Step 1: Discovery and Business Alignment
Every successful website begins with understanding the business behind it. Discovery is where we eliminate assumptions and get clarity.
During discovery, we focus on:
- Business goals and measurable KPIs
- Target audiences and decision behavior
- Services, differentiators, and positioning
- Competitive landscape within Chicago
- Current website challenges and gaps
- Technical requirements and integrations
This phase ensures the website is built to support outcomes, not opinions.
Step 2: Content Strategy and Site Architecture
Before design begins, we define how the website should work.
This step focuses on:
- Sitemap planning and page hierarchy
- Navigation structure and user flow
- Purpose definition for each page
- Internal linking strategy for scalability
- Content structure that supports clarity
For organizations investing in organic growth, we align structure with our SEO services to support discoverability without compromising UX.
Step 3: UX Strategy and Wireframing
User experience planning ensures visitors understand value quickly and can move confidently through the site.
UX strategy includes:
- Clear value communication above the fold
- Logical paths to services, proof, and action
- Scannable layouts that reduce friction
- Conversion planning aligned with intent
- Accessibility and usability considerations
Wireframes allow structure to be validated before visual design begins.
Step 4: Custom UI Design
We do not use templates. Every interface is designed from scratch.
Custom UI design includes:
- Brand-aligned visual systems
- Typography and hierarchy planning
- Component-based layout systems
- Responsive behavior across devices
- Visual trust signals and credibility cues
Design choices are made to support clarity, confidence, and conversion.
Step 5: In-House Graphic Design Support
Strong visuals improve comprehension and engagement.
Our in-house graphic designers support web projects with:
- Custom icons for clarity and scannability
- Illustrations to explain services or processes
- Digital graphics that reinforce hierarchy
This work integrates seamlessly with our Chicago graphic design capabilities.
Step 6: Development and CMS Build
Once design is approved, we move into development.
Development includes:
- Clean, maintainable code
- Reusable components for scalability
- CMS configurations designed for internal teams
- Performance optimization
- SEO-ready technical foundations
Websites are built to grow, not break.
Step 7: Content Population and Quality Assurance
Before launch, we validate every detail.
This phase includes:
- Content population and formatting
- Navigation and link testing
- Mobile and cross-browser QA
- Form and conversion testing
- Performance checks
Launch confidence comes from preparation.
Step 8: Launch and Stabilization
Launch is not the end of the process.
Post-launch support often includes:
- Deployment verification
- Bug fixes and refinements
- Monitoring performance and usability
For ongoing initiatives, sites can be supported through our marketing capabilities.
Step 9: Ongoing Optimization and Growth
Many Chicago businesses continue evolving after launch.
Ongoing support may include:
- New service or location pages
- UX refinements based on real behavior
- Content expansion
- Conversion optimization
- Technical updates
A strong website improves over time.
Why Our Process Works for Chicago Businesses
Our process is built to deliver clarity, not shortcuts.
Chicago clients choose Rawcut Creative because we provide:
- Strategy before design
- Custom UI without templates
- Integrated UX and graphic design
- Scalable development systems
- Websites built for long-term growth
