Some clients simply confess that they don't understand the new media, and add that they have no intention of learning. Many see the benefit of using outside consultants or the equivalent of 'print farmers' in the new media.
The 'web consultant' acts in a similar capacity to a consultant engineer who is paid to supervise a major building project. The consultant will:
- write a comprehensive technical brief
- organise the tender and selection process
- supervise the work in progress
- supervise the usability testing of the completed project
Where client staff are going to be content providers the consultant can arrange web writing and content management training to ensure that standards are maintained in the future.
Since web development projects are so expensive, employing a consultant can pove to be a very sound investment to ensure the end result is successful.
Third party advice often leads to cuts in the cost of a project and significant increase in site traffic that can, in turn, lead to more successful business effectiveness.
We often hear about Government departments employing expensive consultants, but when it comes to short term web projects it does make sense to bring in expertise from outside.
The external perspective also can be useful to cut through organisational bureaucracy, that can stifle and delay progress.
Third party advice often leads to cuts in the cost of a project and significant increase in site traffic that can, in turn, generate more business.