The development plan for your company's website can be broken into five phases:
- Planning -- Define the scope of the project. You should identify Internet objectives and strategies for an effective website. You will also create a content plan. From there, you'll either create an implementation plan (if you're creating the site yourself) or a Request for Proposal (RFP) if you'd like vendors to bid on the project.
- Design -- Determine design features, content considerations and technology to be implemented on the website. Deliverables during this phase include design concepts and a proposed site map. Each concept also includes a summary of any related budget/timeline considerations.
- Implementation -- Create the website, on time and on budget. You must manage the scope of the project and identify the timeline/budget implications of any changes requested by others. Stakeholders in your company may need an opportunity to review all site content once or twice during implementation.
- Testing -- Ensure error-free implementation of the site.
- Distribution -- Publish the new site and register it with search engines, as appropriate.
Once the process is complete, you'll need to monitor, update and evaluate the site on an ongoing basis.