New Website Design Project Request

Here are a few key requirements I follow to ensure everything runs smoothly and tasks are accomplished efficiently:

• I design WordPress sites exclusively using Elementor.
• For Shopify, I build using GemPages.
• At the moment, I’m not building sites in any other plugins or apps besides these two.
• I prefer using the “Astra” theme for WordPress (totally blank) as a starting point to build on, along with a Child Theme setup.

The reason for these choices is simple: after years of working closely with smaller web agencies, we’ve found that these tools and methods offer the best balance of efficiency and speed. This system has allowed me to consistently deliver custom, fully-functional websites on time while keeping projects on track.

If you’re comfortable with this approach, we’ll likely work really well together!

I make working with me simple and straightforward. There’s no need to overcomplicate the process or get distracted by unnecessary details.

Through my experience with smaller web agencies, I’ve found that email communication is the most efficient way to get things done. It allows us to easily track our communication and keep everything documented, helping us stay on the same page and work toward a shared goal.

You can submit your project request here or simply send an email to [email protected] to start the conversation about your project and check my availability.

Some things you might include in the initial email:

• Number and names of website pages you’ll need built.
• Is it a standard website or Ecommerce site? WordPress or Shopify?
• Does your client have an existing website? If so, please share it.

Typically I respond within an hour to confirm whether I can take on your project. If I’m available, I’ll include an invoice for 50% of the total amount, which can be paid securely online. Once payment is made, you can send me the project details.

In this second email, you might include:

• Links to any shared folders with assets (Dropbox, Drive, etc.)
• Or your client’s logos/assets attached to an email
• Client design requests for overall look and feel/color scheme of site
• Any content from client and what pages they should go on
• Primary menu structure (HOME, ABOUT, SERVICES, etc.)
• IMPORTANT: Website login credentials

Once I receive your email, I’ll begin working on a homepage mockup. In my experience, agency partners typically only need a homepage design, as the secondary pages naturally follow the same theme.

If you have any changes to the mockup, simply reply with specific feedback. If everything looks good, I’ll move forward with the full buildout.

My goal is to keep things as simple and efficient as possible. I know that time is money for agencies, so I aim to make the entire process seamless – without disrupting the flow of the business you’ve worked hard to build!

This document serves as a comprehensive guide to the best practices I follow for every WordPress and Shopify website project. It’s designed to give your agency confidence that your client’s website is being developed using proven methods that prioritize functionality, design, and efficiency. By adhering to these guidelines, I ensure that each project is delivered on time, within scope, and with the highest level of professionalism, allowing you to stay informed and involved throughout the process.

Sometimes, you may need to work with limited information from your client and will have to wait for further guidance as it becomes available. This is completely normal, and I strive to accommodate these situations. As long as the work falls within the agreed upon Scope of Work and Terms of Service, it will be considered valid.

BEFORE BEGINNING

I start by researching similar websites to gather creative ideas and inspiration. In this phase, I compile a selection of sites that will influence the design of the website mockup. After reviewing these examples, I will develop a mockup that reflects the best elements and aligns with your client’s vision. This ensures you have a clear view of my design strategy and approach.

PAGE BUILDER/DESIGN

I design each website using Elementor (for WordPress) or GemPages (for Shopify), customizing the layout and design to fit your client’s specific goals. While you or your clients may have input, I’m often entrusted to use my best judgment – many of my agency partners rely on me to handle the design with minimal oversight, knowing they can trust me to deliver high-quality results. This level of trust allows you to focus on bigger-picture priorities. However, if you have any changes or suggestions along the way, you’re always welcome to share them – I’m flexible and happy to adjust as needed.

Before any building work begins, I’ll present a clear design plan for your approval. And if your client has a logo or brand guidelines, feel free to send them over so I can ensure the design is consistent with their overall branding.

THEME

The choice of theme is flexible; however, based on my experience with agency partners, the “Astra” theme is one of the most feature-rich and versatile options to start with. All WordPress designs are built using the free versions of Elementor and Astra, so you won’t need to purchase additional licenses or plugins for custom website designs. If your agency uses Astra Pro or Elementor Pro, you would be responsible for those software fees. I always install a Child Theme of “Astra” to ensure that the site design remains intact during updates.

IMAGES

When using images from the web, I exclusively utilize images that are licensed under “CC0” with clear indications of “Free for Commercial Use” and “No Attribution Required” at the source. This is a critical aspect of my process. Consequently, this may limit the image selection to those available on platforms such as:

• PxHere
• Pexels
• Piqsels

Additionally, depending on the availability of suitable free images, you may opt for purchasing images from stock photo websites.

LINKING THROUGHOUT SITE

When linking to internal pages or files, I always omit the domain portion and https. For example, rather than using https://xxxx.com/about/ for an About page link, I use /about/.

This approach ensures that when the site is moved to a new domain, all links and menu items remain functional, regardless of the domain change.

PAGES AND FILE NAMING STRUCTURE

I use dashes ( – ) instead of underscores ( _ ) for naming pages, files, and other elements.

For example:

• File name: our-services.pdf
• Page slug: our-services

I always use lowercase letters for file names and page/post slugs.

For page and post titles, I capitalize the first letter of each primary word.

For example:

Page title: Our Services

HOSTING AND SITE CREDENTIALS

You will be responsible for installing your client’s development sites and handling the migration to the live environment. This may involve running the site directly from its final destination or setting up a staging site for later migration to the live environment.

Typically, my agency partners set up a blank WordPress site and provide me with login credentials while I design and build the site. Once the project is complete, you do not need to retain access for me, although you may choose to keep an account for any future front-end support needs (15 or 30 day support available at no extra charge based on the package you select).

