Landmark Process

Your New Library Website: What to Expect at Every Step

Building a new website should be exciting — not another thing on your plate. This page walks you through our entire Landmark process, phase by phase, so you always know what's happening, what's coming next, and what (if anything) we need from you.

Bookmark this page. Whenever you're wondering "what's next?" or "is this normal?", the answer is probably right here.

📅  Total timeline: about 4 weeks from kick-off to launch

Easy to manageYour team updates content — no tech expert needed
Mobile-friendlyLooks great on every phone, tablet, and computer
AccessibleMeets ADA and WCAG accessibility standards
Built for your communityDesigned around how your patrons use the library
Finished library website shown on laptop and phone

Your Timeline at a Glance

The 30-second version. Every phase is broken down in detail below.

PhaseWhat HappensHow LongWhat We Need From You
1 · Getting StartedQuestionnaireDays 1–3Branding files, account list
2 · Build & TrainingWe build; you preview and trainWeek 1–2Training + review
3 · LaunchQuality checks, then go liveWeek 3–4Pick a launch date with your account manager
4 · Post-LaunchSupport while you settle in1–2 weeksJust your questions!

Questions about the overall timeline

How long does the whole process take?

About 4 weeks from kick-off to launch, depending on how quickly we get the questionnaire and technical information from your team. The fastest way to keep your project on schedule is to return the questionnaire and content within the timeframes listed above.

Getting Started

Days 1–3

Step 1Tell Us Your Vision

We start by learning all about your library. We'll send you a short questionnaire covering your current frustrations, your goals for the new site, who your patrons are, and any special features you'd like to plan for.

Your part (homework)

Optional add-on: Want to hear directly from your community first? We can run patron surveys and heat mapping so the design is grounded in how people actually use your site.

Questions about this phase

When do we get to see the design?

The Landmark project timeline does not include a design and feedback phase. The site will follow our templated design system with minor updates to change colors and logos to match your branding.

Can we add patron or community feedback to the process?

Yes — we offer optional community surveys and heat mapping early in the project (Phase 1). Just mention it when you return your questionnaire.

Do you make a backup of our existing website?

As part of Phase 1, we'll ask you to work with your current hosting provider or IT team to create a complete backup (ZIP archive) of your existing website (for you to safe keep for your own records). This ensures you have a copy of the site before any work begins.

Before launch, we'll confirm that this backup has been completed. If you're unable to obtain one yourself, our team can typically create a backup for you, provided we have the necessary access to your website and hosting environment.

✅ By the end of Phase 1: We know your goals, your brand, and your vision — and we're off to build your site.

Building & Training

Week 1–2

Step 2Our Team Builds Your Site

⏱ Week 1–2

This is where the magic happens. Our developers build your custom website and prepare it for your team for training.

Your part: nothing! This stage is entirely on us. Quiet from us during this stretch is normal — it means heads-down building.

Step 3Site Reveal & Hands-On Training

🗓 Meeting: 1–1.5 hours

A major milestone: we show you the website live on a private preview site. Then our support engineer trains your team on the content management system (CMS) — you'll see how easy it is to update content yourself, no tech expert required.

Your part Bring everyone who'll be updating the site day to day.
CMS training session with library staff

Step 4Your Final Review Period

⏱ 1–2 weeks

Now it's your turn to play. Explore the preview site and click everything. This is when your team will start migrating content from your old site to the new one.

Your part Need revisions or updates? Although not included in your scope you can request a quote on any changes and requests.

Questions about this phase

Who moves the content from our old website?

Depends on your budget. However our team will outline the process for you and help you decide if you want to do it yourself or hire us to do it. Content migration is not included in Landmark projects unless included as an add-on in your project.

How much of my team's time will this take?

Less than you'd think. Across the whole project, plan for: the initial questionnaire and homework, one training meeting (1–1.5 hours), and a pre-launch window where you explore and migrate content from your old site to the new one at your own pace. Everything else is on us.

Note: Content migration is not included in Landmark projects unless included as an add-on in your project. So this step's length will vary depending on the amount of content you need to migrate. You can request a quote for content migration after the build is complete.

Do we need anyone technical on our team?

No. The CMS is designed so anyone on your staff can update content, and we train your whole team before launch (Step 3).

✅ By the end of Phase 2: Your site is built, your team is trained and ready to launch.

Launching Your Site

Week 3–4

Step 5The Deep Dive Safety Check

⏱ 2–3 days

Our dedicated quality assurance (QA) team checks the site on all devices — phones, tablets, computers — and across browsers, so everything looks and works perfectly for every user. We also verify the site meets ADA and WCAG accessibility standards.

Step 6The Countdown Begins!

