Running a smooth web development project

Running a smooth web development project

Hamish Stead | 5/02/2010

My most important job is to make sure that the relationship between the client and the web developer is a smooth and happy one.

With large web development projects comes complexity and technical issues which will require some explanation and education along the way.

So what should you be expecting from your web developer?

Interest in your company

In order to address your requirements, a web developer will want to find out as much about your business as possible.
 
At best, there should be a structured process that will help both parties discover important requirements that they may not have thought of. How does your business operate, what are your competitors, what – intrinsically – is the goals of the site. Merely listing the sorts of features wanted is not the best way of going about it.

If your web developer is not interested in your business, it will show every step of the way. Genuine and transparent interest, on the other hand, will be immediately apparent.

Good communication

Good communication is vital to the project and the relationship – if they are able to explain the complexities of web development in a way that you understand, you won’t be left bewildered and disempowered. Everyone has a different level of knowledge and way of communicating, and your primary contact should recognise that and adapt. 

A collaborative approach

A web developer who blindly takes your requirements and content with a murmur will mean that the potential of your solution will be hamstrung and unable to take advantage of an online strategy that could expand your business. By the same token, having the developer dictate every single aspect of your site means that your business distinctive identity and service offerings will be lost.

Best practise advice 

From design, Search Engine Optimisation, and security to the way you organise your site’s information – your web developer should beable to discuss confidently all aspects of the project, and justify their position. It’s worth listening to them if that’s the case, it’s what you are paying them for, after all.

In the end, a good web developer will want an ongoing relationship with you. The online world is always changing, and you should to think of the project as a one-off. An ever expanding web presence requires a mutually respectful partnership.

It’s the only recipe for success.

tags: Web Strategy