Website design and development proposal template

Ask questions to understand the needs of the website. Usually, the questions asked are: 

• What business goals are and how the website can be used to achieve those goals?
• What is the purpose of the website?
• What kind of content needs to be there?
• Is there a specific group of people that will help to reach the goals?
• Are the audience children or adults people?
• What kind of information they be looking for on the website?

Using the information gathered, a sitemap and wireframes are created.
The sitemap is a list of all main topic areas of the site, as well as sub-topics, if applicable. It defines pages to be created, content to be prepared, it helps to develop consistent, easy-to-understand navigation between pages.
Wireframes provide a visual description of a website and focus on functions available, the rules for displaying certain kinds of information, etc. 
Also, it’s time when decisions are made on technologies to be used to create the website, functions, and features needed in the website, e.g. login, email subscription, live chat, etc. are listed.

You could have drawn the layout of the site from the very beginning, but it is best to wait to do so until all of the background components of the project are in place.

One or more prototype designs are created for the website. This could be either image of the website, mock-ups, sketches, or even access to an incomplete version of the website under development. The design prototype allows the client to express likes and dislikes on the site design. It is much easier to change a prototype rather than a fully designed web page.

The visual style, the design layout are created for the website. The key factor for the design is the target audience. For example, the look and feel of the website are different for leisure e-shop and public authority. 
The design is often shaped by existing branding elements, color choices, and logos, as stipulated by the client.

Once the design is approved, web development comes into play. The database is created, logic and actual programming work are done. It is ensured all the elements of the website work properly, e.g. user registration, integration with an external system. Content provided is loaded onto the website.

Pages and links are tested to make sure every bug is found and corrected before the launch of the website. Both development and client teams are actively involved. The rest of the website is populated with relevant content.

Website delivery is performed. The server is prepared, website files are transferred.

The development of the website is not necessarily over, though. One way to bring repeat visitors to the website is to offer new content or products regularly. Usually the post-development support, maintenance package is offered at rates, based on how often you anticipate making changes or additions to the website.
Also, monitoring of traffic to website, search engine optimization could be performed. 

Add tasks that are performed during all or a few phases, if any. For example, project management.