Project Management: What to Expect and Why It Makes All the Difference
You've probably heard the saying, 'Failing to plan is planning to fail.' In my years as a project manager for web development, I've seen this play out countless times—both when proper planning leads to success and when its absence creates scrambles.
Recently, we completed a large website project for an organization that is directly involved with giving back to the community, and the journey reminded me why project management isn’t just a luxury title or tacked on expense. It’s the difference between a stressful experience and a smooth one. Here are a few of the biggest lessons I’ve learned about what makes project management essential:
Clear Expectations Prevent Disappointment
Nothing feels worse than expectations not being clearly defined, layed out, and met. In fact, one of our clients came to us after a frustrating experience with another agency. Their previous developer had promised the moon, but delivered something that barely met their basic needs (all with exorbitant fees, of course). When we started working together, I made sure to outline exactly what they could expect at each phase. From designing a homepage draft, to clearly detailing each inner page, to ensuring ADA accessibility and mobile optimization, setting clear expectations not only prevents disappointment but provides clarity throughout the process.
Communication Keeps Projects Moving
Life is busy—I get it. We’re all susceptible to getting caught up in the noise of business, and sometimes I’ll have projects that may forget they’re part of a website design entirely. The solution came from regular communication schedules and expectations. For example, weekly check-ins, feedback windows, or just making sure the client knew that I was ready for them when they were ready for me, were all great steps forward towards maintaining project momentum.
Takeaway for Clients: Establish communication expectations early. Know how and when you'll receive updates and how quickly you need to provide feedback to keep your timeline on track.
Scope Creep Is Real (And How to Manage It)
Every project faces the temptation of “just one more feature." I remember working with a small business owner who kept adding small requests until we were three weeks behind schedule. And I get it, we all want our websites to be perfect. We solved this by clearly defining project scope in our initial estimates and requests. This approach keeps the initial project focused while acknowledging future goals, as well as setting realistic expectations and boundaries on what we can accomplish and in what timeframe.
Takeaway for Clients: Work with your project manager to prioritize must-haves versus nice-to-haves. Be open to phasing features to keep your project on time and on budget.
The Right Tools Make All the Difference
Project management isn't just about checklists, but rather having the right tools for visibility and collaboration. We happily invite our clients to BaseCamp to understand how their project is coming along, and we encourage questions. This approach not only keeps communication fluent and smooth but also provides an organized location with all the information needed to keep your project running like a well-oiled machine.
The Launch Is Just the Beginning
Many clients assume website launch day is the finish line. In reality, it's more like graduation day, the beginning of a new phase. The most successful clients understand that ongoing maintenance, updates, and optimization are essential. We encourage clients to work with us on post-launch plans to ensure your website is maintained and ready for any future updates, whether planned or unforeseen!
Takeaway for Clients: Ask about post-launch support and maintenance before your project even begins. A good project manager thinks beyond the launch to your website's ongoing health.
Walking Alongside Our Clients
If you're feeling anxious about starting a web development project, know that the right project manager can transform your experience. When clients tell me, "That was much easier than I expected," I know I've done my job well. At ProFusion, we've walked this path countless times, and we're ready to guide you every step of the way.
Ready to start your web project with clarity and confidence? Let's talk about how we can bring your vision to life.
Hi. I'm William
With seven years of project management experience, William thrives on collaboration, ensuring clients feel heard while crafting a website that truly works for them. He approaches each project like a moving puzzle—aligning the pieces for seamless, intuitive results. With a background in science, he blends a meticulous, methodical mindset with a personal touch, balancing precision with creativity. Known for his problem-solving skills and innovative thinking, he transforms challenges into opportunities, delivering projects with both finesse and professionalism.