Detailed Implementation Plan
This document sets out the key phases and actions of a typical Web Management Studio implementation (See the Typical Implementation Costs page for advice on preparing a Web Management Studio implementation budget).
Phases of Implementation
- Requirements and Functional Specification
- Develop a Site Map
- Product Review and Selection
- Develop a Page Layout and Design
- Develop Web Site Content
- Validate/Develop Web Site Structure and Usability
- Migrate Development Web Site to Production Environment
- ReValidate Production Web Site
- Schedule Ongoing Review Points
- Implement Search Engine Optimisation Programme.
1) Requirements and Functional Specification
Assuming that the requirement for a web site has already been identified, the next step is to decide what features and functions you want the web site to support.
For example, do you want to develop a 'Private Members Area' and run a subscription service? Or perhaps you want to sell products and services? You may even want to develop a customised web application or service!
It is a good idea to 'brainstorm' your requirements and create three lists:
- Features that must be available from day one.
- Features that must be developed and become available over time (say 3, 6 and 12 months).
- Features that would be 'nice to have' but are not imperative to the success of the web site.
Once these lists are complete it is worth spending some time creating a more formal Requirements Specification document. This can then be used when talking to potential suppliers to ensure that a) all your needs are met and b) you don't end up being seduced by features that you don't need!
The importance of this part of the process cannot be overstated as time spent here will help ensure that you don't waste time and money later in the project.
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2) Develop a Site Map
Customers are often surprised that we recommend developing the outline 'site map' this early in the project. The reasoning is that the site map will help you scale the project. There is a world of difference between creating a web site with 5 pages and one with 500!
At this stage there is no need to define every last detail of every page - after all, the site map will always be an evolving specification.
Once complete, it is a good idea to review your Requirements Specification document and update if required. For example, if your site map shows a private members area then this should be reflected in the Requirements Specification.
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3) Product Review and Selection
Armed with a Requirements Specification and a Site Map, you are now ready to decide just how you want to create and manage your new web site. Some of the options you consider may include:
- Developing the web site yourself (assuming you have the skills and resources available).
- Outsourcing the project to a third-party web development company.
- Developing the web site with the aid of a commercial Web Content Management System.
Since you are reading the Web Management Studio web site we assume that the final option is of particular interest to you at this time! Even so, we would still suggest that you confirm your decision by reviewing our Do I Need a Web Content Management System? article.
It is now that you should contact us. No one knows our product better than we do and we will quickly be able to determine whether or not Web Management Studio is potentially suitable for your application - particularly if you can provide us with your Requirements Specification!
Assuming that Web Management Studio can address your needs we will:
- Assign a Web Management Studio Account Manager who will be your primary contact and will work with you throughout the rest of the implementation
- Provide you with online resources (e.g. video tutorials and product documentation) to help you familiarise yourself with the product
- Create a simple demonstration web site so you can determine the power and flexibility of Web Management Studio firsthand
- Introduce you to relevant case-studies and testimonials to help build your awareness of the Web Management Studio application.
At this point we will assume that you are satisfied that Web Management Studio will suit your requirements, and it is here that the physical development of your Web Management Studio web site can start in earnest.
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4) Develop a Page Layout and Design
It is at this point the graphical presentation and layout of the web site needs to be defined. This is typically derived from one of the following sources:
- You already have an existing web site that you want to replicate
- You have a design in mind - perhaps inspired by other sites that you have visited
- You select and retain a commercial web/graphic designer to work with you to build a new design.
Whichever route you choose, it is important that your design complements the features and structure (defined earlier). We usually find it beneficial to be involved with this element design process, at least in a consultative capacity, to help ensure that the final design follows 'best practice' from both a technical and usability viewpoint.
Once the design, or in some cases designs, have been established the Web Management Studio design team will develop corresponding Master Pages, ensuring that the underlying scripts and structure comply with the latest web standards.
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5) Develop Web Site Content
With your web site installed and configured on a secure Web Management Studio development server, you can now begin building your web site by defining pages, images and supporting documents as required (and using the site map document prepared earlier) as reference.
To supplement the online video tutorials and product documentation, Web Management Studio can also arrange onsite training courses tailored to suit your particular application.
Our Content Loading Service may also be of interest if you have a lot of content to load or if your internal resources are limited.
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6) Validate/Develop Web Site Structure and Usability
As the web site content is developed it is good practice to validate each page against the relevant web standards. This may be achieved using the tool built into the Web Management Studio HTML Editor or via the W3C Markup Validation Service.
Once the content loading is complete, it is important that the web site is (again) checked thoroughly for all aspects of form and function. It is also a good idea to show the new web site to a number of potential users for usability and general feedback. All comments should be reviewed and the site 'adjusted' accordingly and then retested.
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7) Migrate Development Web Site to Production Environment
Once you are happy that the new web site is stable and presented to a production/public standard, it may be migrated to your chosen production hosting environment. Any related services such as DNS or email hosting should also be taken care of at this time.
Your Web Management Studio Account Manager will develop a Migration Schedule for your web site to ensure that the migration goes smoothly with the minimum of disruption.
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8) ReValidate Production Web Site
Before 'going live' the web site should once again be fully checked to ensure that all services are working correctly. As always, your Web Management Studio Account Manager will work with you to ensure that nothing is overlooked or forgotten.
Once this check has been completed satisfactorily, the web site can 'go live' and face its public for the first time.
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9) Schedule Ongoing Review Points
Once live, your Web Management Studio Account Manager will schedule a number of ongoing review points to make sure that:
- Your web site is performing correctly and to your expectations
- To make you aware of any new features or facilities that have been added to the Web Management Studio application suite
- Obtain feedback from your experience so that this may be considered when developing the product.
Remember that your Support Access Licence will provide you with direct access to the Web Management Studio design team should you require technical information or advice.
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10) Implement Search Engine Optimisation Programme
For web sites where Search Engine placement and ranking are important, it is suggested that a programme of review and adjustment is put in place. The Web Management Studio Search Engine Optimisation tools and facilities will help you develop the web site for maximum 'search engine friendliness.
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