3 Reasons your website project is taking soooo long

November 25, 2019

“How long will it take to build my website?”

I get asked this question a lot from potential new clients and in truth….there really isn’t any correct answer!

I’ve built websites in a few days, few weeks, few months, few months plus 6!

It is not necessarily the larger, more complex items that take longer either, sometimes it’s the smaller sites that tend to linger. Timelines get thrown out the window, emails go unanswered, clients go awol and it all just appears too hard.

So how can we avoid these project delays?

There are many different reasons that crop up for delaying the web design process, however in the 10+ years I have been in the game, I would say that it comes down to one of three things.

 

Roadblock #1 Content

Roadblock #2 Design Approval

Roadblock #3 No clear process or plan.

 

Roadblock #1 Content

The words within your website are by far the most important part, because they tell your audience what you do and how you can help them. However gathering these words into a succinct story that engages and delights is not always an easy process and slows down or brings to a halt over 80% of projects.

So how can you navigate these content woes?

Hire a copywriter: Partnering with a professional to write your website copy not only smooths the process, but you’ll end up with better content in the end.

Good copywriters know how to succinctly position your product, service, and/or business to motivate your target audience to take action. When you outsource content-writing, you’ll have more time to run your business while keeping the website project moving forward!

If you don’t have the budget to hire a copywriter then use a content planning guide.

There are lots of guides and templates out in google land, that provide a great start to building the foundations of your content. Failing finding one on google, contact me and I will email an easy to follow guide across to you.

 

Roadblock #2 Design Approval

The visual stage of custom-designed websites can at times slow down the process.

Be sure to be clear and honest when  a designer shows you a first draft. You won’t hurt their feelings if you tell them you don’t like it – maybe their pride a little ;-). Go through the draft, making note of what you like and what you don’t. It is far better for all involved to state your thoughts at this phase of the design process, rather than waiting till moments before the launch.

 

Roadblock #3 No clear process or plan

At the beginning of the project, be sure to confirm the process/timeline. You want to know what is involved each step along the way and when you are likely to hear back from your designer.

Do some research on your designer, hire a designer who has an established, proven process. Read testimonials, follow them on socials – ask previous clients and ask your designer. If the designer is able to outline a clear plan ahead, chances are they’ve got a great process that will keep your project moving and get your new website launched with minimal hiccups!

 

REMOVE THE ROADBLOCKS

There are lots of moving parts in a website project that can cause delays. If you can address the potential roadblocks outlined above, you’ll be more likely to get your new website launched quicker  and with fewer headaches.