How to effectively communicate your website idea to Chicago web development company?
Starting from the logo design to template picking, there is always a gap between the understanding of the client and the development company. Here are a few tips to help you communicate effectively with a Chicago web development company.
Brainstorm ideas
Conduct a brainstorming session with the developers in Chicago web development company you choose. In the brainstorming session;
a) Write down the requirement of the site.
b) Ask how the developers will provide each of the requirements.
c) Discuss the time required to complete each requirement.
d) Know about any possible challenges in attaining those requirements.
Brainstorming sessions can start with your idea of the site and the key elements in every page. Ask whether the developers will be able to convey the requirements on the site. If not, try to decide an alternative option.
Choose a CMS
Choose the best content management site for your site, based on your requirement and budget. There are many platforms like WordPress, Joomla, Drupal and many others. Communicate with the developers at your Chicago web development company to know their expertise and choose the perfect CMS for your website.
Each CMS has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Contact the developers and surf the internet to choose the best CMS that would suit your business.
Mockup site
Redesign the site after completion of the whole design is time consuming. What if they got the basic concept wrong? Then the company has to totally redo the site, from the first dot. It consumes more time and energy. A mockup site can help to avoid these circumstances. Ask the Chicago web development company to provide a mockup site. A mockup site should have,
a) The number of pages in the site.
b) What contents are to be included on each page?
c) Where should each element be on the page?
d) Alignment of buttons
Designers can use wire framing tool like GoMockingbird to create mockup sites. This mockup site helps to know whether the development company has understood the requirements or not.
Face to face meeting
Conduct face to face meetings with the designers and developers to know where exactly the progress is. Do not make long interviews with the developers. Just get to know about the key parameters.
Knowing the progress through email or phone call will not be effective. If you are not able to meet them in person, use Skype or other video call options to conduct the meeting. Make sure all the developers involved in your project are available for the meeting.
Creative brief for your website
Communicate to the Chicago web development company about your design preference, in terms of pictures or other site reference. Also ask for their constructive feedback on the design. This will help the developers clearly understand what you are expecting from them.
These steps will help to bridge the communication gap between the web development company and the client. It also avoids any cases of disputes or other problems. Talk to your development company about these options so that your website will look like what you expect.
