Business owners implementing a Magento 2 store for the first time often do not know what to expect or what to prepare for. Below I describe the typical course of a project from the first conversation to launch – without embellishments.
Phase 1: Discovery and analysis (2-4 weeks)
Before anything is designed or coded, a good agency runs a workshop with the client: what are the business processes, who is the target audience, what integrations are needed, what legal requirements apply (terms, GDPR, VAT calculation). The workshop produces a functional specification – a document describing what the store should do. This is the foundation of the quote and contract.
Phase 2: UX and UI design (3-6 weeks)
The graphic design is not just “how the store looks” – it is primarily how the user navigates the store and where they make purchasing decisions. Good UX means higher conversions. The design goes through several iterations with client feedback before being approved for implementation.
Phase 3: Implementation (8-20 weeks)
Developers implement the design, configure Magento, write modules and integrations. The client has access to the staging environment and can track progress. A good agency reports progress weekly and gives advance notice of risks.
Phase 4: Testing and deployment (2-3 weeks)
Functional tests, performance tests, security tests, tests on various devices. Data migration (products, customers, orders if moving from an old store). Training for store staff. Launch – ideally during low traffic (Tuesday-Wednesday) with a rollback plan.
After launch
The first 4-6 weeks after launch are a period of intensive monitoring. Problems that tests did not catch appear – this is normal. A good agency has an SLA and responds quickly. After this period the project moves into maintenance mode.
If any of the signals described sound familiar, it is worth analysing before the problem grows. I offer a free initial consultation – write to biuro@tews.pl or visit tews.pl.
