Any major project requires a good approach, aka project management, to ensure it is successful.
When it comes to web development projects, a solid project management system is especially crucial. One wrong move or one kink in the timeline can end in catastrophic delays.
To avoid this, we’ve rounded up the best project management tips for your web development projects.
- Start with a Solid Understanding
The best way to ensure success and longevity is to start with a strong foundation.
To do this, all people working on a web development project must know what the project entails, including their roles and expected outcomes.
In skipping this step, there is a risk of developers making uninformed decisions, losing sight of the end goal, or even losing passion for the job.
Think about it: are you more likely to give you all to a project with set goals and an attainable finish line or work on a project with no real outcome to work toward?
Generally, humans have the same goal-oriented desires, and starting with that strong foundation can get things headed in the right direction.
- Create Resources for Problems
Before anything can go wrong or any question may arise, put a strong support system in place.
This can look different for every web development team, but the main goal is creating a system for problem-solving that doesn’t require additional manpower or time when not necessary.
For example, if a person cannot figure out bug tracking because they weren’t paying attention in that one meeting three months ago, have a knowledge center that has that information and similar all in one place to help guide developers.
With this, teams can avoid bottlenecks in the process and keep management at a partially automated level.
- Have an Introductory Meeting
While things can be discussed without ever speaking, it’s hard to make sure everything is set up correctly in doing this.
That’s why it is recommended that any new web development team – or one that is starting on a new project – have a comprehensive meeting, to begin with.
During this meeting or a series of smaller introductory meetings, the team can ask questions and get on the same page about the above aspects, like what is expected of them and why this project matters.
What better way to get people invested than with a face-to-face or screen-to-screen approach?
- Decide on Software
A team can’t be successful without proper communication in place. It’s important to go into a project with the right tools to get the job done.
In addition, you’ll want to find suitable project management software. Some popular options for these duties among web developers include Asana, Zoom, Slack, and Basecamp.
With these tools, web development teams can properly move through the different aspects of a project with the proper tools to get it done.
While there are popular methods among developers, the right choice will depend on your team and their needs, as well as the unique background of the project at hand.
- Learn to Work with Clients
In many cases, web developers perform more than just a developing duty – they’re also customer service agents in a way.
You’re likely to work with clients, again and again to make sure that they’re happy with your performance and to receive general feedback.
Because of this, it’s important to make sure your team maintains a professional demeanor and carries themselves properly.
The last thing you want to do is scare off a potential client or a long-standing one because you don’t know how to communicate effectively.
Luckily, it doesn’t require much to make clients happy. Herzing created a guide for tips on how to work with clients and ensure all parties are satisfied.
Conclusion
Project management is an important part of excelling in your web development projects.
Whether you’re working solo or on a team, these few simple tricks can help to keep you running smoothly from start to finish.
Just remember that every project and client is different, so what works for one may be different for another.
But as long as you have a solid system to do your job with, project management should be a breeze.
