How I Set Up and Organize My Web Design Projects
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Ever wonder how to organize a web design project so that it runs smoothly?
Whether your web design projects are a disorganized mess or you feel like you could improve your client experience (and then charge more for the websites you’re already making), getting your files and processes organized will save you a ton of time and headache!
Today, I’m taking you behind the scenes and showing you exactly how I organize my web design projects inside Google Drive and Freedcamp. (But you can use whatever software you want!)
Note: This video is part of the Profitable Process Pack. Grab your copy-and-paste templates by buying PPP here!
Done-For-You Templates to Create a Luxury Client Experience (That You Can Charge More For!)
Grab all of my design process templates to create an incredible experience for your clients that you can charge premium prices for.
Copy and paste for a luxury client experience in as little as an afternoon!
Create master templates
Most web design projects will need the same information each time, so don’t start from scratch!
Create master templates that cover everything from collecting client login information, to getting useable feedback, to offboarding your clients.
While it’s a lot of work to create these templates initially, having them will shave HOURS off of each project and ensure you get what you need from your clients when you need it.
Pro tip: I’ve already created your master templates for you inside the Profitable Process Pack! You can literally copy and paste your processes together in as little as an afternoon. Check out PPP here!
Create a folder for each client
Keep all of your client files organized inside a folder for each client.
I use Google Drive/Google Docs because it’s very simple, and even my tech-challenged clients are able to use it easily, but you can use whatever software works best for you and your clients.
Inside each client’s Google Drive folder, I create copies of my master templates and can direct clients to fill them out from inside my project management software (more on that in a minute!).
As new files are created, I add them to the folder. For example, I use HoneyBook to send my clients their contracts (because they can legally sign them), but I download a copy and store it in the appropriate client’s Google Drive folder. This keeps it easily accessible for both of us throughout the project.
Using Google Drive keeps all of my files for each project in one place, and makes it really easy to find what I need.
Pro tip: It might not look fancy, but Google Drive is widely used, and as I said, easy to use for the tech-challenged because the file/folder structure is something most people are familiar with. You’re welcome to get fancier with your software, but consider what works best for you and your clients.
Use project management software
When it comes to getting what you need from your clients on time, project management software (PMS) will be your best friend.
I am personally a big fan of Freedcamp, but a lot of my students use and love Asana.
It doesn’t matter what you use, so long as you use it.
Inside my project management software I like to split my tasks into client homework and the website build. This allows clients to easily see their tasks and their due dates.
You can do the same thing in just about any project management software.
Depending on what software you use and potentially what level plan you are on, you can potentially create a master task list that you can copy into each of your web design projects. That way all you need to do when you start a new project is copy the master task template, edit as needed, and invite your client into the software!
Pro tip: Don’t overthink what project management software to use. The best PMS is the one that you actually use–not the one with the most bells and whistles. I recommended trying Freedcamp and Asana and seeing which you like better. You’ll know within 15 minutes. Go with your gut!
Link back to Google Docs
To easily direct my clients to what I need them to do next, I assign them tasks in Freedcamp, then link those tasks back to the appropriate Google Doc to complete.
When I set up a new project, all I have to do is go through the task list and add links to the corresponding Google Docs in my client’s folder.
This is a really simple way to direct clients to the appropriate file and keep everything in their client folder while also harnessing the power of Freedcamp’s reminders and task list.
Pro tip: The one downside to using Google Docs is that there’s no “complete” button that lets you know clients have done the work. That’s why for every client task I have them mark it as complete inside Freedcamp.
Keep your web design projects organized
And, of course, none of this works unless you actually use this system.
Keep things simple–you’re less likely to keep doing something that’s overly complicated. That’s why I’ve found Google Drive/Docs to be what works best for me.
Find what works for you and stick to it.
Tl;dr:
I organize my web design projects very simply.
First, I created master templates that I can reuse again and again. This saves HOURS and HOURS each project.
Then, I copy those templates into a folder for each client. I also add any additional files like contracts to this folder for easy access.
I set up all the project tasks inside Freedcamp, assigning things like client homework.
And I link those tasks back to the appropriate Google Doc for my clients to complete.
Keeping my project organization simple means I actually stick to it, and my projects run smoothly–creating happy clients and allowing me to charge premium prices for a great client experience!
Done-For-You Templates to Create a Luxury Client Experience (That You Can Charge More For!)
Grab all of my design process templates to create an incredible experience for your clients that you can charge premium prices for.
Copy and paste for a luxury client experience in as little as an afternoon!
Keep reading:
- Try Freedcamp or Asana
- How to Price Your Web Design Services and Make Money!
- How to Raise Prices in Your Web Design Business (And Why You Should!)
- Why You’re Attracting Cheap Web Design Clients
- Antsy Clients? How to Prevent Them From Becoming Nightmares!
- The Friday Email You Need to Send to Your Clients (Every Week!)
