Prepare for your Website Project

So your Developer still talks to you...

Prepare for your Website Project

Are we on the same page?

When it comes to website development projects, proper preparation is key. Not only does it ensure that the project runs smoothly and on schedule, but it also helps keep your developer from wanting to end it all.

A crazy depressed web designer
This chap is only 27 years old. Stress is a terrible thing!

First and foremost, it's important to understand your developer's needs. Clear communication is essential in ensuring that everyone is on the same page and that the project is completed to your satisfaction. To effectively communicate with your developer, make sure to provide clear and detailed instructions, ask questions when you're unsure about something, and be open to feedback. Common misunderstandings can include not providing enough information or not being specific enough with your instructions. Avoid these by being as detailed as possible and double-checking that your developer understands your requirements.

As much as our Web Developer will try to understand the clients needs we feel it’s only not only fair, but crucially important for you to understand your developer's needs. Obviously never get us wet or feed us after midnight, that goes without saying, but here are some key things to bear in mind that could make this a joyful union !!

Clear communication is essential in ensuring that everyone is on the same page and that the project is completed to your satisfaction. Our client on-boarding process is designed to make it easier for all parties, but make sure to provide clear and detailed instructions, ask questions when you're unsure about something, and be open to feedback. Common misunderstandings usually arise from not providing enough information or not being specific enough with your instructions.

If there are design aspects you definitely want or do not want - state them early and state them clearly! Be as detailed as possible and double-check that your developer understands your requirements.

Some Handy Terms

Terms we use regularly and what they mean:

  • Domain Name: A domain name is a unique web address that identifies a website. It is the address people type into their web browser to access your website.
  • Page: A page is an individual page of content on a website. It can include text, images, videos, and other elements.
  • Section: A section is a grouping of content on a page. It can include text, images, videos, and other elements.
  • CTA: This is call-to-action and is usually a button or link that encourages a user to take a specific action. It can be used to direct users to other pages, fill out forms, or purchase products.
  • Collection: A collection is a group of similar items that are stored together. In Webflow, collections are used to store information about products, blog posts, or other types of content.
  • Copy: Copy is the text content on a website. It includes titles, headings, body text, and other text elements.
  • Assets: These are files that are used on a website. They can include images, videos, audio files, PDF documents, and other types of files. They can be used to add visual elements to a website or store information for users to download.

Copy and Assets

Next, let's talk about providing necessary materials. Our experience is that this is the single thing most likely to derail or delay a project, and your developer too.

Your developer will need certain materials to begin the project, such as copy, images, and assets. To ensure that these materials are provided in a timely manner, create a clear and organized file structure for all materials.

We recommend the following approach:

  • A separate folder for each main page (i.e. Home, Products, Services About Us etc.).
  • Name each folder for the page it represents.
  • Add a document for the text copy for this page
  • Break the page into logical sections and start each section with a Page Break and the sections names e.g Hero Section, Introduction, Features, CTA (Call to Action), Case Study Portfolio, Testimonials, CTA - Newsletter & Footer
  • Each section should contain the text for that section only.  Headings are clearly identifiable, and paragraph blocks should follow in on page order left to right - top to bottom,
  • Please don’t include your images in this document instead create a folder called Assets or Images and name your assets like this: home_hero_background.png, home_features_img.jpg and logo.svg
  • Avoid using vague or generic names like "image1.jpg" or "final copy.docx". Otherwise, your developer might start calling you "Vague McGeneric" behind your back.  ;-)

Simple easy way to arrange new website copy

Additionally, make sure to provide all materials in the appropriate format, such as JPEG for images and PDF for documents.

Feeling fractured because the copy for 13 pages is in one file...

Credentials and Keys

For some tasks such as integrations between your website and your CRM / Email Marketing tools  details such as passwords and API keys, may be required.  In this instance Credible will explain why we need these, how to share them securely and how we protect them.

Designs

In addition, provide all the necessary information, like the layout, design if this is being provided by yourself, and all other specifications which are required to be followed, this will help the developer to understand the your requirements.

Prepare for your Website Project
Mark Thurman
Director - Design & Development

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