Why should you avoid launching your website on a Friday? It's not because everyone wants to leave early to go to the pub (or at least, not entirely). It isn't because people slack off work more on Fridays (though maybe that's got something to do with it). It's not that Fridays are innately evil or unproductive.
So why so harsh on Fridays then?
It's because you need to allow time for any corrections and overruns. Launching a site on a Friday usually doesn't give you the chance to make those final checks, or accommodate last-minute changes. And nobody wants to rush-launch a site full of glitches, no matter how complex the project (from simple blogs to
database driven websites).
Flexibility is your friend...
Every experienced designer knows that things change during the course of a project. A client might want to alter the site colour scheme. Maybe they want a new section added in the navigation. Instead of selling t-shirts online, maybe they now want to offer discount cheese.
Whatever the reason, clear communication and adaptability is key. If you're a client and want something added or removed from the site, then designers should be informed as soon as possible the job might take longer than you expect.
Similarly, designers need to try and offer honest and accurate estimates on time and cost for any amendments. It's important to remember that your clients may not understand the technical side of things as much as you do.
Last minute changes take more than a minute...
Here's a list of a few last minute change requests or delayed info that we've received from clients days before the target launch date. If you're a designer, you can nod your head in sad recognition. If you're a client, it's worth bearing these in mind when you ask for final alterations.
I hear blogs are all the rage and I know we launch tomorrow, but can I have one?
Here's the content for all of the web pages. Can we launch this afternoon now?
I've sent you our brochures and leaflets in the mail. That should be enough for you to add content to the site, right?
Here are all the images you wanted. You can choose your favourites from the 3000 in this file.
Can I add these cool new applications to the homepage that I saw online this morning?
Actually, I think we want to have green headers and a red logo.
My boss hasn't seen the design yet. I'll just get it signed off before we launch this afternoon.
Is there any chance that you could just quickly write some content for us for the 'about us' and 'services' sections?
We've decided we'd like to sell stuff directly online. Could you add a shopping basket?
Consider this article as a plea for greater communication between all
web designers, web design agencies and clients. And don't get me wrong designers can be as guilty of bad communication as clients can.
No matter how huge the project, how big the company or how short the timescale, keep the channels of communication wide open to help produce the best possible results. And for the sake of everyone's sanity, never launch your new site on a Friday.
Contact Us:
Oliver Pluckrose
Online Business Solutions UK Limited,
The Old Truman Brewery,
91 Brick Lane, London E1 6QL.
Phone +44 (0) 20 7770 6255,
Fax +44 (0) 20 7770 6261
Website: http://www.obs-group.co.uk
