How to Launch a Custom WordPress Site Quickly

July 31, 2010 | By Matt Rogers

Is it possible to launch a sparkling, custom designed website with a complete content management system in one week? With WordPress, the answer is a resounding yes, as we recently demonstrated with the launch of a Dodd-Frank law website for a local firm.

As with any development project, the best way to get from beginning to end is to travel in steps.

Step 1: Functionality
Figuring out what content you’re going to publish, what and how many pages the site should have, and other basic mechanics should be ironed out up front. Creating a wireframe or sketch would also help but may have to get thrown out the window if you’re trying to launch a WP site in a week. Regardless, getting your site structure in place first means you won’t waste time re-designing later.

Step 2: Design
With site functionality in place, it’s design time. Here it’s best to create something that reflects the client brand speaks to their target market. Then make it really good looking.

Step 3: Development
Like finishing the functionality before moving on, you don’t want to go into development without finishing the design. Programmers can be very tolerant of wishy washy project managers, but that tolerance is pricey when extra time is involved, and it certainly isn’t efficient. Only after the design is completely done should you pass off a project to a programmer.

Follow these steps and move quickly and you’ll be able to launch a WordPress website in a week.