For the past two years or so flyte’s been using a piece of software called Basecamp. It might be the most essential piece of software we use to build Web sites.
Is it a design tool? No. Does it allow us to edit images like PhotoShop? No. Can it order lattes or Chinese food to go? No.
We use it to manage projects. It’s an essential part of our process, or as we call it, the flyte plan. It helps us manage multiple projects at once, and creates a "paper trail" of all our project-related communications.
Although we’re Maine Web designers, we build Web sites for companies, organizations and individuals from California, Louisiana, Florida, and everywhere in between. Often we never meet these clients face-to-face.
Instead, we use Basecamp to share files, create to-do lists, achieve milestones, and reach consensus online. (We have actually renamed the service "The Hangar" to fit into our view of the world, but it’s the same product.)
We post samples of designs for our clients there. They upload their content and images there. We post missives to the message boards, which in turn generate emails to all the participants on a particular job. The messages can also be marked as private if we want to share information with employees and contractors that wouldn’t be appropriate for the clients to see. (Like if we’re making fun of their color choice of bubble-gum pink and neon orange.)
When I first discovered Basecamp it was being promoted as online project management software for Web site designers. The design of the site was so simple and beautiful it almost made me cry. (Don’t believe me? Ask my wife who had to hear about Basecamp every night for about two weeks when I first discovered it.)
However, at least one client (not a Web designer) liked the product so much that they got their own account. Recently, BusinessWeek raved about the product naming it a "BusinessWeek 2005 Pick of the Web." Truly, it’s a program that almost any business can benefit from using.
Basecamp is a hosted solution, meaning that you pay a monthly service fee to use the software. You don’t download it to your own computer nor do you need to install it on your server. Just sign up for an account and start collaborating.
I had Basecamp on my short list of blogging topics for a month now, but never got around to creating a post on it. Today Basecamp announced its affiliate program, so perhaps this post seems a bit tainted now.
Bottom line is you can trial Basecamp for free. I wouldn’t recommend this product if I didn’t think it could make a huge impact on your business.
Go give it a try yourself. You won’t be disappointed.
Well, that title should help me fair well at the search engines for nervous holiday shoppers.
