When you work with Webspec Design on a new web project, you can expect top of the line service from every member of your project team. Leading this talented team is someone like me; a project manager who ensures that your wants and needs are paramount throughout the entire process. Sounds simple, right? Not quite. There’s actually a lot more happening behind the scenes than you think when it comes to my role in your project.
Designing Your Custom Website
Our job as project managers isn’t only communicating your needs to the project team; it’s also directing them on budget hours, project deadlines and client feedback. If there’s a task that has to be completed at a certain time or in a certain way, we’re the ones who are doing everything we can to make that happen. Ever wonder how? Here are the steps to completing a project and why we take them:
- Tell us what you’re looking for – To kick-off your project, we’ll begin by sitting down with you and getting a clear picture of what your vision is for the website. I’ll ask you questions about design, functionality, what you like about your current site and what you’d like to change. We’ll also talk about the branding and marketing goals of your business. Last, we’ll nail down the budget you’d like to work within so our team can create a custom and detailed proposal to fit your needs.
- Project team assemble! – After we’ve met with you, I’ll assemble a design team consisting of a content coordinator, designer and developer for the site. These people were determined to be the best fit for your project needs. I’ll fill in the team on your list of wants and needs to create solutions for each element of your project. We’ll research inspirational sites and brainstorm creative ideas of our own to construct a site that accomplishes what you’re looking for within that custom framework.
- Let’s talk this over – At this point, we have come up with a clear and detailed project plan. I’ll bring your design team together to sit down with you, walk you through each phase of the project and propose what we plan to accomplish for you. During this meeting, we like to show you the various inspirational sites and special features we’ve researched so you can get a clear picture in your mind of the end goal.
- We’re so glad you picked us! – If you’ve decided that we’re a good fit for your project, it’s time to bunker down and get to work. Our content coordinator will begin the process by having a content meeting in order to determine your content needs and the overall structure of the site. What is content you ask? It’s all of the words and pictures used to tell your story! Establishing this first is important so the designer and the content coordinator can design and format your website in a way that is search engine optimized and user friendly. I, as the project manager, will guide this collaboration, reminding both the content coordinator and designer of your needs for the project and the features to be accounted for.
- Let’s get artsy – Once you have approved your sitemap, your project hits the drawing board. The designer considers every component of your site and begins from scratch to create a wireframe, and ultimately, the full, fleshed-out design. The team will work with you to move your design through the critique phases. After each review, you’ll tell us what you like and what you don’t, and we’ll tweak the design accordingly. When the design has reached completion, I’ll hand you a design approval document to approve in order to move into development.
- It’s alive! – We’re almost there! In this stage, myself and the developer will sit down and review the design of your website and talk through each of its functional features. The developer then builds out each of your custom features and brings your site to life. I’ll personally test each function and feature to ensure it’s working optimally and then pass it off for you to review.
- Training time – After you’ve reviewed the functionality of your site, we’re ready to teach you how to update its content. We understand that information changes and that your site needs to be updated and refreshed from time to time. For an additional charge, we can write an admin guide specific to your website and CMS platform. Then we’ll sit down, answer all of your questions, and show you how everything works.
- Ready. Set. Launch – It’s time to launch your website! Now that your site is ready for the world to see, show it off. If you think of any new ideas for your website down the line, give us a call. We’d love to keep the relationship going.
Tips for Communicating with Your Project Manager
I’m here to make your life easier — not annoy you with endless emails! But for our relationship to go as smoothly as possible, follow these tips:
- Tell me your wishlist up front — even if you don’t think it’s attainable with your budget. With the talented team we have at Webspec, we might be able to make it work, but not if we don’t know about it!
- During the project, we’ll sometimes need your help. For instance, your content coordinator will need your assistance to gather all of the media and content you will need on your site. Begin organizing this content as soon as you decide you want a new website, and you’ll be able to present it clearly to me early on in the content phase.
- When your project is in a phase review, always be sure to let me know about any changes you’d like to make in a timely manner. The sooner you get back to us, the sooner your project will be ready to go!
- If your project has moved into a new phase, and you haven’t heard from us, it usually means that phase is still being completed. But, if you’re ever concerned, don’t hesitate to contact me! We’re always happy to give you an update about where your project is at.
I’m one of a few project managers here at Webspec. Have you met the rest of the team?
