Starting a new web design project can be pretty overwhelming. It can be difficult to know how to approach a project to ensure it is successful. After all, you’re trusting somebody to do a good job with your time and money.
So what do you need to have in place to help a project run smoothly?
Know what you want.
A clear action plan is vital when you start working on a web design project. How many pages do you want to be designed? What features do you want your website to have? Do you need specific brand imagery and colours included in the design? Having a clear brief lets you and the web designer stay on the right page throughout the project.
Find a designer you can trust.
Take the time you need to ask questions. See if their personality is a good fit for you. Read testimonials about them. Are they happy to answer questions? Avoid red flags like pricing themselves far too low for the scope of work. Not asking questions etc. Read more: What to look out for when moving to a new web designer.
Have an action plan.
Having a timeline in place is crucial for a project to run smoothly. Agree to specific milestones with your web designer so that each phase of the design process stays consistent. This also allows you both to check in and ensure you’re happy with the progress.
Have a clear budget.
Agree on a budget with your web designer before you start any work. If you expect any additional features or changes that might be outside the initial scope of work, make sure you have agreed with your web designer that these will be quoted for separately. Don’t be tempted to go for the cheapest option.
Be prepared to give feedback.
Feedback is the lifeblood of a good web design project. Try to ensure that you provide feedback on each step of the process. It helps you and your designer to stay on the right page.