Ever wondered why most website projects never end?, changes after changes lead to frustration. Here are eight tips how to keep your website project on track and achieve desired results
1. Make sure you research your designer to be authentic with a reputable portfolio behind them before engaging them.
Website design business has a low barrier to entry, any body can claim knowledge of the trade and this is where your research as a client before awarding your business is key, Make sure the designer or company you are hiring has a track record of delivering quality work within the stipulated timeline.
2. Define a clear project scope
One reason why most website projects never end is due to lack of a clear project scope, Changes keep coming along the way and before you know it, you are one year down the project lane with unfinished website.
3. Understand the technology to be used and let the designer explain to you the benefits of the platform to be used.
Technology choice is also another reason some website projects never end. There are so many website platforms in the market today, including content management systems, development on some platforms like CMS (WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, Typo3 among others) will make the process faster while custom development would make the delivery time longer.
4. Agree on timelines and deliverables but make sure you also do your part as a client
Before the designer kickstarts your project, make sure he/she presents you with timelines for each deliverable as this will be used as benchmark to review the project progress. There are many open source project management tools out there that can help both you and the designer stay on track.
5. Keep the design team in check thru meetings, can be online and offline to check on progress and reviews
Agree on regular meetings to review progress, challenges and solutions. There are many meeting tools to take advantage of like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet
6. Ask for a handover report, most website projects never end formally, and this can lead to a frustrating relationships since changes keep popping up and your designer end up running away.
7. Ask your designer what next after a handover.
Are there maintenance overheads? if so, How is it going to be handled, Will there be a technology transfer? By who? Is there an additional cost for training? This is spell out clear terms and avoid getting you frustrated in the long run.
8. Play your part as a good client by paying what you agreed in time.
In summary, don’t be the client from hell, Do your part by making timely payments as agreed at the onset