7 Steps for SuccessProject Management that works

#1 The ProspectFirst Meeting with a new Client, Lead, or Prospect

Gather all client provided materials

Survey Prospect with list of questions in the following:

Content

Design

Development

SEO/UX

Get as much information and specifications as possible!

#2 Team EvaluationHave each team leader evaluate the project for their particular specialty.

Content / UX

Design

Development

SEO / on going UX

Have Team create “Features List” and estimates broken down to hours.

Package all “Feature Lists” into ONE called the “Backlog” ...we can change the name for this.

#2 Team EvaluationThe Backlog

Content

Design

Development

SEO

8 3 6 12

8 12 6

8 12 6

8 12 6

12

Copy

12 hours

homepage 2about page 2team bios 2services

page 2products

page 2contact page 2

#3 The ProposalFrom the “Backlog” we should have an accurate proposal for the client.

Provide the entire “Backlog” to the client to approve that we covered all project features along with price.

IF client makes changes to the feature list repeat #1 and #2.

IF the client approves “Backlog” - CONGRATS!!!

#4 Release PlanRefresh “Backlog” and create Product Release Plan and Schedule.

Create Milestones (Sprints) based on the provided “backlog”, team availability, and client timeline.

Create each milestone to have a working deliverable.

This varies with the need of client and desire of team.

Create each milestone to be between ONE week and FOUR weeks depending on priority and scope.

Create at least FOUR milestones if possible.

#4 Release PlanThe Backlog

Content

Design

Development

SEO

Milestone 1

Milestone 2

Milestone 3

Milestone 4

#5 The Sprint CycleBegin development with the first Milestone

Follow the full development cycle for each milestone ending with a workable tested product.

1. Spec Milestone

2. Build

3. Test and Q.A.

4. Get Approved

5. Repeat!

#6 Final Q.A.After completion of each milestone Q.A. the entire integration of each milestone and approve the production product.

Final Q.A. is a sprint so don’t forget the “backlog”

“Backlog” is SO important to track and stay on task

IF scope changes and client finds MORE to do request the product to go BETA and begin on going UX.

IF client declines beta start back at step #1

Prepare for NEXT RELEASE by taking everything the client wanted that didn’t make it through development and create a “Post Release Backlog”

#7 LaunchLaunching to site should be SIMPLE!

All development should NOT be domain dependent.

If domain dependents exist create a sprint backlog and begin sprint process.

Things to consider BEFORE LAUNCH:

Hosting

Redirects

Domain Dependents ( SSL, 3rd Party API keys, etc. )

Emails

Conclusion NotesAgile Development Pet Peeves

Do Not Be A Hero, get REAL!

its ok to make a mistake just make it EARLY and communicate with everyone! esp. client.

Detail Guessing and Concept Design

LONG Sprints

Communication

Micro-management

Slow to reality

“A Website is a Living Organism”

GIVE BIRTH TO AN INFANT NOT AN ADULT.