How to Manage a Web Project: A Client's Process Guide
You've decided to get a website built — congratulations! But how does the process work? How long will it take? What do you need to do and when? This guide explains the web project process from the client's perspective.
Web Project Phases
Phase 1: Discovery and Brief (Week 1)
In the first meeting, we define your project scope.
Topics to discuss:
- Understanding your business and target audience
- Competitor analysis
- Functional requirements (what should it do?)
- Design preferences (sites you like)
- Budget and timeline
- Content plan (text, visuals)
What we'll need from you:
- Logo and brand guidelines
- Your existing content
- 3-5 reference sites you like
- Define your target audience
- Clarify your main message
Phase 2: Proposal and Contract (Week 2)
Proposal includes:
- Project scope and features
- Timeline (milestones)
- Pricing (typically 3 payments)
- Revision rights
- Maintenance and support terms
Example payment plan:
- 30% — At project start
- 40% — After design approval
- 30% — At delivery
Phase 3: Design (Weeks 3-4)
Process:
- Wireframe (skeleton) — Page structure
- Concept design — Homepage mockup
- Client feedback
- Revisions (typically 2-3 rounds)
- Full page designs
- Final approval
What we'll need from you:
- Timely feedback
- Specific and clear comments
- Decision maker present in meetings
Phase 4: Development (Weeks 5-7)
What gets built:
- Responsive coding (all devices)
- Content placement
- SEO infrastructure
- Performance optimization
- Contact forms
- Google Analytics integration
Interim demos:
- Weekly progress demos
- Early feedback opportunity
- Issues resolved before they grow
Phase 5: Testing (Week 8)
What gets tested:
- Display on all devices (desktop, tablet, phone)
- All browsers tested (Chrome, Safari, Firefox)
- Form functionality tests
- Speed tests (Lighthouse 90+)
- SEO check
- Broken link scanning
- Content accuracy
Phase 6: Launch (Week 9)
Launch checklist:
- DNS settings
- SSL certificate active
- 301 redirects (from old site)
- Google Search Console connection
- Sitemap submission
- Analytics verification
- Backup system active
- Final performance check
Phase 7: Maintenance (Ongoing)
Maintenance includes:
- Security updates
- Performance monitoring
- Content updates
- Backups
- Monthly reporting
- Minor changes
Factors Affecting Project Duration
| Factor | Impact | |--------|--------| | Project scope | More pages = longer timeline | | Content readiness | Late content = delayed delivery | | Feedback speed | Delayed feedback = delayed delivery | | Number of revisions | Each extra revision adds 2-3 days | | Third-party integration | API integrations take time | | Decision-making process | Too many decision makers = slow |
Tips for a Successful Project
As a Client:
- Prepare a detailed brief — The clearer you are, the better the result
- Prepare content early — 40% of total time is waiting for content
- Give timely feedback — 48-hour rule
- Designate one decision maker — Committees don't work
- Trust the process — The developer works for you, not instead of you
What to Avoid:
- "Build everything, we'll review later" approach
- Scope changes mid-project
- Saying "make it nice" without references
- Last-minute revisions
- Delaying content delivery
Website Maintenance Costs
After delivery, your website needs maintenance:
| Maintenance Type | Frequency | Average Cost | |-----------------|-----------|-------------| | Hosting | Monthly | $10-50 | | SSL certificate | Yearly | Free (Let's Encrypt) | | Domain | Yearly | $10-30 | | Security updates | Monthly | Included in maintenance | | Content updates | As needed | Hourly or package | | Maintenance package | Monthly | $50-200 |
Conclusion
A successful web project is built on clear communication and mutual trust. The clearer the process, the better the outcome. Working with a professional developer saves you from many headaches.
If you'd like to start a professional web project, get in touch: info@cagribilgehan.com. Check out my projects: cagribilgehan.com