Join Tom Kelly, Chief Operating Officer at Marcel Digital, as he explains the essential steps to planning a successful web development project. Drawing on years of experience, he walks through how to align with your agency, balance speed, cost, and quality, and avoid common pitfalls like scope creep. He also shares practical advice on setting expectations, choosing the right CMS, and building the right team to ensure a smooth and successful project.
Hello, I’m Tom Kelly, Chief Operating Officer at Marcel Digital.
If you’re a B2B company embarking on a web development project, you’re in the right place. With 15 years of experience as a COO and project manager, I’ve seen it all. Let’s dive into the essentials of planning a successful web development project.
As you embark on this adventure, it’s likely there will be an agency involved in the delivery, and it’s crucial to align with your agency from the outset. One of the biggest risks to your project is scope creep and misaligned expectations.
I always like to talk about the priority triangle to illustrate this common problem. For those who are not familiar, this is the idea that you have three variables: speed, cost, and quality. You can have two, but not three. If you want high quality and you want it fast, it won’t be cheap. If you want it cheap and you want it fast, it won’t be high quality, and so on.
Being honest about this will serve you well. Negotiating aggressively on price while expecting high functionality rarely ends well. Clearly define the project scope in your contract. Include as much detail on your feature list as possible, as well as any specific functionality you need. It’s also wise to have a contingency fund for unplanned changes, ensuring your budget is prepared for the unknown.
Set realistic expectations. If everyone comes to the table and wants to find a timeline that’s realistic while also meeting the goals of the business, this will very much help set you on a path to success. Being upfront about what drives your deadlines helps prevent unnecessary pressure and potential failure.
If a proposal seems surprisingly inexpensive, scrutinize it. Remember, the poor man always pays twice. Ensure it covers everything you need to avoid future regrets.
Engage your team from the start. Clear communication and involvement keep everyone motivated and aligned. Use tools like RACI to clarify roles and responsibilities, especially if there are a large number of stakeholders involved. Regular check-ins and updates help manage risk and keep the project on track. Ensure your project management process includes these touchpoints.
Effective communication is key. Regular meetings with the whole team ensure everyone is informed and any concerns are promptly addressed. Be transparent about what you know and what you don’t know.
Choosing the right content management system is critical. Do thorough research, consult experts, and involve your team in the decision. We recommend Umbraco for its speed, security, and user-friendly features. Validate your choice by reviewing case studies, speaking with all users, and testing the CMS thoroughly before making a decision.
Ensure you have the right team in place, including designers, developers, project managers, and quality assurance specialists. Their expertise is crucial for timely and satisfactory project delivery.
In conclusion, a well-planned web development project minimizes risk and maximizes success. Follow these tips and partner with a trusted team.
If you need help and are looking for a partner that will keep you on the right path, please get in touch, as we’d love to help.
