Website development projects can feel like navigating a complex maze, especially for leaders who don’t have a technical background. The good news is, you don’t need to be a coding expert to ensure your project stays on track. Effective project oversight is about proactive communication, setting clear expectations, and understanding key milestones. This guide provides actionable strategies to empower non-technical leaders in managing their WordPress website development projects, minimizing miscommunication and unexpected delays.
Before diving into development, it’s crucial to set the stage for success. Start by clearly defining your “why” and “what.” What business problem is this website solving? Go beyond a list of features and identify key performance indicators (KPIs) for the new site, such as increased conversions or improved user engagement. Documenting clear, measurable goals from the outset provides a vital roadmap.
When your KPIs are defined, it’s time to create a detailed Scope of Work (SOW). This living document outlines all deliverables, features, and functionalities. A robust SOW prevents “scope creep” and serves as a common reference point for everyone involved. Look for specificity, measurable outcomes, and clear acceptance criteria in your SOW. Choosing the right development partner is also key. Watch for red flags like vague answers or a lack of a clear process, and look for green flags such as clear communication and a strong portfolio.
Providing timely content for your website is another critical element. Often, project timelines are stalled waiting for final text and images. Treat content creation and approval as a dedicated sub-project with its own deadlines, ensuring it’s ready well before the development team needs to integrate it. Proactive content submission minimizes bottlenecks and keeps your project moving forward efficiently.
Once the project begins, establish clear communication channels and a regular cadence for check-ins, ensuring a single source of truth for all project specifications. This allows for consistent review of deliverable progress against the agreed-upon documentation. Someone should be assigned to thoroughly review deliverables in progress, or you should prepare to dedicate a significant amount of time to this task yourself.
In the final stages of the project, review for functionality, content accuracy, user flow, and device responsiveness. Involve key stakeholders to preview early release candidates, and, if possible, target users. Provide structured feedback to the development team. The go/no-go decision before launch should ensure all critical SOW items are met and that you have a readiness checklist.
Successful website development projects are a partnership between leadership and development teams. By embracing clear communication, understanding the process, and engaging proactively, non-technical leaders can significantly impact the outcome of their projects. A well-managed project not only leads to a better website but also contributes to better business outcomes.
Let Command Media guide you through your next project with the support of our development partnership. Click here to learn more about building your next website with us, or get in touch to discuss the finer points of software project collaboration!