Mike Schertenlieb
The internet is everywhere these days – but that doesn’t mean we all understand how it works.
In fact, the sophistication of modern web development, app building, system administration, and the like are greater than ever. The depth of expertise is incredible… And the reason most people specialize in one area or another.
When working with these types of people and services, it’s important to provide the information they need to succeed. They may have all of the technical know-how, but if you don’t provide the right information at the outset, it will be extremely difficult to solve your problems and achieve your goals.
For companies like LongerDays, who provide a more generalized (and thereby less in-depth) array of web services, the same is true.
Whether you’re hiring a custom web-developer, or just need a few fixes in your Google Analytics account, delegating web tasks requires some very specific details. Really, all good delegating takes client participation and information, but nothing stops a web task in its tracks like the need for more info.
And while not every task is going to require the same information, there are a few basic items you should have together before reaching out to your developer, IT staff, or virtual assistant.
What’s The Issue?
This may sound obvious, but the more clarity you can provide, the better. “Something’s wrong with my website” doesn’t really cut it… For someone to identify and resolve the issue, they need more to go on. Is it a certain page or post type? Is it an issue with images? Formatting?
If you can, provide a screenshot of the problem, as well as a description of how things should be functioning.
The same is true with assigning new projects. The more the recipient knows about what you want, the closer they can get on the first try.
Again, maybe this seems obvious, but it can serve as a reminder of how crucial detail is, especially when dealing with web projects.
Login Details
Most people know to provide a username and password when assigning, for example, a WordPress related task. Too often, though, that primary login isn’t enough information to get the job done.
Depending on the nature of the task, it may require logging into third party platforms, your hosting account, plugin accounts, social media accounts, and on and on… Because you may not know all of the required components, it’s a good idea to provide as much information up front as possible.
Most services (like ours) will use a secure password storage system like LastPass to keep all of your login info safe. Ask your service provider, and provide as many login details as possible.
So many of the platforms we use are tied together, and missing logins can be a huge roadblock to getting your work done.
By simply keeping these two guiding principles in mind, you’ll go a long way in helping people get your web tasks done effectively and efficiently. In fact, if you aren’t too sure what you’re doing, it’s also a good idea to ask for help BEFORE you start tinkering around. You may end up breaking things, and creating more work in the long run.
It’s a complicated, ever-changing world online, and to get the best results, give the people you hire exactly what they need to succeed.
