The creation or redesign of a website is a crucial step for any business looking to strengthen its online presence. However, this process can feel overwhelming without proper planning.
That’s why we launched “Expert Advice”, a series where our specialists—from UX and marketing strategy to content organization—will guide you through best practices to ensure a high-performing website aligned with your goals.
In this first article, our Project Manager and Team Leader, Thierry Lavallée, shares his key advice to help you successfully start your web project.
1. What are the essential qualities for successfully managing a digital project?
In my opinion, a good digital project manager must be visionary, organized, and adaptable. You need to look beyond immediate needs and anticipate the evolution of the project, structure resources and deadlines effectively, and adapt to unexpected challenges with fast, efficient solutions. I surround myself with an effective team and emphasize investing time upfront in every detail to understand how the business works and how the web project can optimize its management and digital presence.
Key pillars of a good digital project:
- Strategic vision: The web project should fit into a larger plan and not be an isolated tool.
- Data management: Where is the data stored? Who has access? How is it used?
- Roles and responsibilities: Who handles what within the company? A high-performing website must reflect the internal structure.
- Agility and responsiveness: A good project does not stay static; it evolves with the market and the company.
2. Before starting a project, what are the essential pieces of information a business should have in hand?
Companies must have a clear vision of their objectives, an idea of the key features, and a realistic budget. I like to say, "Let's write the grand dream together; we'll build it step by step according to priorities and available budgets."
Fundamentals before launching a web project:
- Clear objectives: Sell, inform, generate leads, retain customers?
- Target audience: Who are the users? What are their needs and expectations?
- Internal resources: Who will manage the site once it's live?
- Digital ecosystem: Does the site need to integrate with a CRM, database, ERP, or internal management system?
3. What are the biggest challenges businesses face when starting a web project?
The lack of clarity on actual needs, underestimating the work required, and the evolution of expectations along the way are the most common challenges. A good initial framework and smooth communication with the technical team help avoid these pitfalls. Properly documenting the features ensures everyone understands the project. It’s the project manager's job to make sure that documentation is clear for everyone.
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
- Underestimating internal work: A high-performing site requires content, updates, and ongoing monitoring.
- Not considering scalability: A web project must be designed to grow with the business.
- Too many features from the start: It’s better to launch a functional, scalable site than a massive, unmanageable one.
- Poor data management: A poorly integrated site can lead to inefficient data silos.
4. How do you guide a client who is unsure about exactly what they want for their website?
As I mentioned earlier, we begin by asking the right questions. Who is the target audience? What are the objectives? What role will the website play in the business?
Then, we propose references, wireframes, and solutions tailored to their needs. We don’t reinvent the wheel! We don’t just deliver a site; we accompany our clients in a holistic, long-term vision.
Method for structuring a fuzzy project:
- Exploratory workshops: We discuss the company’s challenges and needs.
- Benchmarks and inspiration: We analyze what works elsewhere to guide the thinking.
- Mockups and wireframes: Visualizing an idea often helps clarify it.
- Iterations: We build progressively, refining along the way.
5. How do you handle unforeseen circumstances and change requests during the project?
Hmm... A digital project without unforeseen circumstances doesn’t exist! What matters is how we handle them.
We manage them methodically and transparently. We always plan a margin to handle adjustments, and each change request is assessed for its impact on budget and timeline. The key is smooth communication and informed decisions. Our processes are designed to absorb changes without compromising the project’s structure.
Managing changes and unforeseen events:
- Flexible planning: A well-prepared project includes a margin for adjustments.
- Clear communication: Each change is discussed in terms of cost, deadlines, and technical impact.
- Documentation and tracking: We keep track of every modification to ensure project coherence.
- Smart prioritization: We distinguish essential changes from improvements that can wait.
6. How do you support clients after their website goes live?
A website isn’t just a project; it’s a living tool. We offer follow-up, training, and support to ensure its evolution and performance. A website must be regularly updated and optimized to stay effective.
Post-launch support:
- Team training: Ensure the company knows how to manage and leverage their site.
- Performance tracking: Analyze traffic, SEO, and conversions to adjust the strategy.
- Updates and security: Keep the site stable and secure in the face of technological changes.
- Continuous evolution: Add features as the business grows.
If you found Thierry’s advice helpful, don’t hesitate to share it!
And stay tuned for this series, where our experts will guide you in making the right decisions at every stage of creating or redesigning your website. Together, let’s build a successful digital project!