An image / diagram that explains the process of web design engagements.

The key points for our clients are the control of content supply from a client. Using this process there are only 2 points at which the client is expected to give input.
The first is the supply of content which in this scenario we’d expect in one bulk lot. This stops the drip feeding of information, gives us the design firm a breaking point where we’re not expected to work on the project until the information is 100% supplied.
The second is the review process - we typcally give the client as long as they need to comprehensiveley test the system and we have one oportunity to make changes, again this is to stip a steady stream of “I have just noticed…” and “can you just…” emails that tend to happen as clients use the site.
And although we do in-house testing of the system, the client is also responsible for part of this which means if there are any issues post launch, that the client has part ownership which stops the “big pointy finger of blame” from being directed 100% at you the design firm.