include lots of notes, or just a few.

As each mockup is approved, Zak receives the file and starts integrating the design!

(Invoice 3/4 is sent)


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responsive DEVELOPMENT is happening

Ahhh, relax for a while while Zak continues to integrate the approved mockups and works on creating a consistent customer experience across different sized devices, and on different browsers.


 
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site is perfected and tested

The details of this part of the process depend on whether you’re already using Shopify, you’re migrating from another platform, or you’re putting a store together for the first time. In all cases, we’ll be helping to add site content and double check the integration. We’ll be placing test orders, combing through the site together for errors, and generally getting you GO FOR LAUNCH.


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FINAL INVOICE

The site is built, polished, and ready to deploy. Now it’s up to you to decide when you’re ready to publish. Our work here is almost done; invoice 4/4 is coming your way. Please note: we are flexible about splitting up payments. If a different schedule is more convenient, let us know. We will work with you! 


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REVEAL and REJOICE!

Some clients like to celebrate with a bang! Others like to tiptoe quietly on the scene. Whatever your style is, we will be celebrating with you on launch day. Cheers! Hope you're not sick of us yet though, because:


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SURPRISE

The process ends just like it begins, with a hello! We aren't going anywhere. Our projects come with one full month of support after the development phase is complete. Your business is going to grow and change, and web standards will too. We'll be here!