This is my portion of a presentation on managing a successful website implementation. Presented at DrupalCamp Twin Cities, May 20, 2011.

1. Eight tips for a successful website implementation Jason Samuels IT Manager, National Council on Family Relations Presented at DrupalCamp Twin Cities, May 20, 2011

2. Get the boss to champion it 2

3. Get the boss to champion it The website should reflect their vision for the organization Their leadership will motivate others Involve them from the beginning, and get their sign off on all major decision points 3

4. Manage expectations 4

5. Manage expectations Plan for a realistic timeline and budget Most important thing is to do it right Set out expectations in RFP, and listen to what vendors have to say about what it will cost Plan your timeline around other major events Cautious approach to the project scope Give realistic feedback about how feature requests affect timeline and budget 5

6. Incorporate a content strategy 6

7. Incorporate a content strategy Start thinking about a content strategy when the project begins Have you ever done a content audit? What needs to be migrated, what needs to be re-written, who will be doing that work, and how does it affect your timeline? Recommended resources Content Strategy for the Web by Kristina Halvorson Elements of Content Strategy by Erin Kissane 7

8. Build your internal team 8

9. Build your internal team Who is on your core web team? The boss, for sure, and other co-workers with primary responsibility for the website This is your “inner circle” on the project Who else gives feedback at given stages? Co-workers with responsibility for content on specific sections of the site Call upon for selected meetings & feedback 9

10. Gather & synthesize 10

11. Gather & synthesize At each client deliverable stage you’re asked for specific feedback Identify who to ask at each point Consult with the boss on who to include Set a firm deadline for feedback, giving yourself a few days to turn it around Synthesize feedback into key points Exclude points that don’t fit what’s being asked, keep notes if they’ll fit later in process 11

12. Know when to say no 12

13. Know when to say no Sometimes get feedback that’s relevant to a decision point that’s already passed Don’t be afraid to say “sorry, but that matter is already settled.” Going backwards affects the whole project When to make an exception When enough people feel strongly enough to revisit an issue When the boss says “we’re revisiting this one.” 13

14. Structured content entry 14

15. Structured content entry Base the content entry phase on your content strategy Create a spreadsheet of tasks: person responsible, source content URL, target completion date Weekly meetings with the core web team Check up on schedule, make sure everyone is on board with the launch date Find out where training as needed & provide it As project manager, you need to be the guru! 15

16. Have fun! 16

17. Have fun! Provide treats at meetings involving all staff Give positive feedback to people’s contributions Launching a new website is a creative, exciting endeavor. Your project management style can reflect that. 17