Our biotech website design process, from first question to launch.
Axxiem builds every website in four stages: business analysis and consulting, design and content, client approval, and build, QA and launch. Each site is built on a private demo location and reviewed with you before it goes live, then tested in AxxiTRAC, our own bug tracking tool.
How does Axxiem build a website?
Every biotech website development project at Axxiem follows the same four stages. We define your business objectives and target audiences, design the site and its visuals around them, build the whole site on a private demo location for your review, and test it thoroughly before launch. Everyone is busy, and lack of time is the concern we hear most, so the process is built to take work off your plate.
- 1
Business analysis and consulting
We start with your objectives and your audiences.
Read Stage 1 - 2
Design and content
Visuals and layout built around the key points.
Read Stage 2 - 3
Client approval
You review the real site on a private demo.
Read Stage 3 - 4
Build, QA and launch
Full testing, then launch once everything works.
Read Stage 4
- Objectives before technologyOur first question is about your goals, not software.
- A private demo before launchYou review the real site, so nothing surprises you.
- QA you can count onFull test protocols, tracked in AxxiTRAC.
- Experience since 2004Built for biotech and growth companies.
Business analysis and consulting
We start with your business objectives, not with technology.
Our first question is always about your business objectives. A website does not need to appeal to everyone. It needs to appeal to your target audiences, and the better we understand their goals, the better we can design their experience.
Most of our projects are redesigns of websites that were launched without clearly defined objectives, which is why this stage matters. We define the objectives with you, then design the means to reach them. It sounds like a lot of work, and it can be. You will know we did our job right, because the results speak for themselves.
For biotech and life science teams, we also take the time to understand the science, the philosophy and the culture of your company, so the site tells your story at the right level for investors, partners and scientists.
Our first question is about your business objectives.
What we do
- Define your business objectives with you
- Identify your target audiences and what motivates each
- Review your current site, messaging and materials
What we need from you
- Your goals, even if they are still rough
- Time with the people who know your science and customers
- Your current site, brand materials and presentations
What you get
- Clear objectives that guide every decision
- A shared understanding of your audiences
- A plan for the website and the marketing around it
Design and content
The web is a very visual place. Visitors see before they start to think.
We focus on visuals and graphics to tell stories, because it is not only the words that matter. Content layout is as important as the content itself, and visitors move fast.
We work with you to identify the key points, or call outs, that carry the message at a glance. Our graphics team develops custom graphics, animations and videos to tell your story further, including mechanism of action animations for biotech.
Content consulting is included with every project, as is access to the complete Shutterstock photo library, so you are never stuck staring at a blank page.
Visitors see before they think.
What we do
- Lay out content so the key points are seen first
- Create custom graphics, animations and video
- Consult on content and messaging
What we need from you
- Your key messages and source material
- Feedback on design directions
- Technical or scientific review where it matters
What you get
- A site designed around your audiences
- Custom visuals that explain what words cannot
- The complete Shutterstock photo library
Client approval process
No surprises on delivery day.
Our business team works closely with you every step of the way. Typically, weekly or biweekly Zoom meetings keep the project on track.
Before any Axxiem site goes to production, a sandbox is set up to host the demo. Every site is fully built on our private demo location, and regular client reviews are part of the process. You see and click through the real site, give feedback, and watch it change.
This saves you time and makes sure nothing surprises you when the site is actually delivered. We work through revisions with you until the result reflects your vision, focus and culture.
What we do
- Host the full site on a private demo location
- Meet with you weekly or biweekly on Zoom
- Work through revisions until it is right
What we need from you
- Timely feedback after each review
- One person who can make decisions
- Your approval before we move to final testing
What you get
- A working site you can click through
- Regular progress you can see
- A site that reflects your vision and culture
Build, QA testing and launch
Every website is tested before it goes live.
Websites are built on our private demo location for review and QA before they go live. Once the site is fully functional, our Quality Assurance team goes through full QA test protocols.
During this phase, our programming and QA teams use AxxiTRAC, Axxiem’s own bug tracking and testing tool. Every issue is logged, fixed and checked, so we can be sure the site works properly before launch. Website QA testing is a built-in stage of every project, not an extra.
Then we launch, and we stay. We host and support the sites we build, so your website keeps pace with your company.
What we do
- Run full QA test protocols on the demo site
- Track and fix every issue in AxxiTRAC
- Launch once everything works
What we need from you
- Your final review and approval
- Domain and hosting details if you are moving a site
- A decision on launch timing
What you get
- A tested site, launched
- Hosting and a 24/7 helpdesk behind it
- A team that stays with you after launch
After launch, we keep going
A launch is a starting point. We host and support the websites we build, and the same team can help you grow what you launched.
Your site is backed by a dedicated helpdesk, and our marketing team picks up where the build leaves off.
Graphics and animation
New illustrations, animation and video as your story grows.
Explore GraphicsSEO and analytics
Search engine optimization, on-page optimization and Google Analytics.
Explore SEOGenerative engine optimization
Pages that AI assistants and search engines can find, understand and cite.
Explore GEOGoogle Ads management
Campaigns planned, built and managed, with conversion tracking and clear reporting.
Explore Google AdsWordPress hosting and 24/7 support
Dedicated servers at AWS, with 24/7 support from our global support team.
