Web site development is done in three basic phases. To have a site that is usable, accessible, and meets the client’s goals and the visitor’s needs, each step in the design process requires careful attention to detail.

Prepare and Plan. This step is the foundation of viable Web site. It involves defining the site's goals based on consultations with the client, and studying and  researching the site's subject matter, target market, and competition. This information is then used to clarify  both the site client's and site visitors needs in the form of a Needs Analysis. Phase one is completed with the development of a Project Plan. This plan includes two essential sections: a Site Specifications and Standards document that defines the results of a project and a Project Management Plan that describes how the project will be carried out.

Phase Two

Design and Produce.  Phase Two begins with designing the basic site to meet the goals established in Phase One. The functions and abilities of the site are decided, the physical structure of the site is chosen, and the site content is prepared or created. The basic design and site content are used to develop a prototype of the site to be presented to the client. Revisions are made until the site meets with the client's approval. Phase Two concludes with the production of the full Web site.

Launch, Test, Maintain, and Improve the Site. In the final phase of development, the full site is uploaded to the host server, tested to ensure that it is working correctly, and presented to the client for final approval to mark the end of the design project. The launching of a Web site makes it available on the Internet. To be competitive on the Net, a site needs to be promoted. A basic method of promotion is the use of key terms embedded in site's HTML code meta tags. Search engines read these key terms in response to search requests and return the results to its users. Proper key terms in meta tags ensure that Web users will become aware of a site. Phase Three also includes site maintenance and improvement, although these aspects are not part of a site's original design process, they are an essential part of keeping a site viable and productive.