Things to verify before closing any development project

Project Closure in Website Development

Closing a project brings happy moments, but it is also a very critical step.

In website development terms, it is the phase where you hand over the client’s long-awaited online presence.

There are a few key activities that a project manager must check while closing a project:

• Preparation for planned closure
• Evaluation of the project
• Project closure recommendation

Preparation for Planned Closure

Whenever a project manager prepares for closure, the first step is to ensure that the website development is complete and functioning properly.

An internal quality assurance (QA) test must be conducted before presenting the final version to the client.

Cross Browser Testing

A website should not be built for just one browser.

It must work properly on all major browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Internet Explorer.

Responsive Website

A website must be responsive for better performance.

It should be compatible across all devices, including mobile, desktop, and tablets.

Contact Form Testing

Contact forms are an essential part of any website.

They enable communication between the site owner and visitors. For eCommerce websites, contact forms are equally important.

All forms should be tested to ensure they are working properly during and after development.

Transaction Testing

If the website is an eCommerce platform, its main purpose is to drive sales.

Proper transaction testing should be conducted to ensure:

• Payment gateways are working
• Notifications are sent correctly
• Invoice generation is accurate
• Payments are processed successfully

Project Evaluation

A project never begins without proper planning, and the same applies to its closure.

Effective planning during development ensures a smooth closure and reduces future risks.

If the project is not evaluated before closure, it may lead to customer dissatisfaction after launch.

Compare Initial and Final Specifications

Changes are inevitable in any project.

Change management refers to differences between the original requirements and final output.

All issues should be communicated during development so that the project manager can manage expectations and provide alternatives.

If changes are made without informing the client, it may lead to disputes such as:
“This is not what I paid for.”

Once changes are approved, the project manager should update specifications, timelines, and costs accordingly.

Transparent communication helps clients accept the final outcome, even if it differs slightly from initial expectations.

Consistent communication with the client and team members leads to successful project completion.

Add to Lesson Log

Many companies maintain a lesson log to learn from past experiences.

Every change or challenge provides an opportunity to improve future projects.

These lessons help identify risks early and prepare alternative solutions.

Review Approved Changes

Lessons are not only about changes but also about improvements.

Some tasks could have been executed better.

Documenting problems, solutions, and possible improvements helps teams perform better in future projects.

Check for Bugs After Migration

A final round of testing should be done after the website goes live.

Sometimes, issues like broken links or missing images appear on the live site.

Fixing these ensures a smooth user experience and improves client satisfaction.

Project Closure Recommendation

After completing the project, the project manager should seek approval from higher authorities before officially closing the project.

Post-Closure Activities

Even after project closure, there are important tasks that must be handled.

Website Backup

All project files and documents should be archived and shared with the client.

A backup of the website, including files and themes, should be maintained for future use.

Regular backups are recommended to prevent unexpected data loss.

Project Sign-Off Document

A project sign-off document is a critical legal requirement.

It should include all terms and conditions and be digitally signed.

This protects both the client and the company.

Testimonial and Client Feedback

After the website launch, always request a testimonial and feedback from the client.

Positive feedback helps build trust and attract new clients.

Conclusion

These steps are essential for successfully closing a website development project.

Following this structured approach reduces risks, ensures client satisfaction, and prevents legal complications.