Expect the Unexpected
If you’re a fan of the show Big Brother, you know the above saying. The motto comes in handy when working with a client who needs a website. Inevitably they will think of something they neglected to mention in your initial meeting. It is your job to then evaluate the new request, and either accommodate it, offer an alternative solution, or educate the client as to why it may not work. And do not forget to alert the client to how that will impact the project cost.
In the case of our class project, here is the list of requirements, and it is a great list to base your project brief on. As always, this may change as we move forward, so expect the unexpected.
Project Requirements
The Problem
Your client has no online presence. The desperately need your help designing and developing a website, and expanding the look and feel you create to social media. They have no expertise in this area, and will trust your judgement and suggestions as where to purchase hosting, where to register a domain name, and what architecture the website should live on. They will need to access the backend of the website to edit content and add products, so a Content Management System will be necessary. They have heard that WordPress is a great tool, but will defer to your expertise. The final website, which needs to launch in early December, should be responsive for Desktop/Tablet/Mobile.
Branding Needs
Your client is requesting your help in creating a distinctive name, along with basic brand elements:
- Basic logo or logotype (Keep it simple!)
- Typeface and Font selections. Client wants to use Google Fonts Links to an external site.because they’re free to use, and you’ll be able to incorporate the selections into the website. Choose one font for website headers, and a different font for body copy. Make sure the font selections are a suitable pairing.
- Color Palette. Create a palette that evokes the brand, and contains at least four different colors.
Technical Needs
The client will need you to setup a hosting account, register a domain and point it to the hosting server, install an SSL certificate, and install WordPress and the chosen responsive theme.
Website Pages
No matter what website type you choose, you will be responsible for creating the following six pages.
- Home: Know, Like, Trust, Buy: Decide what elements need to be featured.
- About: What’s their story, or brief history?
- Service/Products/Category Archive: What does your client make, offer, or sell?
- Service/Organization Website: A page dedicated to what service you’re offering/selling, or a detailed page about a service your organization provides.
- Ecommerce Website: A landing page dedicated to one product category.
- News/Blog Website: A landing page dedicated to one post category.
- Blog: A page that lists at least four articles, posts or updates that are relevant to your business/organization.
- What keywords might people use to find this business in a search? Use those for categories, tags and keywords to aim for in blog posts.
- Contact: Include location, map, contact form, hours, email address.
- Work/Events/Recipes/Menu/Testimonials: This page can be anything your client needs. Events, recipes, testimonials, etc. You choose.
Website Posts
The client would like your help crafting four* relevant blog posts that are appropriately categorized, tagged, and include a few paragraphs of text and a featured image.
*If you’re creating a BLOG/NEWS website you will need to craft additional posts to fill-out the website.
Shop & Products
Your client will ask you to setup Woocommerce and all required pages (Cart, Checkout, etc. ), and the product archive and single product templates. You will also be responsible for adding four products* and all relevant information and product photography.
*If you’re creating an Ecommerce website you will need to create additional products to fill-out the website.
Tracking
Lastly, the client will need you to setup Google Analytics, install the script and make sure it’s active.