How to Build an Automated Client Follow-up Scheduler for Social Networking

Simple Summary

Build an innovative Automated Client Follow-up Scheduler integrated within a social application, streamlining client management and enhancing user engagement.

Product Requirements Document (PRD)

Goals:

• Develop a user-friendly social networking platform
• Implement an automated client follow-up system
• Ensure scalability and security of the application

Target Audience:

• Professionals and businesses looking to manage client relationships
• Individuals seeking to expand their professional network

Key Features:

1. User registration and profile creation
2. Social networking capabilities (posting, liking, commenting)
3. Automated client follow-up scheduling
4. Real-time messaging
5. Customizable notification system
6. Client interaction tracking and analytics

User Requirements:

• Intuitive interface for managing client relationships
• Ability to set follow-up reminders and automate scheduling
• Seamless integration of social networking and client management features
• Mobile-responsive design for on-the-go access
• Data privacy and security measures

User Flows

1. Client Follow-up Scheduling:

   • User identifies a client needing follow-up
   • User sets follow-up parameters (date, frequency, method)
   • System generates automated follow-up schedule
   • User receives notifications for upcoming follow-ups
   • User can mark follow-ups as complete or reschedule

2. Social Networking Interaction:

   • User creates a post on their profile
   • Connections can like, comment, or share the post
   • User receives notifications of interactions
   • User can respond to comments or messages

3. Client Relationship Management:

   • User adds a new client to their network
   • User sets client details and interaction preferences
   • System suggests optimal follow-up times based on client data
   • User can view client interaction history and analytics

Technical Specifications

Frontend:

• React for building the user interface
• Redux for state management
• Material-UI for consistent design components

Backend:

• Node.js with Express.js for API development
• PostgreSQL for relational database management
• Redis for caching and improving performance

Additional Technologies:

• WebSocket for real-time features (messaging, notifications)
• JWT for authentication
• Nodemailer for email notifications
• Moment.js for date and time manipulation
• Chart.js for data visualization

Development Tools:

• Git for version control
• ESLint for code linting
• Jest for unit testing
• Swagger for API documentation

API Endpoints

• POST /api/auth/register
• POST /api/auth/login
• GET /api/users/:id
• PUT /api/users/:id
• GET /api/posts
• POST /api/posts
• PUT /api/posts/:id
• DELETE /api/posts/:id
• POST /api/comments
• GET /api/messages
• POST /api/messages
• GET /api/clients
• POST /api/clients
• PUT /api/clients/:id
• GET /api/followups
• POST /api/followups
• PUT /api/followups/:id
• GET /api/analytics/client-interactions

Database Schema

Users:

• id (PK)
• username
• email
• password_hash
• created_at

Clients:

• id (PK)
• user_id (FK to Users)
• name
• email
• phone
• last_interaction
• notes

FollowUps:

• id (PK)
• client_id (FK to Clients)
• scheduled_date
• status
• notes

Posts:

• id (PK)
• user_id (FK to Users)
• content
• created_at

Comments:

• id (PK)
• post_id (FK to Posts)
• user_id (FK to Users)
• content
• created_at

Messages:

• id (PK)
• sender_id (FK to Users)
• receiver_id (FK to Users)
• content
• sent_at

File Structure

Implementation Plan

1. Project Setup (1-2 days)

   • Initialize Git repository
   • Set up project structure
   • Install dependencies

2. Backend Development (7-10 days)

   • Implement user authentication
   • Develop API endpoints for client management
   • Create follow-up scheduling logic
   • Set up database and ORM

3. Frontend Development (10-14 days)

   • Build authentication components
   • Develop client management interface
   • Create follow-up scheduler UI
   • Implement social networking features

4. Integration and Testing (5-7 days)

   • Connect frontend with backend APIs
   • Implement real-time features with WebSocket
   • Conduct unit and integration testing

5. UI/UX Refinement (3-5 days)

   • Enhance responsive design
   • Improve accessibility
   • Optimize performance

6. Security and Optimization (3-4 days)

   • Implement security best practices
   • Optimize database queries
   • Set up caching mechanisms

7. Documentation and Deployment Preparation (2-3 days)

   • Write API documentation
   • Prepare deployment scripts
   • Create user guide

8. Deployment and Monitoring (2-3 days)

   • Deploy to production environment
   • Set up monitoring and logging
   • Perform final testing in production

Deployment Strategy

1. Choose a cloud provider (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud, or DigitalOcean)
2. Set up a staging environment for final testing
3. Use Docker for containerization to ensure consistency across environments
4. Implement a CI/CD pipeline using GitHub Actions or GitLab CI
5. Use Kubernetes for orchestration and scaling
6. Set up a managed database service for PostgreSQL
7. Implement a CDN for static asset delivery
8. Use SSL/TLS certificates for secure communications
9. Set up monitoring with tools like Prometheus and Grafana
10. Implement automated backups and disaster recovery procedures

Design Rationale

The design decisions for this project prioritize scalability, user experience, and efficient client management:

1. React and Node.js were chosen for their performance and large ecosystem of libraries.
2. PostgreSQL provides robust relational data management for complex client relationships.
3. WebSocket enables real-time features, enhancing user engagement.
4. The modular file structure allows for easy maintenance and scalability.
5. Automated follow-up scheduling is integrated into the social platform to provide a unique, valuable feature for professionals.
6. The deployment strategy focuses on containerization and orchestration to ensure scalability and ease of management.
7. Security measures are prioritized throughout the development process to protect sensitive client data.

These choices create a powerful, user-friendly platform that combines social networking with automated client management, offering a unique solution for professionals seeking to streamline their client relationships.