Explore HostingEmail campaigns
Email blasts people want to read, with opt-out requests respected.
Explore EmailPitch decks
Sales and business PowerPoint decks that capture attention and persuade.
Explore Pitch Decks
Not sure what to bring to the first conversation?
Tick what you already have. You do not need all of it. We help with anything you are missing, and nothing you tick here is saved or sent.
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Come as you are. We will help with the rest.
Start A ProjectQuestions we answer before you ask
The questions prospective clients ask us most, in the order they tend to come up. Pick a topic to narrow the list.
How does Axxiem’s website design process work?
Every Axxiem project follows four stages: business analysis and consulting, design and content, client approval, and build, QA testing and launch. We start with your business objectives, design around your target audiences, build the full site on a private demo location for your review, and test it thoroughly before it goes live.
What is the first step?
Business analysis and consulting. Our first question is about your business objectives, not about technology. A website does not need to appeal to everyone, only to your target audiences, so we learn who they are, what they want and what you need the site to achieve.
Do I need a clear strategy or brief before I contact you?
No. Most of our projects are redesigns of websites that were launched without clearly defined objectives. Our website redesign process starts by defining those objectives with you, then designing the website and marketing to reach them.
How much will my project cost?
Cost depends on the scope: the number of pages, how much custom graphics and animation your story needs, and what marketing you want around the site. We scope and quote after the first conversation, so the number reflects your actual objectives. Nonprofits can ask about AxxiCARE, where projects are budgeted by need, from deeply discounted to fully pro bono.
How long does a website project take?
It depends on the scope and on how quickly feedback comes back. We agree a schedule once we understand the project, and weekly or biweekly meetings keep it on track. Projects move fastest when we have your objectives and key messages at the start and one person who can make decisions.
Is the process different for startups and established companies?
The four stages are the same. Website design for startups, including companies coming out of stealth, often spends more time in stage one, defining objectives and messaging. Established companies often arrive with a site that needs a redesign and begin by clarifying what it should do differently.
How often will we meet?
Typically weekly or biweekly on Zoom. Our business team works closely with you at every step, so you always know where the project stands.
Will I see the website before it goes live?
Yes. Every site is fully built on our private demo location before launch, and regular client reviews happen there. You click through the real site, give feedback and see changes before anything goes public. That is our client approval process, and it means no surprises on delivery day.
What if I want changes after I see the design?
Reviews on the demo site are where changes happen. We work through revisions with you until the site reflects your vision, focus and culture.
What do you need from me?
Your business objectives, even if they are rough; a sense of who you need to reach; your current website and any brand materials, presentations or product information; and timely feedback after each review. We help with anything you are missing, and content consulting is included with every project.
Do you create custom graphics and animation?
Yes. Our graphics team develops custom graphics, animations and videos to tell your story, including mechanism of action animations for biotech. Visitors see before they start to think, so we use visuals to carry the message and not only words.
Are stock photos included?
Yes. Every project includes access to the complete Shutterstock photo library.
Can you redesign my existing website?
Yes. Redesigns are most of our work. We begin by defining the objectives the original site may never have had, then rebuild around your target audiences.
What platform do you build on?
We build custom, responsive WordPress websites, and we host and support them after launch.
How do you test a website before launch?
Once the site is fully functional on our private demo location, our Quality Assurance team runs full QA test protocols. Our programming and QA teams use AxxiTRAC, our bug tracking and testing tool, so issues are fixed and verified before the site goes live. Website QA testing is a stage of every project, not an extra.
Who hosts the website, and what support is included?
We offer WordPress hosting on dedicated servers at AWS, with 24/7 support from our global support team.
Do you help with SEO and marketing after launch?
Yes. Our social media and digital marketing team provides search engine optimization, on-page optimization and Google Analytics. We also manage email campaigns and prepare PowerPoint pitch decks.
Who will I work with?
A business team that guides the project, UI designers and a graphics team for the design, and programming and QA teams for the build, with our helpdesk and IT team behind the site after launch. They work as one team.
Do you work with companies outside the United States?
Yes. We work with clients across the United States and internationally, and our team has worked comfortably across time zones.
Do you work with nonprofits?
Yes, through AxxiCARE, our program for selected nonprofit and educational organizations. Each project is budgeted based on need, from deeply discounted to fully pro bono.
What makes Axxiem’s process different?
Four things. We start with business objectives instead of technology. Every site is built and reviewed on a private demo location before launch. Every site is tested with full QA protocols tracked in AxxiTRAC. And we have been building websites for life science and growth companies since 2004.
The results of our process
What clients say about working through the four stages with us.
“Took the time to dig in and really get to know our work.”
Steven R. Izatt, President and CEO
IBC Advanced Technologies
“Worked in a collaborative fashion.”
Lu Alleruzzo, CEO and Co-Founder
Immunophotonics, Inc.
“Willingness to work with us through multiple revisions.”
Michelle Haven, Chief Executive Officer
Edge Animal Health
“Understood our objectives and was responsive.”
Frank Li, MD, PhD, President and CEO
Cellicure, Inc.
Tell us what your website needs to do.
Share your goals and your audience. We will come back with a clear plan for the website and the marketing around it.