Over the years, we've seen countless web projects by creative agencies and design firms who've been hired to build a website, some successful, some not so much. We've been involved from the very beginning, brought in late for implementation, and even called upon to rescue projects on the brink of disaster.

Our experience has taught us valuable lessons about what works and what doesn't in web development. As my mom always said, "Learn from your mistakes!" So, let's dive into some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:

Mistake #1: The Content Black Hole

It happens more often than you'd think: a project nears completion, and suddenly someone asks, "Where does this content go?" (Cue the crickets chirping.) Often, the designer gets blamed for not magically anticipating every content need. But that's unfair. A designer is a visual architect, not a mind reader.

Solution #1: Follow a Proven Process

Every web project, big or small, needs a clear roadmap. A step-by-step process ensures nothing falls through the cracks. Our approach includes:

1. Discovery: Understanding the project goals, target audience, and content requirements.
2. Architecture: Creating a solid information architecture that organizes content logically.
3. Creative: Developing a visually appealing and user-friendly design.
4. Implementation: Building the website and integrating content.
5. Ongoing Life: Providing ongoing support and maintenance.

Follow these steps in order, completing each phase before moving on to the next, and you'll minimize surprises and ensure a smooth project flow.

Mistake #2: Overcomplicating the User Experience

Dynamic content, while powerful, can be a double-edged sword. Overusing features like tagging, filtering, and customization can overwhelm users and content editors alike. Remember the wise words of Jeff Goldblum in Jurassic Park: "[They] were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should."  

Solution #2: Keep it Simple

Prioritize clarity and ease of use. Reserve complex features for essential content only. Imagine reading this blog post if every sentence ended with an exclamation point! You wouldn't know where to focus. Strive for simplicity and let your content shine.

Mistake #3: The Abandoned Content Graveyard

Websites with outdated content give the impression that the business is stagnant or worse, defunct. News sections, blogs, and event calendars that haven't been updated since the last ice age are a major red flag.

Solution #3: Plan for Ongoing Content Maintenance

During the discovery phase, determine who will be responsible for keeping the content fresh. If the client lacks the resources, factor in a budget for content updates or, if that's not feasible, consider simpler alternatives that require less maintenance.

Mistake #4: The Budget Blindside

It's a nightmare scenario: you've promised the client a feature, but there's no budget to cover it. While it might be tempting to deflect responsibility, a true problem-solver finds solutions.

Solution #4: Establish a Realistic Budget Upfront

Don't finalize a budget until you have estimates for all aspects of the project, including internal and external costs. Here's a recommended approach:

1. Secure a commitment from the client based on a preliminary rough estimate and scope but remember that the budget shouldn't be the sole reason they hire you. Clients have many options if they simply want someone to agree to a price. They should choose you because they trust your expertise and value what you bring to the table.
2. Collaborate with the client to define the detailed project scope.
3. Gather estimates from all departments and contractors.
4. Present a comprehensive proposal to the client.
5. If the proposal exceeds the budget, revise the scope and repeat steps 3 and 4.

Need Help Managing Your Web Projects?

Dialogs has extensive experience helping creative agencies navigate the complexities of web development. Contact us today to discuss how we can streamline your processes, optimize your budgets, and ensure your projects are a success.