Web Development Process 2 - A Freelancer's Perspective

12. Testing

Before you send the prototype to your client, test the usability of your design with a few friends who haven't been involved with the project. Write down all the feedback they give you -- both good and bad. Also, try as many different browsers, plugins, and operating systems as the site's visitors are likely to use. Be sure to fix any problems and bugs, and make notes on what works and what doesn't for reference on future projects.

After you finish this internal check, upload the site to the host server and test out access speed, plugins, and configurations. When you're sure that things are in full working order, it's time to let the client loose on the prototype site. There will probably be several things that your client won't like. Listen carefully to your client and give merit to all suggestions that the client makes. Once the client is happy with the site, have them sign off on the prototype so that you can go ahead and make the site live.

13. Make it Live

Once the testing phase is complete, it's time to launch the site. Cross your fingers and hope for the best. Inevitably, visitors will always find something that they aren't happy with -- and unhappy customers often means an unhappy client for you. So support your newly-launched sites for at least 2 to 4 weeks, until any issues are ironed out.

14. Review and Invoice

Now that you've completed the project, it's time to fulfill your administrative duties. Firstly, review your time sheet. Calculate total hours you've spent on the project, and break this number into the number of hours spent on each phase of the project.

Make a copy of the time sheet for the client and create an invoice that reflects your hourly fee and the amount of time you spent on the job. Always reference the client's purchase order number on your invoice -- without this, many Accounts Payable departments won't pay your invoice. If your client hasn't given you a purchase order number, contact them to confirm whether there is a purchase order number linked to the project. Include on your invoice:

1. Your logo, name, company name, address, and phone number


2. Client Contact 's name, company name, address, and phone number


3. Purchase order date (date job was ordered)


4. Invoice date


5. Invoice number


6. Payment terms (for example, net 45 days)


7. Break down of how many hours were spent on each phase of the project


8. Add on expenses (eg. Printing, couriers, etc.)

Make sure that your invoice is neat and professional, staple the purchase order to it, and send it out to the client.

15. Archive the Project

Now that you're finished, you can use the docket to archive this project. Place a filing tab on each docket, and ensure its contents are in alphanumeric order.

Make sure that everything that belongs in the docket is there. Place all corresponding electronic files on a Zip or Jazz disk, and include this in the project's docket. All the job's administrative documents, such as invoices and purchase orders should also be placed in the docket. Finally, be sure to include any printouts, emails, or notes that correspond to the project.

Everything is Reusable... Almost

You shouldn't ever reuse projects that are copyrighted by your client. However, portions of every project are reusable. For example, you wouldn't reuse a design that you specifically created for a client, but you could reuse the Photoshop paths or textures that you created to enhance other jobs.

You'll find that, as you complete more and more projects, each one becomes a little bit easier. As you start out as a freelancer, use each project as a learning experience. And remember: each project you complete increases your experience makes you a more valuable freelancer.