Project Kickoff Checklist

Everything you need to prepare before, during, and after a custom software build. Print this out and check items off as you go.

How to Use This Checklist

  • • 30 action items across 4 phases
  • • Covers pre-kickoff through launch and handoff
  • • Designed for projects in the $10K–$50K range
  • • Timeline: typically 2–8 weeks from kickoff to launch
  • • Print this page and check off items as you complete them
1
Pre-Kickoff

Before You Start

Preparation you should complete before engaging a development team.

  • Define the core problem you're solving (one sentence)
  • List your must-have features vs. nice-to-haves
  • Identify your target users and their key workflows
  • Set your budget range ($10K–$25K build or $25K–$50K scale)
  • Gather examples of products you like (competitors, inspiration URLs)
  • List all systems you currently use (CRM, email, payment processing, etc.)
  • Identify who will be the decision-maker during the build
  • Prepare any existing data that needs to be migrated
2
Week 0

Scoping & Agreement

Lock in scope, timeline, and expectations before any code is written.

  • Review the technical spec and feature list with your dev lead
  • Confirm fixed price and timeline in writing
  • Sign NDA and project agreement
  • Provide access to existing systems and APIs needed
  • Set up communication channel (Slack, email cadence, etc.)
  • Agree on demo schedule (weekly recommended)
3
Weeks 1–8

During the Build

Your role during active development — stay engaged without micromanaging.

  • Attend weekly demos to review progress
  • Test features as they're delivered
  • Provide feedback within 24 hours of each demo
  • Flag scope changes early (they affect timeline and cost)
  • Prepare production environment access (domain, hosting accounts)
  • Begin writing user documentation or training materials
  • Test on mobile devices if applicable
  • Start planning your launch announcement
4
Launch

Launch & Handoff

Go live with confidence. Verify everything works before the team moves on.

  • Review final build against original spec
  • Test all user flows end-to-end
  • Confirm production deployment is live and accessible
  • Verify custom domain, SSL, and environment configuration
  • Receive full source code and documentation
  • Confirm bug fix period terms (what's covered, duration)
  • Set up error monitoring and analytics
  • Plan first iteration based on real user feedback

Ready to Kick Off Your Project?

Print this checklist and work through it. When you're ready to scope your build, we'll turn your checklist into a fixed-price proposal.

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