Designing and Developing a website by myself - One man show

In Every developer and designer’s life there comes a time when one thinks he/she can create the next big thing or generate some extra cash flow by creating a nice website or web application which can provide useful service to people and will be step ahead than its competitors.  Normally you will dig in your head into making some mind maps in your head and start coding or designing the foundations.  Soon you find out that this job is not as small as you thought it to be.

 Before starting the project keep in mind these few tips

1.  Prepare a scope document for your project before getting on coding or designing anything. This scope document should outline all the modules and processes that you website or application will include
2.  Prepare Effort analysis sheet – For the scope above for each module, make your assumptions for how much effort you will require to complete the work for that module. Do for the top 5 modules at least and start in order in which you are going to code/design them. That way when your first few modules work blows out of proportion, you know your estimates are incorrect and you need to re calculate the effort for your project. Calculating effort is based on experience with that kind of work, so go ahead do little tweaking and work your way towards perfection. As a general rule I would suggest giving yourself extra 10 days than the total schedule time
3.  Sharpen your tools – Make sure that you have all the tools required for the job. In the middle, of the work, if you are using an incorrect tool that will not only waste your time but also effect quality of work. Also re check if you have got most the major skills needed to do the tasks
4.  Get Inspiration - This is probably one of most important aspect of doing project by you. If you are not motivated all plans will fail, no documents will help, the tools will get rusty and more often than not the few moments you work will be in wrong direction. Remember the reason that made you start this project. Take the responsibility for the success or failure of the project. Set rewards for finishing the modules like treat you for finishing newsletter section on time. Saying that do not waste your project time looking for inspiration or going through blogs
5.  Do not procrastinate – This is worst habit from which you would like to stay away in order to complete successful project. I know it’s hard not to especially when this job is not your source of income and your life is not depended on this project.  Be your own client and think about the consequences of running late in finishing the project. Put some negative reinforcements like penalties if you don’t finish your tasks on right time
6.  Get proper rest and breaks – All work and no play makes jack a dull boy. You might have all the inspiration, tools and plan but still the thing is not happening. You might want to review your timetable. Are you getting enough rest or sleep? You do need to take a break, go outside in nature to get those creative juices flowing through your mind