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    Web development functionality checklist

    Guide
    by Iain Thomson Project Lead

    Any new website build requires extensive planning to ensure it meets all the needs of the client and allows the process of coding and developing the site passes seamlessly. As part of our Digital Development Toolkit to aide agencies digital development, we’ve included a run through of a Web Development Functionality Checklist that can be used in any upcoming projects.

    There are nine sections of the functionality checklist that can be followed covering the following topics.

    Content

    This section looks at what types of content will be included on the site from the standard services and about us pages through to additional items such as blogs, FAQs, careers, as well as anything such as particular feeds required or content that may be needed for specific devices.

    Media

    Consideration in this section on the types of photography required (stock or bespoke), consider if any video will be required for use on the site as well as the visualisation of any graphical images or the inclusion of audio/podcasts or any possible advertising on the site to name just a few.

    Interaction

    In this section we’d look at what the site functionality may look like in terms of things such as search functionality, social sharing buttons, click to call numbers, comments, embedded Google maps or more sophisticated technology such as calculators, Live Chat or other third party widgets
    required. With any web build it’s important to understand what will be required upfront rather than trying to retrospectively fit this in at a later date.

    Trust Signals

    Next we move on to areas of the site that may be required to build trust in the brand to the audience. Things such as case studies, testimonials or links with third party sites such as TrustPilot may be required to be integrated as well as any awards or recognition. This section may also cover web security trust signals such as SSL certification.

    Data Capture

    If the site is to be used for lead generation then there will be a number of data capture requirements to consider such as; contact forms, newsletter sign up pages or quote builders to name just a few. Consideration should be given to what technology will capture this content (be it a marketing automation platform such as Hubspot) and if there will be any automatic feeds in a clients CRM system. Of course with our good friend GDPR now in place we also need to ensure all data is securely captured with relevant permissions from the user adhered to.

    eCommerce

    If the site carries any eCommerce functionality then things to check include the product feed and integration, checkout and payment facilities as well as again the security requirements of the site to take details like this.

    Navigation

    Understanding of what type of navigation design is needed on the site must be specced out for instance any drop down menus, mega menus, menu design for mobile as well breadcrumb links across the site to work through the different pages and any further requirements for how a user can negate across the different pages of the site.

    Users

    Finally we look at any requirements needed for the way anyone using the site may be allowed to log in with their specific details be it through email or with a Facebook account for instance as well whether they are able to comment or interact with the site through forums etc.

    We hope you’ve found this guide useful, if you have any specific requirements or projects you’d like Gooey to look at for you then feel free to to get in touch either via email hello@abitgooey.com or pick up the phone on: +44 (0)161 398 0303.