How to Plan a Web Development Project and Not Break the Bank

Budget overruns can and do happen on digital product development projects. If you’re wondering how to plan a web development project that won’t leave you broke due to unexpected fees and hidden costs, we have a few tips to share.

Have you ever been shocked by a phone or energy bill that was higher than expected? Hidden costs and unexpected fees are frustrating, especially if you’re a business owner.

When you engage in a web development project, you are more likely than not to encounter problems or delays that are sometimes hard to pinpoint. It’s also not uncommon for these types of projects to go over budget. Sometimes the reason is out of your hands, but other times, this can easily be prevented by acting at the right time and making smart decisions. 

During my more than 15 years of experience working with WordPress, I was met with a wide range of projects – some good, some bad, and some downright ugly. In this article, I’ll pinpoint the usual suspects that often end up raising the overall costs of a web development project and share my advice on how to avoid them. Let’s delve into how to plan a web development project so that you avoid headaches, unwelcome surprises, and unexpected costs.

Let’s illustrate this with an imaginary project. Say your company produces high-quality speakers you have spent years developing and perfecting. You want a website to showcase your product and attract potential customers and investors. 

Considering your business goals, a simple website that provides basic information about the product, like countless others, may not be enough. You desire something custom that sets your product apart from the competition and catches people’s attention. After some research, you are set on the idea that your website should offer e-commerce functionality and provide an in-depth comparison of your speakers with your competitors.

This is a type of project that requires more advanced web development and potentially includes some hurdles along the way.

Putting your ideas down onto paper, and turning your website ideas into a reality, can seem like a daunting task. Here’s a short laundry list of things to keep in mind when you’re thinking about building a website for your brand, product, or service. Of course, this list isn’t exhaustive, but these are some of the most important things to consider for any web development project.

Sometimes, you may come across agencies that offer cheaper services or know individuals who claim to “make websites”. While it may seem like an attractive option, I assure you that this type of engagement will end up costing you more in the long run. 

This approach may be suitable if you’re starting out on a limited budget. However, as your company grows and evolves, implementing any changes becomes time-consuming. Solo developers or small agencies may not have the necessary resources to support your growing company. They also might work with a “let’s make this fast and fix it later” mindset, which can lead to website crashes, code problems, legacy issues, and more.

To make sure you choose your future development partner wisely, we’ve prepared a list of questions that will help you in the selection process.

One of the key factors that can determine the success or failure of your project is the technology stack used to build your website. Sometimes, companies opt for trendy or cutting-edge technologies without fully understanding their implications. While it may seem exciting to use the latest tools, it can lead to compatibility issues, limited developer expertise, and increased development time and costs.

It’s essential to thoroughly research the technology options available and choose ones that align with your business requirements and long-term goals. Ensure that you and your development team have a clear understanding of the technology choices and their potential limitations. Consider factors such as scalability, security, ease of maintenance, and community support. This is also an excellent time to research the YAGNI (You Aren’t Gonna Need It) principle. Trust me, you will thank me later.

A common pitfall in your role as a client is not providing a comprehensive and detailed project brief to the development/design team. Without a clear roadmap and understanding of your expectations, the chances of miscommunication and divergent results increase significantly.

A good project brief should include:

However, if you’re worried you won’t be able to come up with all the details yourself, any good agency will know how to help you figure these things out early on. At Infinum, we prefer to kick off projects with product discovery workshops, in which we build the plan and project outline together. 

Good agencies will always be there to support you. After all, it’s part of the service you’re paying for. Of course, it’s important to keep in mind that you need to bring expertise to the table about your brand or product so that the product strategy we map out matches your business goals and ultimately brings you value.

While you may have a clear vision for your website, it’s crucial to listen to the advice and recommendations of the agency you’ve hired. As experts in their field, they can provide valuable insights and suggestions that can enhance your project’s success.

Engage in open and transparent communication with your development team. Be receptive to their feedback and ideas, and work collaboratively to find the best solutions for your project. Sometimes, clients can be rigid in their demands, but it’s essential to strike a balance between your vision and the agency’s expertise.

For example, let’s say a feature is expected to be finished in approximately 30 days. If your agency proposes a minor alteration to the design and functionality that could reduce the time to 10 days, it is advisable to consider that option. You have chosen the agency based on their references and expertise, and you can trust that they wouldn’t suggest a change unless it is the best course of action. Remember, the development team wants your project to succeed just as much as you do, so fostering a cooperative working relationship will lead to better results.

When embarking on a significant project like building a new website, it’s wise not to invest all your resources at once. Instead, together with the project team, come up with a plan for an iterative approach and break your project into manageable phases. This allows you to assess the progress, receive feedback, and make adjustments before moving on to the next phase.

This approach also enables you to validate the project’s direction and make any necessary course corrections early in the process. It also minimizes the risk of pouring substantial resources into a project that might not yield the desired results.

Typically, it’s not the primary features that deplete your project funds – since you probably planned them beforehand – but the concealed details that you or your agency overlooked during the initial estimate. Selecting your agency carefully will likely eliminate the need to be concerned about this, but conducting your research beforehand is always a good idea.

At Infinum, we understand the significance of well-executed projects and their impact on your company’s financial health. Here’s how we ensure project success:

Creating a great product takes time. By conducting thorough research and choosing your agency wisely, you can avoid the pitfalls of low-cost, inexperienced options. If you are serious about your business, avoid rushing to the finish line.

We’ve identified some of the most common issues that arise on web development projects and what you can do to anticipate and prevent them. Thorough research, prioritizing clear project briefs, open communication, and incremental development ensure better alignment with your team, reduce misunderstandings, allow for timely adjustments, and in the end, save you money. 

No one likes hidden fees and unexpected costs. If you want to make sure you don’t break the bank with your next web development project but rather invest wisely – drop us a line, and let’s talk.