You Are Here: Home Page -> Internet-marketing -> Leading a Website Redesign Team: Things Non-Technical Managers Should Know
1. Understand each team person's role
This may sound obvious. After years of working with clients on their website redesigns I know it's not. What often happens is that managers are embarrassed to ask what role a programmer or designer actually plays. They believe that if they were more technically astute, they would know. Not so. Talk to each person on your team and understand what they do.
2. Ask WHY something can't be done
This is another one that sounds intuitive. But often, managers assume that because a team member says it can't be done, that they are using the same data to make a decision. When your team member says it will take too long, or be difficult, make sure you know what that really means for the project. Asking someone how they could make it happen is often enlightening.
3. Keep the timeline updated
During the project, update every part of your timeline on a weekly basis. Toward the end it must be daily. Make sure you regularly hear from the designers, the IT people and anyone connected with the project to make sure no one is hiding their concerns. This isn't only a best practice; it will save you possible humiliation when your boss can't show off his new website when he planned to.
4. Use visuals and software tools
It is helpful to use tools that assist you in working with people who are used to using diagrams and visuals. I use mind mapping software which lets you see the big picture and the details at the same time. Checkout my website for examples of how mind maps can be used for redesigns.
5. Listen to everyone's ideas
It can be easy to dismiss someone who doesn't view your business exactly as you do. That's why marketers talk to marketers and sales people to sales people. If you run your project this way, you will be missing out on possible innovations. Everyone in your company has something important to say about it if you take the time to listen.
6. Don't be afraid to be innovative
Take the time to study other websites outside your business area. Go to entertainment sites, sports sites, etc. Lots of interesting things are being done that you can adapt for your needs. If you take the safe route, it can be boring for everyone including your customer.
Author Profile: diamondsf
Get This Article:
[Article ID - 7649] || Word Count: 479 || Total views: 64
ArticleRate This Article
Current Rating: Not yet rated
Leading a Website Redesign Team: Things Non-Technical Managers Should Know
Are you a marketing person or general manager who has been put in charge of your company's website redesign? If so, you're in good company. A majority of the website redesigns being done today are not led by web professionals. They're done by people who are experts in their product or service. With this in mind, there are several things you should know before you undertake your next redesign.1. Understand each team person's role
This may sound obvious. After years of working with clients on their website redesigns I know it's not. What often happens is that managers are embarrassed to ask what role a programmer or designer actually plays. They believe that if they were more technically astute, they would know. Not so. Talk to each person on your team and understand what they do.
2. Ask WHY something can't be done
This is another one that sounds intuitive. But often, managers assume that because a team member says it can't be done, that they are using the same data to make a decision. When your team member says it will take too long, or be difficult, make sure you know what that really means for the project. Asking someone how they could make it happen is often enlightening.
3. Keep the timeline updated
During the project, update every part of your timeline on a weekly basis. Toward the end it must be daily. Make sure you regularly hear from the designers, the IT people and anyone connected with the project to make sure no one is hiding their concerns. This isn't only a best practice; it will save you possible humiliation when your boss can't show off his new website when he planned to.
4. Use visuals and software tools
It is helpful to use tools that assist you in working with people who are used to using diagrams and visuals. I use mind mapping software which lets you see the big picture and the details at the same time. Checkout my website for examples of how mind maps can be used for redesigns.
5. Listen to everyone's ideas
It can be easy to dismiss someone who doesn't view your business exactly as you do. That's why marketers talk to marketers and sales people to sales people. If you run your project this way, you will be missing out on possible innovations. Everyone in your company has something important to say about it if you take the time to listen.
6. Don't be afraid to be innovative
Take the time to study other websites outside your business area. Go to entertainment sites, sports sites, etc. Lots of interesting things are being done that you can adapt for your needs. If you take the safe route, it can be boring for everyone including your customer.
About the Author
Stephanie Diamond is a 25+ year marketing professional experienced in building profits for online businesses. As Marketing Director for AOL she created a line of products that generated millions of dollars. She founded Digital Media Works, Inc. http://DigMediaWorks.com a marketing and design firm.
Author Profile: diamondsf
Tags
website redesign,
web redesign,
web design,
online marketing