Believe me when I tell you that trying to build a website without some kind of process or system is a one way ticket to delay, disaster and unnecessary stress.
Building/managing a website is an in-depth process. Lots of moving parts. To see the big picture (as well as important details) we need (and I emphasise the word “need”) to bring order to what can otherwise turn into chaos. 😖
Trying to keep track of emails and WhatsApp messages is manageable when it’s a small website. But that gets out of hand as more stuff is put on our plates. 🏗️
And you have other things going on in your life which cause you to forget what needs doing.
For example:
- 🤔 “Do you need to sign up to hosting?”
- 🤔 “Are we transferring the existing domain from GoDaddy to Dreamhost or..?”
- 🤔 “Where are we at with the set up of the Google Business Profile again?”
- 🤔 “Those photos that we’re waiting on – what’s the reason for the delay?”
See what I mean?
Systems Set You Free (No, Really!)
I assume you want to keep the cost of a website predictable? You want to prevent this turning into a palaver, right?
If there’s no system or process for keeping everything simple, visible and manageable, you’re making a rod for your own back.
That’s why it’s a very good idea to use project management software.
Trello is Easy and Straightforward
I’ve tested all kinds of free project management software over the years. To keep things as straightforward as possible, I’m recommending that you sign up to Trello (it’s free).
The user interface is excellent. If you know how to use Facebook, you’ll find Trello intuitive.
It keeps you and I on the same page – literally. No more rifling through old emails or bits of paper to try and remember what was said.
Sure, we can still use email, phone calls, face-to-face meetings etc, but the things that were agreed need a central location to live in.
Make sense?
Tasks that need to get done will be added to a “board” and be moved through the various stages, like this:
- 🔮 To do
- 🚧 In Progress
- ✅ Done
Here’s an example of a Trello board I created.
There isn’t much for you to do except sign up to Trello. I’ll take it from there.
- I’ll create/add the “tasks”
- Our Trello board will be private and only accessible to those I invite
- You can comment on tasks in the same way that you would on a social media status
Let’s Take Control and Stay On Top of Things
When tasks are moved from “In Progress” to “Done”, there will be a clear, visible record of that because those tasks will be in the “Done” column.
Any system worth using includes a little bit of effort at first, but, ultimately, sets you free.
Trello does exactly that.
Otherwise, what should be a series of successful, predictable small steps turns into the Charge of the Light Brigade!