How to Describe a Project to a Web Development Company?

If you want to create a website and consider outsourcing website development to a web development company, first you should write a project brief with key information. It includes the website's goals, features, budget, content, etc.

Many customers still think that project managers and web developers can read their thoughts. After all, they are professionals! Not really. If the client cannot describe a project, it doesn't matter how competent, experienced, and smart a developer may be.

If you already have a website that you would like to change, you can be considered lucky - you have invaluable experience that can be analyzed. You can clearly see the advantages and disadvantages of the old site and set the ideas for a new one.

If you want to develop a website from scratch, it will be a little more difficult for you. However, in any case, it is better to have at hand a specific plan of action that will help you to get the result you need.

Things to Consider Before an Interview

The website development process includes certain stages where close interaction between the development company and the client is required:

• About your business;
• Technical specification.

About Your Business

This part completely depends on the client. Therefore, before the interview with the website development company, the client needs to know the purpose of the site and what functions it should perform in the end. The main question the client must raise is what kind of website should be created, and what kind of information should be posted on the site.

Here are some questions you should keep in mind:

1. Do you want a new site or need a redesign of the old one?

2. Tell a contractor about your business. Who are you, what products or services do you offer?

3. Do you have a unique selling proposition? Who are your competitors and how do you differ from them?

4. Give examples of sites that you like.

5. What is your target audience? What age group do your customers belong to?

When you come to a web development agency with a problem, they should first analyze the specifics of your business, research the area (current trends, competitors), understand the subject matter, and only then select the solution that suits you. That`s why you should describe your project as clear as possible.

Read also: Freelancer vs Software Development Company: What Is Your Best Bet?

Technical Specification

If you have decided on your goals, it's time to set a task for the contractor. Here is where technical specification comes into place. It helps to point out the wishes of the client. Once the web development team knows your goals, it will be easier for them to define how exactly they are going to achieve them.

A technical specification is a description and coordination of all project details and user flow. Specialists will think over all the nuances of each block and API requests. The client and contractor count all the details and think through the future product to the smallest detail. At this stage, you get acquainted with a dedicated project manager and technical specialist (if you wish, you can organize a brainstorming session with all team members).

The main idea is no matter how professional the performer is, the customer must take this stage as seriously as possible and actively participate in the process. The client and the contractor can work efficiently only by cooperating with each other. Only coordinated communication at all stages will lead to the result.

What do you need to find out from the developer at this stage? Make sure the technical specification contains the following blocks:

• Marketing

It allows you to analyze the internal and external environment of the company.

• Technical 

It helps to evaluate the functionality of the site and the complexity of programming.

• Design

Prepare some examples of the websites you like. It can be a platform of your competitors. Or simply describe how your website should look like.

• Content

Requirements for the text content of the site.

Do not put too much on the performer. It is important for you to express your likes, dislikes, and preferences. A professional developer will find the right tools. You may ask them more about the web development process: which website development approach to choosing? How it will help your business? Why this solution is the best?

Read also: Mobile App vs Mobile Website: Pros and Cons of Each Approach For Business

After receiving brief information about your project and filling out the technical specification, a web development firm will specify how much does it cost to develop a website for you and the estimated deadline.

What Does the Project Manager Expect From You?

Give the sales representative a clear view of the information that will be posted on the site. To successfully solve the problem, the developer should clearly understand the ongoing project. 

The task of the designer is to create a high-quality and result-oriented website using all the completeness and visual capabilities of the material provided. In advance, discuss with the performer the user flow of the product. The information provided should be divided into semantic blocks.

A website is a dynamic product. It must be constantly updated, modernized, and improved along with the business. It is important for the client to determine the prospects of the website development for the next couple of years and discuss it with the development team. Thus in the future, it would be possible to introduce new sections without changing the design, to maintain an information archive, publish fresh advertising materials, and so on.

If a web development company does not provide the client with information about the technology stack that will be used for website implementation, you should request it. Developers should tell you what kind of technologies have been chosen, why are they the best match for your site, what restrictions they impose on design and functionality.

Final Tips

Do not rush to make a choice between different web development companies only on a price/time ratio.

Ask yourself the following:

• Which company showed the most interest in your project? 
• Did they listen to you? 
• Did they ask clarifying questions? 
• Did they speak a language that you understood? 
• Did they quickly respond to your questions or wishes? 



Look again at their portfolio to make sure that you are satisfied with the level and style of their work. And most importantly - think about whether you have confidence that the selected company will do what is necessary to achieve your business objectives.

If you wish to talk about your web project development right away, simply contact us directly!