Commissioning the development of a new website is a major investment. With projects often starting in the tens of thousands of pounds, and carrying high expectations, the right approach from the outset is vital. Getting it right will save money, time, and a lot of frustration down the line.
Start with clear objectives
Before you approach agencies, define what success looks like. For some, it’s handling online sales or ticket launches. For others, it’s delivering critical public services, supporting a healthcare platform, or running a large-scale campaign. A clear brief gives your chosen website development partner the direction they need to deliver results.
Shaping the brief
If you’re not sure what those objectives are yet, that’s fine. A good agency will help uncover them through discovery workshops and stakeholder interviews. This process turns broad ambitions into a clear, prioritised brief that keeps the project focused from the start.
Choose an agency with proven experience in website development
Not every agency can handle complex requirements. At Corporation Pop, for example, we have designed and developed high-performance websites for NHS departments, major music festivals, educators and universities, public sector organisations, and charities. These projects demand reliability, security, accessibility, and the ability to cope with sudden spikes in demand.
Build security in from the start
Security protects your data, your users, and your reputation. Discuss hosting options, compliance with data protection laws, and the agency’s approach to regular security audits and updates before website development begins.
Make accessibility a priority
Developing an accessible website isn’t just a legal requirement. It makes sure everyone can use your service and engage with your content. Accessibility should be part of the design and build process from day one, using recognised standards such as WCAG and testing with real users.
Prepare for high demand
If your site is likely to experience traffic surges — such as ticket sales, campaign peaks, or seasonal rushes — your infrastructure must be able to cope. Load testing, scalable hosting, and content delivery networks should be built in so your site doesn’t fail at critical moments.
Think long term
A launch is the start, not the finish. Websites need updates, maintenance, and optimisation to stay fast, secure, and relevant. Working with an agency that offers ongoing website development support ensures your investment continues to deliver results.
The best websites are dependable. They stay secure, fast, and accessible no matter how heavy the demand. They don’t frustrate users, let down staff, or collapse under pressure when they’re needed most. That reliability is the result of thoughtful planning, a clear brief, and a collaborative approach between client and agency.
Commissioning in this way transforms a website from a marketing tool into a business-critical platform. It becomes something your organisation and your audiences can trust, whether it’s handling ticket sales in minutes, delivering health information at scale, or supporting internal teams day to day.
With strong foundations, the site you launch today will continue to perform and adapt long into the future.
Stress test your ideas
Big launch, busy audience, high expectations? Bring us your challenge and we’ll help you turn it into a website that delivers.
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