5 Steps to Help You Run a Successful Web Project

1) Define the Project Team & Stakeholders Early On

• Web projects are generally of interest to a series of stakeholders within an organization. It’s important to define your project team, stakeholders and decision makers early on in order to keep the project on schedule and budget. Understanding that through each phase of the project, others may offer input, will help you and your project manager receive timely feedback and sign-off during each phase of the project.

2) Define a Project Schedule Early On

• If you’ve ever run a web project, (or any project for that matter!) you’ll know that project schedules are key. The number one bottle neck to any web project is content production, so be sure to give extra time during this phase. Stick to sign-off dates and send project team members weekly updates on the project so that they are always in the loop and ready for the next step.

3) Put Yourself in Someone Else’s Shoes

• Knowing your target audience is key to the success of any communications project, including websites. As you make each decision about design, layout, font style etc., think of it through your target audience’s shoes. Is your website navigation intuitive? Do I know what I’m supposed to do once I’m on this website?

4) Complete a Content Audit

• Users need to be able to find information on your website through an intuitive search. Ditch excess content. Part of re-developing your website should be deciding what content to keep and what content to get rid of in order to make room for essential information. Remember, less content is always more on the web.

5) Design in the Browser

• Jumping straight to HTML/CSS can be extremely beneficial for all project team members. 3D images, shadows, fonts and mouseovers can be clearly envisioned by everyone when the design is presented online rather than in an image or PDF. Not asking your team members to make mental leaps about the design will only help to keep the design phase on budget.

What are some of your tips on running a successful communications or web development project?