Geek Corner
by Giovanni Gallucci
The Zunch Manifest – Part 2
Recap From Last Time
In the first installment of the Geek Corner, I gave a high level overview of the Zunch Manifest and introduced the framework of the Zunch manifest Grid. If you were unable to read the first installment, the Zunch Manifest, Part 1 can be found in June’s Geek Corner.
Redesign? Keys to success…
In this installment of this series, we will discuss the redesign of existing sites. How do we define success at Zunch when taking on a project to redesign an existing site? No repeated mistakes: so we follow a proven process. When things fall between the cracks, seal up the gap and never lose sight of the customer. The Audience is King. Don’t be afraid to redesign as needed to find a great balance between aesthetics, functionality, and conversions.
Defining Success
Success: The client makes more money based upon our efforts. Okay, we’ve defined it. Did you not know that? Seriously, it’s amazing how many people get caught up in the silliness of sales and marketing speak and lose sight of the number one, simple and overriding goal of the ONLY purpose for a commercial entity to have an Internet presence. It’s to make money! Lots and lots of money!
Granted, there are personal sites, intranets, portals that build communities, and hobbyist sites, but that’s not why you’re reading this. You, or one of your clients, expect you to turn their site into a money making part of their business. We’ll help you learn how to organize the projects so it all goes smoothly.
As we begin the project, we set up the foundation for success of guarantee failure by not planning properly. Don’t skimp here! It’s hard enough to guarantee success on a project with so many people and variables in play. If you are sloppy and lazy with the beginning of a project, you can surely guarantee failure. If you’re not going to put out the effort for you or your client to start this off right, don’t even bother because you’re going to fail miserably.
Defining the Project
The first part of any project involves gathering and analyzing the information that is needed to define the scope and budget of the project. Once the scope has been determined, the sales team can prepare the proposal and get the SEO, design and development teams prepared for kickoff.
Ask lots and lots and lots of questions. And remember, this is not about YOU! You are here to listen. Seek to understand. If you are doing your job right, you will amass lots of data. This is imperative as it will allow you to shape and define the scope of the project and set expectations with the client.
How the Manifest is organized
The Core Process is made up of five distinct areas. The five areas of the project are managed over 6 different departments at Zunch.
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Define Project
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Develop Site Structure
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Visual Testing & Design
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Production & QA
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Launch
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Sales Cycle
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Lead
Initial Call
Discovery & Fact Finding
Proposal
Follow Up
Contract Signed
PR Announcement Approval
1st Payment Received
Project Kick Off
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Search Engine Optimization
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Sales Support
Internal Discovery
Prospect Discovery
SEO Questionnaire
Site Structure Analysis
Discuss Findings with Client
Keyword Family Research Council Competitive Analysis
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Creative
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Discovery
Creative Brief
Kick Off
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Copywriting
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Press Release
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Development
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Discovery
Integrated Consulting
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Interactive PR
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Proposal
Initial Site Review
Seed Terms
PPC Engine Proposal Requirements
Proposal Approval
Budget Approval
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This is the framework for the entire process with the first of the five primary phases filled in.
Next installment, we’ll talk about each of the items in phase one.
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