Building a Website the Correct Way

Project Management

When working with the clients in the digital age, it is best to have a project tracking system to show the progress of the entire project. Complete transparency is what will keep things inline and a client happy. I prefer Basecamp.com or Teamwork.com.

Deciding on a Platform

So there are many decisions you can make on what type of website you can have built. After many years of testing and building in virtually every platform, my code of choice is PHP.

WordPress and Magento are my favorite CMS and Eccomerce suites.

The most important factors in making a decision on a platform are the following:

Ease of use.
Open source technology.
Lead/Sale generation tools and reporting
Search Engine Optimization

Prior to asking for a quote, be sure to ask for a demo of the backend management on how you will be able to use the site as a marketing tool.

1. Start with a Wireframe

website wireframe sketch on digital tablet screen

Client collaboration in this process is key to organize the content and structure so it aligns with the marketing goals of the business. This phase allows the client to be apart of the decision making from the beginning.

Here are a few points on what a wireframe will achieve:

Gives a visual representation of content and architecture.
Provides clarity on website features.
Identifies key elements for usability.
Outlines the lead/sale areas of the site
Timesaver for the entire project.

Phase 2: Creative

The creative process in building a website should be pretty straight forward. After the wireframe is approved, the fun work begins in bringing style and imagery to the structure of the website.

Here are a few points on what a wireframe will achieve:

Gives a visual representation of content and architecture.
Provides clarity on website features.
Identifies key elements for usability.
Timesaver for the entire project.

More importantly, it allows the client to be apart of the decision process from the beginning. The wireframe

Phase 3: Development

So if you outline the user experience and designed a well rounded site that will achieve all your marketing goals. Development of the site should be a breeze.

Here are a few things that should not be missed prior to launching a site.

Get a project plan/gannt chart showing the milestones in the development process.
The front-end build should be responsive which will include mobile and tablet display.
Feed set up to send subscribe/lead information directly to MailChimp or similar email service.
Subscribe/Leads are store into website’s database.
A visual builder to give ease-of-use in adding content from client side.
SEO is in place prior to launch.
If the is an existing site, it is critical that 301 redirects are in place prior to launch so SEO does not drop.
Set up Google Analytics and expand it by tracking demographics.
Set up Google and Bing Web Developer tools and submit site map so they know what to rank you as.
Set up conversion funnel tracking so you can see the why, what, when, and where leads.