Working with web design clients means wearing many hats. We’re developers, marketers, and (sometimes) therapists. It’s all about building a great website that meets our clients’ needs.
We can’t forget to add the role of a project manager to the list. It might be just as important as anything we do.
Why? Consider how many projects become stalled and stagnant. Clients often have big ideas and expect us to expedite our work. However, things get bogged down when it’s their turn to contribute.
It could lead to an indefinite hiatus. Months may go by without progress. The site sits there collecting virtual dust while we wonder when we’ll get back to work. The situation is bad for your calendar and your bank account.
Leadership is the best defense against a stalled project. It also helps you deliver a better outcome. Here’s how to use your skills to get things moving in the right direction.
Why You Need to Take Charge
Our clients work across various sectors. They may be accustomed to getting things done within their area of expertise. However, website projects are another ball of wax.
Many facets of a typical project require niche technical knowledge. That makes some clients uncomfortable. Thus, they might not understand their role or what’s going on. This lack of clarity makes it harder for them to contribute to the effort.
Content strategy is another responsibility that stresses clients out. In all likelihood, it’s not something they do regularly. They may not know how or where to start – not good for motivation. This leads to placing the task on the back burner while they tackle their other duties.
Then there are those oddball feature requests. The thing your client saw on a competitor’s (or totally unrelated) site. They see it as part of a great website, even if the reality is different.
Each of these scenarios can benefit from your experience and expertise. It’s time to lead the way!
How to Manage a Project Without Stepping on Toes
Effective project management requires a delicate balance. You want to be honest and direct with your clients while acknowledging their overall authority. This skill doesn’t always come naturally, and it takes practice to get things right.
With that in mind, here are a few tips for gently leading them toward progress:
Be Clear About Project Needs
People tend to work more efficiently when they know what’s expected of them. That’s why any lack of clarity will grind your project to a halt.
Your client needs to know what you need from them. So, provide a list of what you’ll need to do the job right. Cover the basics, like content and image assets. But don’t be afraid to go into detail.
For example, you might ask them to provide text for their About Us page. But what should they include? How much text should they write?
Adding a few specifics could be the difference between whether the content is a perfect fit or a mess. Instead of saying, “I’ll need content for the About Us page”, include a few basic parameters.
“I’ll need content for the About Us page. It should be 3-5 paragraphs of text that highlight: “
- Your mission statement;
- Your areas of expertise;
- A little bit about your history;
- Why customers should choose you;
“It would also be nice to have a few images of your location and/or your team. None of the above is set in stone – we can adjust according to your needs. However, this should serve as a solid starting point.”
Now, you’ve given your client a clear task. That’s infinitely easier than expecting them to figure things out on their own. The more details you provide, the more likely they’ll deliver for you. As a bonus, you’ll also encourage collaboration.
Set an Agreed-Upon Project Timeline
Clients often have a preferred (soft) or absolute (hard) deadline for a project. Getting to that point isn’t always easy, though. They may wait until the last moment to provide materials, meaning you’ll have to rush to get things done.
That’s not ideal for anyone. You may miss something important while hurrying to finish. And the overall quality of your work will likely suffer.
Setting a project timeline can help. Provide your client with dates for receiving content or other assets. Let them know how much advance time you’ll need to do your job. It doesn’t hurt to give yourself a day or two extra, just in case.
What if your project doesn’t have a deadline? Create one! That will keep everyone on the same page.
Stay in Touch With Stakeholders
As the old saying goes: Out of sight, out of mind.
A project’s progress can fizzle when active discussions stop. Stakeholders will move on to other items on their agendas. Meanwhile, you’re left waiting for what you need. And there’s no telling how long you’ll have to wait.
You can avoid this scenario by keeping an open line of communication. Be proactive and reach out to stakeholders. Offer your assistance and ask if they have questions.
This move achieves two things. First, you’re demonstrating a personal touch when supporting your client. Second, it puts the project in the front of their minds. It may renew their focus on taking the next steps.
You won’t always see immediate progress. Your client may be too busy when you contact them. However, you can always offer to check in again in a few weeks.
Lead Your Clients to a Winning Project
Every website project requires a plan and someone to ensure it progresses. Clients won’t always be comfortable leading the way. That’s a signal for you to put on your project management hat.
You don’t need to be an extrovert or even a project management expert. You can get by with basic organizational skills and an understanding of how long various tasks will take. From there, it’s all about clear communication.
So, don’t sit idly by while a project goes off the rails. Take on a leadership role and give yourself the best chance for success. It’s a skill you can use again and again.
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