10 ways to keep your project on budget

1. Function
   Finalise functionality during the planning stage. Adding functionality during the development stage can mean that designs have to be revisited to accommodate this.
    
2. Structure
   Use wireframing tools to ensure that the structure of the site is clear and the priorities are inline with the requirements. Don't underestimate the importance of wireframing! Need a good wireframing tool? Then give Mockflow a try.
    
3. Involvement
   Get clients involved in the design process, so they get what they need not what you think they should. Paul Boag has created a brilliant screencast on how to work with clients more effectively. 
    
4. Never assume
   Making assumptions about what the client wants is likely to cause heartache down the line as what you think the client needs could be totally wrong.
    
5. Plan
   Create a plan, so that timescales are set out. Include milestones and owners so that responsibilities are clear. This means there's no confusion down the line, which could cause delays.
    
6. Design
   Ensure the client is fully happy with designs before signoff. Design changes at development stage can be costly. If you've followed step 3, you will already be more than halfway to having a happy client.
    
7. Solution
   Choose a platform to fit the requirements rather than shoehorning the project into an inadequate solution.
    
8. Communicate
   Keep communication channels open. Big issues are best addressed along the way to avoid problems at go live.
    
9. Test
   Always ensure you include adequate time for testing and bug fixing as there will always be some things to iron out before go live.
    
10. Content Population
    Don't underestimate the time it takes to create new content for a website. We recommend writing content before starting the design process to ensure that the final result showcases your clients' message and content as it should.

I hope you find these useful, I'm sure these can be added to from your experiences. If so, please add them in the comments below.