THOUGHT:

How to commission a website that works under pressure

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.

Diagram of a target with an arrow to depict clear objectives for your website

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.

Magnifying glass

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.

Jigsaw diagram to depict picking the right agency for your website

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.

Padlock to depict prioritising a secure website

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.

Diagram of an eye to depict making your website accessible

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.

Diagram of a graph to depict demand from a website

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.

Diagram of a rocket to depict your website after launch

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.

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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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