Building a Project Team

No project would be a success without the work of the Agency Team. Your team knows best what your agency does, who the visitors to the site will be, and what information is most important to them.

Tips for an effective team:

be sure that all team members understand the purpose and focus of the website
be sure that all communications are directed through the Project Leader
be sure the Project Leader has authority to make decisions and time to devote to project management
keep the core project team to 5 or less individuals (a larger group slows down the project)

We suggest the following individuals be included in your website project team (one person may serve multiple roles):

Project Leader

The Project Leader coordinates the agency's work on the project. S/he monitors progress, assists in setting up meetings and acts as the key contact for InforME. S/he must have the ability to make decisions or the ability to get the answers needed. The Project Leader ensures that the agency's tasks are being completed in a timely manner and has the ability to allocate or obtain agency resources for the project.

Web Coordinator

Your agency's designated Web Coordinator should be involved in the project. This person will have an understanding of all web efforts within the agency and a sense of the "big picture" and overall web strategy of the agency.

Current or Designated Webmaster

The webmaster should be involved to ensure that s/he understands the new website and its maintenance needs. In addition, the webmaster may be able to offer valuable input about the existing website's usage, problems, etc.

Public Relations, Communications, or Marketing Staff

Ultimately, the web is a communication tool, and the most important aspect of your website will be the content. If you have PR, communications or marketing staff, these individuals should be involved in the website. They can ensure that the branding and messages conveyed on the website are consistent with other communications by your agency. They may also have an understanding of your audience groups, and may be essential in writing, editing, or managing site content.

Customer Relations or Consumer Affairs Staff

The customer relations staff in your agency may provide helpful input during the project. They are on the "front lines" of your agency, often having the most direct interaction with your customers. Their input is critical in developing FAQs, and other content to address the key needs of your customers. They may have insight into your customer population that can be helpful during the site architecture phase. Also, they can help drive adoption to your new website by making counter and phone customers aware that information is now available online.