A website project goes wrong in the gaps: content nobody owns, access nobody has, a launch nobody tested on a phone. This checklist closes those gaps in order. It is the same process behind our website design work, and it is the one we hand to our own clients at kickoff.
Download the checklist as a PDF »
1. Project Kickoff
Kick off the project by bringing all stakeholders together to clearly understand the vision, define the goals, create a map, identify assets and resources, and delegate responsibilities.
- Send the website design client interview form and wait for the client's response.
- Hold the first project meeting: review the interview form, identify the stakeholders, and name the client lead or point of contact.
- Create the sitemap: parent pages, child pages, and action pages.
- Identify content and resources.
- Delegate responsibilities: who will create, purchase, or gather all missing content, assets, and resources.
- Gain access to existing accounts: registrar, hosting, CMS, template, and plugins.
- Make purchases: template and plugin licenses, necessary software, and add-ons.
- Set up the environment: install the CMS, template, and plugins.
2. Website Design
Using what is learned in the project kickoff, create a website design comp. Lead the client through the iterative process until a final design is chosen. Finalize content.
- Design comp for the home page, which sets the tone for the rest of the website.
- Design comps or wireframes for other page types that require them.
- Iterative revision process, three rounds: present to the client, gather feedback, revise as necessary.
- Client sign-off on the design comps.
- Content: gather, create, or acquire missing content, including policies and legal language.
3. Website Development
Prepare the environment, CMS, and theme. Using the sitemap, create a skeleton of the site. Beginning with the home page, build out the pages using the design comp as a blueprint. Integrate functionality, calls to action, and touchpoints along the user journey, and lead the client through the iterative process until final sign-off.
- Prepare the environment: configure the CMS, install and set up the theme, style the theme.
- Create the skeleton: use the sitemap to create blank parent pages and the main navigation menu.
- Build the content pages: the home page according to the design comp, then the parent pages, then the child pages.
- Integrate the functionality: plugins and specialty functionality; action pages and a contact page with correct client details, forms, and downloads; a thank-you page with calls to action; the blog and sidebars.
- Iterative revision, two milestones (alpha and beta): present for review and testing, gather feedback, revise as necessary.
- Client sign-off on the development site.
4. QA and SEO
Client and designer go through their checklists to test and verify that all functionality is working properly. The designer then optimizes the website, installs analytics and tracking code, and thoroughly tests the mobile experience.
- Client checklist: action pages and calls to action, funnels and downloads, contact form, thank-you page, auto-responders, and proof text in emails.
- Designer checklist: test all functionality, broken links, 404 / search / error pages, www versus non-www, security, and caching.
- On-site SEO: default social share info; unique page titles; unique meta descriptions; chosen keywords present on each page; alt tags on every image; XML sitemap verified and submitted to Google Search Console; 301 redirects in place.
- Analytics: register and verify the site with Google Search Console, implement Google Analytics, link Search Console and Analytics, and submit to Bing Webmaster Tools.
- Speed and mobile: verify image compression and caching, explore the site on a phone and a tablet, and check page load times.
5. Website Delivery
Once development sign-off happens, it is time to launch the site and tell the world. Hand off the site to the client by providing access, licenses, and training. When the project is closed, ensure client satisfaction and follow up regularly.
- Launch: final sign-off from the client, final invoice, and promotion of the site (press release, direct marketing or email, social media posting, add to portfolio).
- Hand-off: provide access with a website handbook of all account and contact information; provide licenses by assigning all licensed resources to the client; train and educate the client to properly use and maintain the website; close the project.
After Launch
Phase four is where most sites stop, and it is also where search visibility starts. If you want the month-by-month version of what comes next, the 3-month SEO plan for small business websites picks up where this checklist ends, and website care and hosting keeps the site moving after that.
Want this run for you instead of by you? Call 678-720-8480 or ask for a free quote.
