I always use a web design project management template to keep my projects running smoothly from start to finish. Why? Because, Starting a web design project without a plan is like building a house without blueprints—it’s a recipe for disaster.
Without it, you risk endless revisions, missed deadlines, and frustrated clients.
In this guide, I’ll take you through my entire web design process, step by step, covering onboarding, design & development, launch, and offboarding—the four key stages that ensure your projects stay on track.
Stick around until the end, and I’ll even share my web design project management template and a free client questionnaire that I use in every project.
Are you ready? Let’s go! 🚀
Rather listen to the podcast episode? Got you:
The Tools for a Web Design Project Management Template
Before we dive too deep, there are a few tools that you should probably get comfortable with.
First, I like using Trello as a way to track progress with my clients. It helps to have a single point of truth for communication and updates. Trust me, email is not the best for this.
You’ll also need to have some type of communication software like Zoom or Google Meets.
I also like using Loom as a way to screen share and record thoughts and ideas with clients. That way I don’t have to jump on a call. Saves a ton of time.
Finally, I like using Ruttl to get client feedback. You want to have a way to keep track of revisions and again email is the worst medium.
Step 1: Onboarding – The Foundation of a Successful Project
The first phase of any web design project is onboarding. This is where you lay the groundwork for a smooth workflow and establish clear expectations with your client.
The Discovery Call
Every project starts with a discovery call, which helps determine if the client is the right fit. But here’s where most web designers go wrong: they talk too much about themselves.
Think of it like a date. You don’t want to dominate the conversation. Instead, make the client the star of the show by asking:
✅ What are their business goals?
✅ What frustrates them about their current website?
✅ What have they struggled with when working with past freelancers?
This information will be gold when you move into the design process.
The Proposal, Contract, & First Payment
Once the discovery call is over, the next steps are:
✔️ Sending a project proposal
✔️ Getting a signed contract
✔️ Collecting the first payment
Let me be clear: You don’t have a project until you have a contract and a first payment. I’ve had clients take me out for lunch, introduce me to their staff, and then disappear. Protect yourself—no work begins until both the contract and payment are in place.
The Kickoff Call & Setting Client Deadlines
Once the project is locked in, it’s time for the kickoff call. This is where we:
🔹 Establish project timelines
🔹 Set deadlines for both me and the client
🔹 Outline deliverables like copy, images, and branding assets
One of the biggest mistakes web designers make is not holding clients accountable for their deadlines. That’s why I set strict 24-hour turnaround times for revisions. If they don’t send feedback in time, we move forward—no exceptions. This keeps the project on track and avoids endless back-and-forth.
A web design project management template makes tracking these deadlines effortless.
For a more in-depth article on my onboarding process check out this article.
Step 2: Design & Development – Turning Ideas into Reality
Now that we have a clear plan, it’s time to start designing. But jumping straight into designing the homepage is a rookie mistake.
Instead, I break the process into structured steps using my web design project management template:
1️⃣ Sitemap – Outlines the structure of the website
2️⃣ Wireframes – Basic layout for each page
3️⃣ Homepage design – Sets the visual tone for the site
4️⃣ Full-page designs – Expands the design system across all pages
Why I Use Super Lo-Fi Wireframes
Most designers create detailed wireframes with placeholder images and text, but I take a different approach—I go ultra lo-fi.
Instead of drawing exact layouts, I just outline what each section is about. Why? Because clients often get attached to placeholder designs, making later changes difficult. A web design project management template keeps these stages organized so nothing gets skipped.
Homepage First, Then Everything Else
I always design the homepage first because:
- It sets the tone for the entire site
- Clients typically spend the most time here
- Many sections can be reused on other pages
Once the homepage is approved, I build out the rest of the site in a structured way.
Getting Feedback (Without Endless Revisions)
I never just send a URL and ask for feedback. That’s a sure way to get vague responses like, “I don’t know, something just feels off.”
Instead, I:
📹 Record a Loom video explaining my design choices
💬 Use tools like Ruttle for real-time comments
📆 Set strict 24-hour revision deadlines
With this process, clients feel heard, but the project keeps moving forward.
Step 3: The Launch – Making Sure Everything Works
Launching a website isn’t just about clicking “publish.” There’s a ton of testing involved, and my web design project management template includes a launch checklist to ensure everything is ready:
✅ Test all forms and buttons
✅ Check for broken links
✅ Run speed and SEO audits
✅ Ensure mobile responsiveness
✅ Verify integrations (email signups, e-commerce, etc.)
I always schedule launches during low-traffic hours and ensure my hosting provider is available in case anything goes wrong.
Step 4: Offboarding – The Step Most Designers Forget
Most web designers move on after a launch, but offboarding is where you turn one-time projects into long-term clients.
Client Training & Support in the Web Design Project Management Template
After launch, clients often feel overwhelmed. That’s why I provide:
📄 A custom FAQ document
📹 Loom tutorials walking through their specific site
🗓️ A grace period for post-launch support
This helps them feel confident managing their website.
Following Up for Repeat Business
Here’s where most freelancers drop the ball. You should never let a past client forget about you. I use my web design project management template to track:
✔️ Their website launch anniversary
✔️ Their business milestones
✔️ Their birthday (if I know it!)
Every few months, I reach out with a simple “Hey, how’s the business going?” message. This has led to clients sticking with me for nearly a decade—all because I followed up.
The Secret to Managing Web Design Projects Like a Pro
If you want to run successful web design projects, you can’t just wing it. A structured web design project management template keeps everything organized—from the first client call to post-launch follow-ups.
Want to streamline your process and make managing clients easier? I’m giving away my exact web design project management template, plus my client questionnaire.
🎁 Freebies!
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