In general, what you can expect of me for every project is:

• A homepage mockup of your client’s site, designed to closely match the final live version once it’s completed.
• A completely built and fully responsive WordPress or Shopify website.
• Every page designed to the client’s requests, and loaded with content provided by your client.
• Images optimized for the web.
• Once the site is complete, your agency only needs to handle any technical tasks like SEO optimization or custom integrations.
• If needed, a basic logo design for your client is included at no extra charge (learn more here).
• Consistently fast and clear communication, fast delivery, and high-quality work.
• A completely white label service, meaning an unbranded website that you can take full credit for.
• Front-end web design support for 15 or 30 days, depending on the chosen package (learn more here).

Here are more specifics:

OVERALL SCOPE

• Complete website built in Elementor (WordPress) or GemPages (Shopify) builders
• Based on chosen package, up to 20 designed pages

DESIGN/THEME

• 100% original website design
• Theme to remain consistent throughout entire site
• Build will be started on the “Astra” theme
• “Astra” Child Theme installed to ensure site design remains intact during updates
• Modern and appealing design unless otherwise specified/directed
• Mobile responsiveness
• Basic logo design for your client if needed (review criteria here)
• Theme set in WP Customizer/Elementor Styling or GemPages (includes colors, typography, etc.)
• Landing page design if specifically requested by client (example: specific page for a Google Ads campaign)

PLUGINS/ADDONS

• All WordPress sites will be built using only free plugins or themes*

CONTENT

• Content added for all pages (supplied by your client)
• Add text/copy to all pages
• Add images to all pages
• Add documents (like PDFs) to any pages
• Add links to all pages
• All images provided by client will be optimized/exported for web use

FEATURES/FUNCTIONS

• Contact form creation for any pages**

PRE-LAUNCH CHECKLIST

• All links checked to ensure no broken links/linked to proper page
• Proper heading tag implementation on all pages
• Typography/color scheme consistent across all pages
• Website tested in a minimum of 3 different browsers
• Image compression/optimization

*If your agency uses Astra Pro or Elementor Pro, you would be responsible for those software fees.
**You must configure any SMTP/MX settings.

EXCLUSIONS:

• Direct client support/communication with your client
• Website hosting/set up/configuration
• Creating legal/compliance pages (Privacy Policy, Terms of Service, etc.)
• Copywriting/content (client must provide all)
• Set up/configure plugins not design-related or related to basic required functions (like contact forms)
• Set up/addition of WooComm/eCommerce products (only 1 to 3 test products will be created)
• Set up/configure SMTP/MX records and settings for forms
• Export/import blog posts
• Export/import products
• SEO
• Google Search Console setup/integration
• Social media integrations such as for an Instagram gallery
• Coding that doesn’t apply to basic functionality of front-end design
• Proofreading
• Keyword research
• XML Sitemap
• Robots.txt
• Checking if site serves HTTPS
• Testing conversion paths (example: lead generation forms, checkout processes, account registration, etc.)
• Analytics
• UX testing (example: Add to Cart button doesn’t work)
• Accessibility testing
• Compliance with any privacy laws/regulations
• Backups
• Any social media integrations
• Website/page speed
• Regular updates
• Training of any kind
• Extra pages outside scope of work

Extra pages added in after starting the project will be charged to your agency at a rate of $200 per page, due immediately upon addition to the project.

Definitions:

I, Me, or Myself refers to Brad Borja, the independent contractor responsible for providing web design services as outlined in this agreement.

You, Your, or Agency refers to the business entity or individual entering into this agreement for the purpose of receiving services from Brad Borja.

By engaging Brad Borja for web design services, you agree to be bound by these terms.

Terms:

You must ensure that all WordPress plugins or Shopify Apps are up to date or at least using the latest stable version available. 

You are responsible for setting up the WordPress or Shopify installation/account.

You are responsible for providing me with login credentials to access the WordPress or Shopify account for the purpose of website design mockups, testing, designing, and building.

You will be responsible for ensuring that you have all necessary plugins or apps installed for the project.

All WordPress websites will be designed in Elementor. They will always be designed and built in the latest stable plugin version available. I can also build in Elementor Pro however, your agency will be responsible for paying for the pro version of the plugin.

All Shopify websites will be designed in GemPages, which requires a monthly subscription. Your agency or your client will be responsible for paying the subscription. This will more than likely be a monthly cost that your client will pay, as GemPages combines their charges with Shopify’s monthly charges.

I provide basic front-end web design support to your agency for 15 or 30 days (depending on chosen package) upon completion of your client’s website. This is included in the cost of each package at no extra charge.

I do not offer downtime support if – while during or after the building of your client’s site – the website goes down due to plugin errors or outdated plugins. I am not responsible for plugin compatibility issues if they arise before, during, or after the project.

You are responsible for ensuring that the WordPress installation is hosted in a stable environment (either staging or live site).

If the WordPress site is in a staging environment, you will be solely responsible for transferring/migrating the website to a live environment/server upon completion and launch of the project.

You are solely responsible for communicating/interfacing with your client(s). I never communicate with any of my agency partner’s clients.

It is your responsibility to optimize your client’s website (including SEO alt tags, etc.) I am only responsible for front end design work. I do ensure that any images or photos that I use are optimized and exported in Photoshop, then uploaded to the website.

If a website that I am currently designing and building goes down due to database or plugin related issues outside of your/my control, I will do my best to provide as much front-end support as I can to get things back up and running in a timely manner.

View all FAQs here.