Project Management For Webflow Projects
I’ve been studying up in this field for quite a while now and thought I’d write a series of explainer posts about it.
It started because I’ve always been interested in roles like this
I suppose this would have to do with my experience in Sajawat (worked there as a manager)
and in being the middle child of the family
(having to take care of 2 younger siblings (advising them, guiding them in things they found too difficult, ensuring they listen to our parents), dealing with 2 of my older siblings, adapting to deal with so many different personalities and meditating conflicts that happened between different members on a daily basis really does hammer those interpersonal skills into you)
(something about regularly interacting with people and the big picture view really ticks my boxes)
I started taking it seriously when a client said that they needed some help in this field and thought that I would be good at it.
There's quite a bit of parallels between my management job in Sajawat and this.
It’s all about putting clarity and communication as a priority, using good tools that keep everything in one place and setting up the right environment so that each member of the team can focus on what they do best.
Picking a Project Management Methodology
One of the first decisions to make when managing a Webflow project is considering how to approach the work. Two popular methodologies are Agile and Waterfall. Teams can choose either one or take on a hybrid approach if they see that fits best. The purpose of these isn’t to restrict, rather to enable.
Agile Methodology
Agile is an iterative and flexible approach that focuses on delivering value to the client in incremental stages. By breaking down the project into smaller tasks called sprints, the team can respond to changes and feedback quickly. Agile is ideal for projects where requirements may change frequently, allowing for greater adaptability and collaboration between the client and the development team. It’s by far the most popular system that teams use.
I find this resource to be particularly useful
Waterfall Methodology
Waterfall, on the other hand, follows a sequential process, where each stage is completed before moving onto the next. This approach is suitable for projects with well-defined requirements that are less likely to change. Waterfall ensures a structured and predictable workflow, making it easier to manage dependencies and plan resources accordingly.
If you're interested check out this explainer article
Onboarding the Client
Effective communication and clear expectations are crucial during the client onboarding process. This includes conducting sales calls or meetings to understand the client's goals and objectives, negotiating project scope and pricing, and setting clear proposals. By establishing a solid foundation during the onboarding phase, you can avoid potential misunderstandings and ensure a smooth project progression.
Strategy + Get approval on client proposal
Before diving into design and development, it's essential to invest time in strategic planning. This involves conducting thorough research and understanding the client's product and target market. By aligning the website with the client's business objectives and target audience, you can create a more impactful and tailored web experience. Developing a well-defined strategy in the early stages will save time and effort later in the project.
Design
I consider it a good idea to work closely with the client when making design decisions, because it will play a key role in representing their business, and they need to like it. Otherwise, the team might find themselves stuck in something I call revision hell. Iterative design reviews and feedback loops with the client are vital to ensure alignment and a final design that meets their expectations.
Develop in webflow
Once the design is finalized, it's time to bring it to life by developing the website. Use industry best practices like client first, style guides, using headings semantically ect. Regular communication and progress updates with the client will help keep everyone in the loop and manage expectations effectively.
Test Website
Thorough testing is a crucial step before launching a website. Conduct comprehensive quality assurance checks to ensure the website functions as intended on various devices and browsers. Test all interactive elements, forms, and integrations to ensure a seamless user experience.
Revisions
Revisions are a normal part of the web development process. After conducting a post-test review with the client, implement any requested changes and improvements. Effective communication and documentation of revisions are essential to avoid misunderstandings and ensure a smooth workflow.
Launch Website
The culmination of the project is the launch of the website. Coordinate with the client and any other involved parties to ensure a seamless and successful launch. Figure out hosting and domains, click the publish account, and allow for the client to make necessary announcements.
Close the project
Make sure everything is neatly wrapped up and deliver good resources for them to use. For example, provide employees/client with necessary training to be able to maintain their website through CMS or webflow’s editor role. I find loom videos to be particularly useful for demos like this. Or if they choose to take on a website maintenance package, make sure you set that up.
Another thing I think is important is to celebrate a successful project. Send a team wide email congratulating everyone on their hard work, or organize a recreational team meeting. This helps people feel valued and maintains good spirits.