Why Asset Collection and Client Proofreading Are Crucial for Your Website Launch

Building a website is much like creating a digital masterpiece. It involves multiple steps, a great deal of teamwork, and many moving parts. As a project manager for a website development company, one of the biggest challenges is waiting for assets (such as images, logos, text content, and videos) from clients. While this may seem like a small task, it is crucial to ensure the website is built to reflect the brand’s values and looks professional.

Unfortunately, there are times when clients take a while to provide these materials, causing delays in the project timeline. Despite efforts to make it as easy as possible for clients to share these assets and proofread content, some clients still don’t follow through. This blog will discuss why asset collection and proofreading are so important, and how both clients and developers can work together to keep a website project moving smoothly.

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Why Asset Collection Matters:

Assets Are the Building Blocks

When starting a website, the text, images, logos, videos, and other media content are the building blocks of the entire site. Without these elements, it’s difficult to create a visually appealing or functional website. For example, how can pages be designed, content be set up, or even the layout tested if the necessary assets are missing?

Clients may not realise that the website cannot progress until these materials are provided. The project can get stuck in a waiting game, causing frustration for both the development team and the client. The longer it takes to gather everything, the longer it will take to deliver the final product.

Delays Cause Frustration

Delays in providing assets can push back the entire project timeline. These delays can have more than just a minor impact; they can affect the overall quality of the website. For instance, without the right images, the site may not look polished or on-brand. If the text content isn’t accurate, the site could give users incorrect information. Ultimately, delays harm the project’s success and cause frustration for everyone involved.

The Issue with Proofreading:

Proofreading Ensures Content Accuracy

Once the website is built, the next major step is proofreading. This is when the client needs to review all the text to ensure that the content is correct and aligns with the brand’s messaging. It is the final check before launching the website.

Despite an easy-to-use tool being provided for clients to review the content, some clients do not engage with it. The tool allows clients to leave comments, suggest edits, and highlight areas of the website that need attention. It is a simple, user-friendly way for clients to directly engage with the website and provide feedback.

Without this feedback, the risk of launching a site with incorrect or unclear content increases. This can damage the website's credibility and the brand’s reputation. While developers focus on the technical aspects of the site, it is the client’s responsibility to ensure the content is accurate and reflects their goals.

What Happens When Clients Don’t Proofread?

Without proofreading or leaving feedback, there is a risk of going live with content that is not correct. Inaccurate details or mismatched messaging might seem like minor issues, but they can negatively impact the user experience and harm the site’s reputation. A website with incorrect content does not reflect well on the brand or the team involved in its development.

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Why the Tool Makes It Easy:

Proofreading can be a time-consuming task, especially with busy schedules. To make it as easy as possible, an online tool has been provided that allows clients to view the website’s content directly and leave comments or suggested edits. It’s not complicated and doesn’t take much time. The goal is to review the content and ensure everything is correct.

With the tool, clients can click on specific areas of the website they want to comment on or suggest changes to. This makes the feedback process much clearer and more efficient than back-and-forth emails or document corrections. It saves valuable time and allows for a more streamlined approach.

Despite how straightforward the tool is, some clients still neglect proofreading altogether. So, how can clients be encouraged to take action?

Solutions and Resolutions:

Set Clear Expectations and Deadlines

At the start of every project, clear communication about the importance of asset collection and proofreading is essential. Deadlines should be established for when assets and feedback need to be provided. Clients must understand the impact their actions (or inaction) can have on the project timeline and overall success.

Send Friendly Reminders

Sometimes, clients need a gentle reminder. Friendly nudges can be sent when deadlines for asset collection or proofreading are approaching. These reminders should be seen as helpful prompts, not pushy requests. Clients should also be reassured that support is available if they have any questions about the tool.

Offer Support and Assistance

If a client struggles with using the tool or has questions about the process, assistance should be offered. Whether it’s a quick walk-through or answering specific questions about asset requirements, the goal is to make the process as stress-free as possible. Collaboration is key to success, and everyone involved should feel supported throughout the project.

Be Flexible, but Firm

While clients often have busy schedules, it is still important to remain firm about deadlines to keep the project on track. Flexibility can be offered when needed, but clients should understand the importance of staying on schedule to ensure a smooth launch.

Show the Impact of Delays

It is helpful to explain how delays in providing assets or proofreading can directly affect the quality and user experience of the website. When clients understand that their input plays a crucial role, they are often more motivated to take action and stay involved in the process.

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Conclusion:

Asset collection and proofreading may seem like small tasks, but they are vital to creating a website that is not only functional but also accurately represents the brand. By setting clear expectations, offering support, and communicating the importance of these steps, both clients and developers can ensure the project stays on track and is completed successfully.

The goal is to create a website that’s ready to launch and make a great impression. Keeping communication open and ensuring that every step is followed will make the website development process smoother and more efficient for everyone involved.

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