Web Development Process 2 - A Freelancer's Perspective

In Part 1 we considered Web development from a small business perspective. Here, we look at the approach a freelancer might take...

As a new freelancer, there's nothing scarier than starting your first project. This article will take a close look at the steps you should follow to develop a project. Hopefully, if you're aware of what the process should be, you won't be as concerned about getting things right. I'll assume that this is your first client, and that return business is essential to the growth of your business. So follow these steps from start to finish, and you should have both a happy client, and a check in your hands.

1. Track Time

It's important to track your time as you work on a project. Start tracking your time as soon as you start to give your attention to a project. Place a time log into a new docket and write onto this log your start and finish times, along with other detailed information every time you work on that particular project.

Here's an exmaple:

For several reasons, it's important to use the time log accurately. First and foremost, your client might expect you to break down your hours so that they can see exactly where their money's going. Secondly, in order to increase your productivity, a thorough examination of where your time is being spent will be essential. After you freelance for a while, experience will allow you to easily figure out how much to bid on projects.

2. Open Up a Docket

A docket is a huge envelope or sleeve that keeps all your papers together. Nothing looks worse than arriving at a meeting with a client, only to realize that you've forgotten essential paperwork. In order to avoid this possibility, I suggest you use a docket for each individual project.

I recommend using a black marker to distinguish between each project you complete. I've always named my project's computer files and dockets by the company's name and then follow this with consecutive numbers. So for example, the file marked XYZCompany001 would contain all my information on XYZ Company's first project.

3. Information Sheet

If this is the first time you've ever worked with the client, start an information sheet on them. You mightn't think that this is important, but if this client ends up being a dead beat who won't pay their bill, you'll be glad you made a note of his or her address and phone number back in the early days of the project.

After you have completed the information sheet place it in your docket.

4. Scheduling the Stages of the Job

Consider the project from start to finish. List the steps that you anticipate will be involved in order finish production. Use this list as your guide -- without it, you might find that you have to go back three steps in order to be able to finally progress the project.

Sometimes stages of a project will need to be reworked because you didn't take the time to write down your game plan, or you weren't thorough in your planning. Try not to let this happen to you. And if the client changes their mind about the project, and you have to re-work your plan, it'll be easier to do if you already have something to work from. Planning each stage of the job is essential.

5. The Contract

Protect yourself against problem clients by writing a contract. Have your client sign and send back the contract before you start the project. You can find generic contracts for your business on the Internet at:

• Manage Jobs Software
• Digital Contracts Online
• Smart Agreements
• Contract Swipe File
• Law.net
• Legal Documents Online
• Sample Freelance Contract

6. Organize Your Thoughts on the Project

A great way to begin your project is to plan out how the web site is going to be organized. A mind map is one way to do this. Write down a word or two that matches the subject of your previous notes on the client's project. Branch out with lines to related topics. Here's an example:

Your mind map is similar to a Flow Chart. Make sure that all navigational routes have been mapped out. And if possible, have someone else take a look at your Flow Chart to see if you've missed anything.