Do you need a website? Have you attempted to work with someone in the past to create a site and are just not happy with the results? The pains felt during or after a web project often take root early in the process. This session will outline some common pitfalls to be aware of, what questions to ask, and how to best partner with your vendor of choice. No sales pitch here—just words of wisdom to help you reach your full online potential.

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@clixable | #TrendigitalSF
TRENDIGITAL
THE DO’S &
DON’TS OF
CREATING
A WEBSITE

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“Knowing is half the battle.”
—G.I. Joe
● What to know before you get started
● What to expect once you have started
● What to avoid during the process
● Questions?

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THIS IS HAPPENING.
GET READY

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WHAT IS A WEBSITE?
YOUR
SITE

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BUDGET
● DO: think of it as an INVESTMENT
● DON’T: think of it as an expense
● DO: Define a budget upfront
● DON’T: forget that budget dictates
deliverables

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TIMELINE
● DO: allow for a forgiving timeline.
● DON’T: set yourself up for failure

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PEOPLE
● DO: include Marketing Director, Designers,
Copywriters
● DO: include anyone responsible for
maintaining content long-term
● DO: include the ultimate decision makers in
the project

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✓ BUDGET
✓ TIMELINE
✓ PEOPLE

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STAGES OF WEB
DEVELOPMENT
THE BASIC

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“We enjoy the process
far more than the proceeds”
—Warren Buffett
DO: expect a formal development process
1. Discovery
2. Strategy & Scope
3. Design & Content
4. Develop & Deployment

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1. DISCOVERY
● DO: involve ALL team members
● DO: be prepared to discuss a range of
topics:

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2. STRATEGY & SCOPE
PROJECT BRIEF
● DON’T: try to be all things to all people
● DO: get everyone on the same page

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2. STRATEGY & SCOPE
● Page structure
● Taxonomy
SITE MAP

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SHALLOW vs. DEEP
● DO: be aware of the implications
● DON’T: think all pages must be a click away

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2. STRATEGY & SCOPE
● DO: question the
existence of every
page
SITE MAP
● DO: strive for simplicity

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2. STRATEGY & SCOPE
● DO: clearly define what is going to be done
● DON’T: proceed without it
PROJECT SCOPE

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2. STRATEGY & SCOPE
✓ PROJECT BRIEF
✓ SITE MAP
✓ PROJECT SCOPE

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3. DESIGN & CONTENT
WIREFRAMES

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3. DESIGN & CONTENT
● DO: request wireframes if needed
WIREFRAMES

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3. DESIGN & CONTENT
● DO: start content now
● DON’T: underestimate how long it will take
● DO: know how to write for the web
CONTENT

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3. DESIGN & CONTENT
DESIGN
● DO: trust the design professionals
● DON’T: let personal tastes undermine strategy
● DON’T: mix and match aspects of unique design options

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3. DESIGN & CONTENT
✓ WIREFRAMES
✓ CONTENT
✓ DESIGN

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4. DEVELOP & DEPLOY
● DO: have a launch strategy
● DO: have a domain name and hosting plan
● DO: have a maintenance strategy

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4. DEVELOP & DEPLOY
● DO: learn how to use your CMS
● DO: train multiple people
● DO: test your site

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✓ TIMELINE
✓ BUDGET
✓ PEOPLE
✓ STRATEGY
✓ CONTENT
✓ DESIGN
✓ CMS TRAINING
✓ TESTING
✓ LAUNCH
“Do or do not. There is no try”
—Yoda

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“Break it down y’all”
—Yoda

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QUESTIONS?
HELP ME HELP YOU.
@clixable | #TrendigitalSF

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THANK YOU
TRENDIGITAL
@clixable | #TrendigitalSF