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How to Make Your Website Design Project a Smashing Success

Ever felt a bit lost when it comes to getting your website off the ground? Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us! In this post, I’ll be your guide through the twists and turns of website development, showing you exactly what’s needed on your end.

We’ll cover all the little things that can potentially delay the web design and development process so you can avoid them. Plus, I’ll share some tips for keeping everything running smoothly with your project.

By the time we’re done with this post, you’ll be armed with the tools and know-how to sail through your web project like a pro. Grab your favorite mug of caffeine (or herbal tea, if that’s your jam), and let’s get going!

What is Your Web Designer/Developer Responsible For?

It’s a web designer’s job to make your website dreams come true. But hey, it’s not a one-woman show – we’re in this together! Let’s break down my responsibilities and how I’ll be supporting you through every step of the web design and development process.

Understand Your Goals

A web designer creates the design of your site based almost entirely on your vision. Your goals are our goals. Before we start designing, we’ll chat about what you’re hoping to achieve with your website. The better we understand your vision, the better we can bring it to life.

Develop a Clear Timeline

Most web designers are under a lot of time pressure and have multiple web design projects to manage at any given time. That’s why many web designers (like me!) have clear processes in place to stick to deadlines. We’ll break down the project into manageable chunks, set some milestones, and get to work.

Provide Regular Updates

No one likes surprises, especially when it comes to their own website. That’s why we’ll always keep you in the loop. From design mockups to development milestones, you’ll be the first to know.

Incorporate Your Feedback

A successful web designer knows how to listen, and listen well. Your feedback means everything to us. As we work through the project, we’ll make sure to incorporate your thoughts and ideas every step of the way. After all, this website is all about you!

Deliver a High-Quality Website

Our motto? Quality over quantity, every time. Before we wrap things up, we’ll put your website through its paces to make sure it’s firing on all cylinders. This is where our technical skills really shine. From functionality to aesthetics to performance, we won’t rest until we’ve crossed every “T” and dotted every “I”.

What does my Web Designer/Developer Need from Me?

As we start this web development adventure together, I need a few things from you to make sure your web design project runs smoothly.

Provide Information and Assets

We’ll work together to gather all the information, images, and videos we need to make your site look the part. With your input and the expertise of our copywriting team, we’ll create content that speaks to your audience and tells your brand’s story.

Give Timely Feedback

As we work our magic, we’ll share our progress with you at every stage. Got feedback? Lay it on us! The sooner we hear from you, the sooner we can make any necessary tweaks and keep things moving forward.

Make Timely Decisions

When it comes time to make decisions about your website – from content to design to development, let’s dive in headfirst and get ‘er done. Trust your instincts, and know that we’ve got your back!

Trust the Experts

Web designers work on this stuff every single day. We’ve been around the block a time or two, and we know what it takes to create a killer website. So sit back, relax, and know that you’re in good hands. We’ll take care of the heavy lifting while you focus on what you do best.

Things That Can Delay a Website Project

Now, let’s talk about the bumps in the road. Here are some things that we’ve noticed that can delay or completely derail the project.

Scope Creep

Ever heard of scope creep? It’s when you have a clear outline of what the project will entail, but suddenly find yourself wanting to add extra features left and right. This can increase the price and timeline of your project. To prevent this from happening, we’ll clearly define the scope from the get-go. Together, we’ll set priorities and keep things on track. 

The good news is that with a website, the possibilities are truly endless. We can increase or adjust the scope, but keep in mind that this will involve understanding your new wishes, discussing the best solution(s), getting approval on a revised price quote, and verifying the updated timeline works with any upcoming deadlines.

Indecisiveness

Decisions, decisions, decisions. We get it – sometimes it’s hard to choose! But hemming and hawing over design choices or feature requests can seriously slow us down. We’ll establish a decision-making process upfront and stick to it. Trust your gut, and let’s move forward together. Remember – done is better than perfect (and perfect doesn’t exist anyway)!

Lack of Content Preparation

Content is king, they say, and they’re not wrong! Scrambling to gather content (i.e. images, videos, content not written by the copywriter, etc.) last-minute can throw a wrench in our plans. During the planning phase of your project, we’ll get ahead of the game by outlining what we need and when we need it. With a solid plan in place, we’ll hit the ground running.

Poor Communication

Communication is key in any relationship, and ours is no exception. Let’s keep the lines of communication open and honest from day one. Have questions or concerns? Don’t be shy – reach out anytime. Together, we’ll keep the conversation flowing and the project on track.

Micromanagement

We get it – you’re excited about your project, and you want everything to be just right. But hovering over every little detail can slow us down. Trust us to handle the nitty-gritty while you focus on the big picture.

How You Can Help Everything Run Smoothly 

Here are some tips to make sure your web design or development project doesn’t encounter any hiccups.

Set Clear Expectations

Communication is the name of the game! Be upfront about your expectations, goals, and timelines from the get-go. The clearer we are about what you want, the better equipped we’ll be to deliver results that exceed your expectations.

Be Responsive

Be prompt in responding to emails, messages, and requests for feedback. Your timely responses help keep the project moving forward and prevent any unnecessary delays.

Provide Access

To work our magic, we’ll need access to certain resources – whether it’s your branding materials, current web hosting account, or third-party integrations. Be proactive in providing access and resources as needed to keep the project on track.

Stay Organized

Keeping everything organized can really streamline the process. Create folders for different project assets, like images, documents, and design files. This way, everyone involved can easily access what they need without endless searching.

Set Realistic Deadlines

While it’s essential to have deadlines to keep the project moving forward, it’s equally crucial to set realistic ones. Rushing through tasks can lead to mistakes and compromise the quality of the final product. Work with your web designer/developer to establish deadlines that allow for thorough work without unnecessary pressure.

Be Flexible

Flexibility is key when it comes to web development. Unexpected challenges like technical issues or changes in requirements may arise along the way. Flexibility can help keep the project on track without causing undue stress.

Now You Know How to Enjoy a Successful Web Design Project

Now that you know how to keep your web development journey sailing smoothly, it’s time to put that knowledge into action.

With your insights and our expertise at Exhale Design Co, there’s no limit to what we can achieve together. Ready to turn those website dreams into reality? Let’s make it happen.

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Stefani Harris

Hey there! I'm Stefani, your website strategist, designer, developer, caretaker, and proud Google nerd. I believe in taking a mindful, holistic, and collaborative approach to accomplish your website and tech-related goals. Click here to learn more about me and Exhale Design Co. I look forward to meeting you and working with you!

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