⏱ 2–3 days

We complete final performance and operational tasks to get everything launch-ready.

Your part Your account manager will work with you to schedule the exact day and time of your launch.

Step 7Your New Website is LIVE! 🎉

⏱ Publishing takes 1–2 hours

The big moment. Our engineers publish your site — and your gorgeous new, high-performing, fully responsive website is live for your community.

Library website launch celebration

Questions about this phase

Will the site work on phones and tablets?

Yes — the site is fully responsive and mobile-friendly, and our QA team tests it on all devices and browsers before launch (Step 5).

Will the site be accessible?

Yes. We verify the site meets ADA and WCAG accessibility standards as part of our quality assurance process.

Who decides the launch date?

You do, together with your account manager, during the launch countdown (Step 6). Launch itself usually takes just 1–2 hours.

What happens to our old website?

Your old site stays live throughout the project — your patrons won't notice a thing until the new site launches in its place.

Do you make a backup of our existing website?

As part of Phase 1, we'll ask you to work with your current hosting provider or IT team to create a complete backup (ZIP archive) of your existing website (for you to safe keep for your own records). This ensures you have a copy of the site before any work begins.

Before launch, we'll confirm that this backup has been completed. If you're unable to obtain one yourself, our team can typically create a backup for you, provided we have the necessary access to your website and hosting environment.

✅ By the end of Phase 3: You're live!

Post-Launch Peace of Mind

1–2 weeks

Step 8Post-Launch Support

⏱ 7–14 days

We don't disappear after launch. For the next 1–2 weeks, our support team is on hand to answer questions as your team gets comfortable with the new site.

Want to keep the momentum going? Ask us about our ongoing support program — our team maintains and upgrades your site on a flexible, month-to-month basis.

Questions about this phase

What happens after launch?

You get 1–2 weeks of dedicated post-launch support while your team settles in. After that, ask us about our month-to-month ongoing support program for maintenance and upgrades.

Frequently Asked Questions

Type a keyword — like launch, feedback, or training — to find your answer instantly.

How long does the whole process take?

About 4 weeks from kick-off to launch, depending on how quickly we get the questionnaire and technical information from your team. The fastest way to keep your project on schedule is to return the questionnaire and content within the timeframes listed above.

How much of my team's time will this take?

Less than you'd think. Across the whole project, plan for: the initial questionnaire and homework, one training meeting (1–1.5 hours), and a pre-launch window where you explore and migrate content from your old site to the new one at your own pace. Everything else is on us.

Note: Content migration is not included in Landmark projects unless included as an add-on in your project. So this step's length will vary depending on the amount of content you need to migrate. You can request a quote for content migration after the build is complete.

Who moves the content from our old website?

Depends on your budget. However our team will outline the process for you and help you decide if you want to do it yourself or hire us to do it. Content migration is not included in Landmark projects unless included as an add-on in your project.

Do we need anyone technical on our team?

No. The CMS is designed so anyone on your staff can update content, and we train your whole team before launch (Step 3).

When do we get to see the design?

The Landmark project timeline does not include a design and feedback phase. The site will follow our templated design system with minor updates to change colors and logos to match your branding.

Will the site work on phones and tablets?

Yes — the site is fully responsive and mobile-friendly, and our QA team tests it on all devices and browsers before launch (Step 5).

Will the site be accessible?

Yes. We verify the site meets ADA and WCAG accessibility standards as part of our quality assurance process.

Who decides the launch date?

You do, together with your account manager, during the launch countdown (Step 6). Launch itself usually takes just 1–2 hours.

What happens to our old website?

Your old site stays live throughout the project — your patrons won't notice a thing until the new site launches in its place.

What happens after launch?

You get 1–2 weeks of dedicated post-launch support while your team settles in. After that, ask us about our month-to-month ongoing support program for maintenance and upgrades.

Can we add patron or community feedback to the process?

Yes — we offer optional community surveys and heat mapping early in the project (Phase 1). Just mention it when you return your questionnaire.

Do you make a backup of our existing website?

As part of Phase 1, we'll ask you to work with your current hosting provider or IT team to create a complete backup (ZIP archive) of your existing website (for you to safe keep for your own records). This ensures you have a copy of the site before any work begins.

Before launch, we'll confirm that this backup has been completed. If you're unable to obtain one yourself, our team can typically create a backup for you, provided we have the necessary access to your website and hosting environment.

No matches for that search. Try a different keyword — or scroll down to reach your account manager.

Still Have a Question?

  1. Check this page first — most answers about timing, next steps, and "is this normal?" live here.
  2. During your review period, use the page-by-page feedback process from training — it's faster than email and keeps everything tracked.
  3. Anything else? Contact us and we'll be happy to help.
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