As a project manager for web design projects over the years, I have gone through the process of bringing many sites from the initiation phase to launch. Through working with these many projects I have learned many different best practices and things to remember for future projects. Specifically, some of the best practices that I would like to share with you include tips for working with web designers, working with coders, and communicating with your client.

By far, the most enjoyable part of a web design project management for me is the design phase. You would think that this wouldn?t be true because I am not an artistic person, but that is exactly why I enjoy it so enjoyable for me. It brings out a side of me that is not normally present. My absolute best tip when working with a designer is to provide the designer with a list of web sites that the client loves that are in the same niche as the client?s business. Providing the designer with this list as well as an explanation of why the client likes them helps the designer get a feel for what the client likes. Additionally, I find out sites that the client does not like in the same niche so that the designer can see what the client does not like.

Another great tip when working with your designer is to ensure that what they designed can be coded. Early in my career I would sometimes have these be the full designs that the client would love, only to then send them to my developer and find out that many of the aspects could not be coded because of limitations in browsers or code. Now that I am more familiar with what can and can?t be done, I don?t really have this problem. To prevent yourself from doing this same thing, if you have any questions or are unsure about the feasibility of doing something, immediately talk to your developer to get feedback. You do not want to show the client something that you cannot deliver.

When working with developers it is important to be very organized, descriptive, and clear in exactly what you?re requirements are for the project. If it is a small project you may not need a requirements traceability matrix, but you will definitely need this document on larger projects. This ensures that the requirements for the coding of the project are well documented and that the developer can check them off as he is developing. Communications is critical in ensuring that the project is developed properly.

Possibly the hardest part of launching a web site is dealing with the client. Some clients are very low maintenance while other clients are very hands on and know exactly what they want and force you into a box. It is your job to work with the client and gain trust from them that you know how to do a good job. Constant communication throughout the process is key in gaining and keeping the trust. You want the client to always be informed and to see progress happening so that they know their project is moving along and on schedule.

As you can see, there are many little things you will learn while doing project management work. I have thoroughly enjoyed incubating many ideas and small little projects and turning them into large successes. I have worked with small web startups as well as large companies and nonprofit organizations and all of the projects have been very fun. If you like web design, consider doing web design project management because you?ll be exposed to all of the different pieces that go into launching a new web site.