Even the best-planned website projects hit unexpected bumps.
A new build or redesign is a highly technical process, often involving hundreds of hours and coordination between many stakeholders. From legacy systems and internal politics to differing opinions and shifting priorities—it can quickly turn into a highway to the danger zone.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. Identifying the common pitfalls ahead of time helps ensure a smooth, successful website project.
At Electric Citizen, we don’t just solve problems—we help our clients prevent them. With over 13 years of experience managing website projects for government, higher education, and nonprofits, we’ve seen what works and what doesn't.
Here are four of the most common mistakes we help clients avoid.
Early stakeholder alignment is essential. One of the first steps in any successful website project is gathering all key decision-makers. Their goals, concerns, and perspectives must shape the direction from the start.
Unfortunately, it’s common for new stakeholders to appear mid-project—sometimes individuals with significant decision-making power who were not involved in early planning. This can unravel previously aligned goals, scope, or designs.
To avoid this, we use a stakeholder matrix document to identify and engage all stakeholders from the start. We revisit and update this regularly throughout the project, asking:
- Are there any new decision-makers?
- Have internal priorities shifted?
- Do we need to adapt our communication or approval processes?
With this proactive approach, we reduce risk and maintain alignment across the board.
Unexpected discoveries are a natural part of any web project. A clearly defined MVP—Minimum Viable Product—helps your team stay flexible while maintaining project focus.
By aligning early on what is truly essential for launch versus what’s a nice-to-have, you create a shared framework for decision-making when scope changes arise. With an MVP in place, it becomes easier to answer questions like:
- Does this new request impact the budget or timeline?
- Should it replace an existing feature?
- Does it warrant a separate project?
Planning for flexibility starts with clear priorities.
Some clients assume that once a contract is signed, the agency will handle everything. But successful website projects require consistent collaboration between client and vendor.
At Electric Citizen, we treat each project as a true partnership. Our team brings deep expertise in design, development, accessibility, and project management. But your team brings institutional knowledge and goals that are equally vital.
We set clear expectations for client involvement from day one—including availability of stakeholders and regular check-ins. With an engaged client and a collaborative approach, we can produce powerful, accessible, and mission-aligned websites.
Set clear expectations for client involvement from day one
A successful web redesign begins with setting realistic goals around timeline, features, and budget. While it may be tempting to say yes to everything, overcommitting often leads to disappointment.
Our approach is grounded in data. We use real-world project metrics to guide our estimates. If a client requests a year’s worth of functionality in six months, we’ll be honest about what’s achievable and what requires adjustment.
If project expectations aren't feasible and there’s little flexibility, we carefully consider whether it's a good mutual fit.
The secret to a successful website project isn’t avoiding every surprise—it’s being prepared for them. Electric Citizen brings proactive planning, open communication, and years of expertise to every project.
Ready to launch a website that supports your mission and avoids common mistakes? Contact Electric Citizen. Let’s build something great together.
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