Blog / Top reasons websites don’t launch & how to avoid them with web design support

July 11, 2024

Top reasons websites don’t launch & how to avoid them with web design support

Ever feel like you’re walking a tightrope with website launches? Missed deadlines, frustrated clients on the phone – we’ve all been there. Launching a website is a delicate balancing act for agencies like yours. You need to deliver a flawless product on time, but web design and development hurdles can throw even the most meticulously planned project off course.

The stakes are high. A successful launch isn’t just about ticking a box; it’s about building trust and a rock-solid reputation with your clients. It’s the difference between happy clients singing your praises and potential red flags that damage your credibility.

This blog dives deep into the reasons websites don’t launch on schedule (and how to avoid them!). We’ll also explore how outsourcing development and design can be your secret weapon, freeing up your team’s bandwidth and ensuring those launches are smooth and successful.

Top Reasons Websites Don’t Launch

Unrealistic Scoping

The foundation of any successful website launch is a realistic scope. Underestimate project needs at the outset, and you’re setting yourself up for a launch time bomb. Missed deadlines and a trail of frustrated clients are just a few of the potential explosions.

So, what ignites this bomb? Often, it’s a combination of factors:

Unclear Requirements: Sometimes, communication breakdowns lead to ambiguous project goals, and functionalities. What seems like a simple request can morph into a complex beast, devouring development time and derailing the timeline.
Feature Creep: It’s exciting to brainstorm all the bells and whistles a website can have. But adding features on the fly, without considering the impact on development resources and budget, is a recipe for delays.

A clear, well-defined scope from the start is crucial. It keeps everyone on the same page and ensures a smooth launch – and a happy client!

Technical Hurdles

Even the most meticulously planned project can hit a snag when technical gremlins appear. These development challenges can derail launches faster than you can say “bug fix.”

Here are some common culprits:

Integration Issues: Does your website need to connect with third-party services or databases? Integration can be tricky, and unforeseen compatibility problems can cause delays.
Coding Errors: Let’s face it, even the best developers make mistakes. Unforeseen coding errors can take time to identify and fix, pushing back the launch date.

Beyond these common issues, outdated developer skills or a lack of experience with specific technologies can also lead to delays. Newer technologies may require specific expertise, and without it, the development process can stall while the team gets up to speed.

Design Bottlenecks

The design phase is crucial for crafting a website that resonates with users. However, slow progress here can easily derail your launch schedule. Design revisions can be a necessary part of the process, but endless back-and-forth loops or creative roadblocks can quickly eat into valuable launch time.

Here’s where clear communication becomes your best friend. By establishing a structured feedback loop with your client from the beginning, you can ensure everyone is on the same page. This means:

Clearly defined design goals and expectations upfront.
Regular client check-ins to avoid surprises and course corrections late in the game.
A defined revision limit to keep the process efficient.

By streamlining communication and managing expectations, you can navigate design revisions smoothly and keep your launch on track.

Content Challenges

A website launch isn’t just about stunning design and impressive functionality. High-quality content is the cherry on top, engaging users and driving conversions. However, missing or underdeveloped content can leave your website feeling hollow and delay your launch significantly.

Here’s why content matters:

Content is king! It informs, entertains, and persuades users. A website without engaging content struggles to connect with its audience.
SEO needs content. Search engines rely on relevant content to rank websites. Without it, your beautiful website might struggle to be seen.

Imagine a launch day with a fantastic design but placeholder text throughout. Not exactly an ideal first impression, right? Planning and creating content in tandem with the design and development process ensures a seamless launch and a website that delivers from day one.

Project Management Missteps

A website launch is a complex journey, and even a small misstep can trip you up. That’s where effective project management becomes your safety net. Clear communication and a well-defined roadmap are essential for keeping the project on track.

Here’s how poor project management can derail your launch:

Communication Silos: Without clear and consistent communication between designers, developers, and clients, misunderstandings can arise. Unclear requirements or missed deadlines can snowball, impacting the entire project.
Missing Milestones: Milestones are like checkpoints on your launch journey. Without clearly defined milestones and regular progress updates, it’s easy to lose track of the big picture and miss deadlines.

A strong project management strategy ensures everyone stays informed, aligned, and accountable. This translates to a smoother development process and a launch that happens when it’s supposed to.

Launch Websites Like a Pro: Tips for Success

A smooth website launch is within your grasp. By following these key tips, you can confidently navigate the development process and ensure a successful launch that exceeds expectations.

1. Scope it Right from the Start:

Define Success Together: Collaborate with your client to establish clear goals and functionalities for the website. What are the key metrics for success? Having a shared vision from the outset prevents scope creep and keeps everyone on the same page.
Beware of Feature Creep: It’s tempting to add bells and whistles but prioritize core functionalities. Discuss the impact of “nice-to-have” features on budget and timeline, and be prepared to push back if necessary.

2. Embrace the Power of Planning:

Phase and Milestone Magic: Break down the development process into clear phases with defined milestones. This creates a roadmap for your team and keeps everyone accountable. Web development project management tools can also be helpful here.
Communication is Key: Establish regular communication channels with your client. Set clear expectations for feedback loops and revision cycles to avoid surprises down the line.

3. Assemble Your A-Team:

The Right Skills for the Job: Ensure your development team has the expertise to handle the project’s specific technologies.
Consider Outsourcing: If there are skill gaps, consider outsourcing web design and development to a qualified partner ensuring you have the right expertise for the job without burdening your internal resources.
Content is King: Integrate content creation into your development timeline. High-quality content is essential for launch and SEO success.

4. Test, Refine, Launch, and Celebrate!

Testing is Your Friend: Thorough testing of all functionalities and integrations is crucial before launch. Identify and fix bugs early to avoid last-minute scrambling.
Launch with Confidence: With a well-planned and thoroughly tested website, launch day should be a celebration of your team’s hard work. But remember, a successful launch is just the beginning! Be prepared to offer ongoing support and maintenance to your client.

By following these tips and considering web design and development outsourcing, you can transform website launches from stressful ordeals into triumphant showcases of your agency’s expertise. Remember, a happy client is a loyal client, and a smooth launch paves the way for long-term success. So, launch with confidence, and let your websites shine!

Conclusion: The Togetherweship Solution for Flawless Launches

Website launches for agencies can be a pressure cooker. Unrealistic scoping, technical hurdles, design roadblocks, and content delays can all conspire to derail timelines and frustrate clients. The result? Damaged reputations and missed opportunities.

But what if there was a way to mitigate these challenges and guarantee smooth website launches that leave your clients raving?

That’s where Togetherweship comes in. We’re your one-stop shop for web design and development support for agencies. By outsourcing to our team of skilled professionals, you can:

Alleviate the workload on your internal team, freeing them to focus on core agency tasks.
Access a wider range of expertise than you might have in-house, ensuring the project has the right skills from the get-go.
Meet deadlines with confidence, knowing your project is in the hands of experienced professionals.

Ready to transform your website launches from stressful ordeals to agency triumphs? Contact Togetherweship today for a free consultation and see how our web design and development outsourcing services can empower your agency to deliver exceptional results for your clients.

Schedule a consultation with us to delve deeper into your specific needs.