How We Work
A process built on clarity
Six phases. Clear handoffs. No surprises. Here’s exactly what working with White Oak Media looks like from start to finish.
Our Commitment
Four principles that guide every project
You're never in the dark
We use a shared project portal so you always know what's happening, what's coming next, and where we need your input.
We scope before we build
No scope creep surprises. If something changes, we talk about it before any work happens.
Design is approved before build begins
We don't start building until you've signed off on how the site will look. This prevents expensive rework.
We finish what we start
Your project has a dedicated timeline. We don't juggle 20 projects — when you're in, you're in.
How We Work
A process built for trust, not surprises
Six clear phases — each one designed so you always know where things stand.
Discovery
Before any design work, we need to understand your community, your goals, and what's not working today. We ask the questions others skip — and really listen to the answers.
We provide
- ✓60-minute discovery call
- ✓Competitor + benchmark review
- ✓Digital audit of current presence
- ✓Project brief document
You provide
- →Context on your organization and audience
- →What you want visitors to do
- →Examples of sites you admire (and why)
Strategy
We map out the sitemap, user flows, and content strategy before touching design. This is where we align on goals and make decisions that save time later.
We provide
- ✓Sitemap + page hierarchy
- ✓Content outline per page
- ✓SEO keyword targets
- ✓Moodboard + visual direction
You provide
- →Approval on sitemap and structure
- →Existing brand assets (logo, fonts, colors)
Design
We design in Figma, starting with the homepage and key page templates, then filling in the full site. You review and give feedback in rounds — no surprises.
We provide
- ✓Full-site Figma mockups
- ✓Mobile + desktop layouts
- ✓2 rounds of design revisions
- ✓Handoff-ready design specs
You provide
- →Timely feedback (within 3 business days per round)
- →Final approval before build begins
Build
We build exactly what was approved in design — no drift. We use clean, performant code and configure your CMS so updates are effortless for your team.
We provide
- ✓Full development of approved designs
- ✓CMS setup and configuration
- ✓All third-party integrations
- ✓Accessibility + performance optimization
You provide
- →Final copy and photos
- →Logins for hosting/domain/existing tools
Launch
We handle the technical lift of going live — domain configuration, redirects, SSL, and a pre-launch checklist of 30+ items so nothing slips through.
We provide
- ✓Pre-launch QA checklist (30+ items)
- ✓DNS + domain configuration
- ✓301 redirects for existing pages
- ✓Sitemap submission to Google
- ✓Launch-day monitoring
You provide
- →Final approval
- →Domain registrar access
Support
We don't disappear after launch. You get 90 days of included support, a training session, and ongoing options if you want us in your corner long-term.
We provide
- ✓90-day post-launch support (included)
- ✓CMS training session + video walkthrough
- ✓Monthly retainer options (updates, SEO, email)
- ✓Priority response for urgent issues
You provide
- →Feedback on what's working
- →Content updates your team handles
Typical Timeline
From kickoff to launch in 6–10 weeks
Most projects follow this schedule. Complex builds or slow content delivery can extend it — we'll be upfront.
Week 1
Discovery + Strategy
Week 2
Design kickoff — homepage and key templates
Week 3–4
Full design + revisions
Week 5–7
Development build
Week 8
QA, content entry, final review
Week 9
Launch
Ongoing
90-day post-launch support
Ready to start your project?
Every project starts with a free 30-minute discovery call. We'll scope the work, answer your questions, and give you a clear proposal.
No commitment. No sales pressure. Just a real conversation.