But maintenance is a unique niche. It typically doesn’t provide the large payouts that new builds offer. Plus, a client’s needs can vary quite a bit.

Some websites require constant attention. Others may only need a periodic software update. That means some maintenance clients are more profitable than others.

With that, you’ll want to target clients who fit your goals. Not everyone will be a match, however.

Much depends on how busy you want to be and how much you want to charge. Then there’s the matter of who built the website. Some designers won’t touch a site built by someone else.

Are you looking for maintenance-only web design clients? Here are some things to consider, along with how to determine your business goals.

Does The Website Fit Your Niche?

The first factor involves how a client’s website fits your niche. For instance, let’s say that you specialize in websites built with Webflow. Ideally, you’d like to book clients that work with the content management system (CMS).

Maintenance clients can provide a path to expanding your horizons, however. Picking up a WordPress client could better familiarize you with the software.

Still, you’ll want to consider the consequences. A site that’s unlike the others on your roster requires special attention. You may spend significant time researching tasks. And it could cut into your profit margin.

That may be fine if you’re planning to expand your services. The experience of learning another CMS can prove valuable in the long term.

Otherwise, staying within your niche is usually the way to go. That is unless you want to invest the time to learn something new.

How Much Work Is Expected?

Maintenance clients can run the gamut in terms of need. Those using WordPress will have a baseline of work. The core software, theme, and plugins will need routine updates. But things can scale quickly.

eCommerce websites require a lot of attention, for instance. You’ll want to test software updates on a staging environment. And troubleshooting problems are often more complex.

News and membership-based sites also fit this category. They tend to be frequently updated. And clients may be looking to roll out new features regularly.

These types of clients can be a boon for revenue. You might charge a significant monthly or yearly fee. The right opportunity could transform your business.

But you’ll also need to balance that against your time limitations. How many large-scale clients can you manage? A solo freelancer or small agency may have difficulty here.

It may be that you work with clients across the spectrum. Or you could focus solely on one type of website. The key is becoming comfortable with your workload.

Is the Website Worth Your Time?

A lot of web designers work with small organizations. These clients offer valuable learning experiences. And their maintenance needs tend to be minimal.

This arrangement is beneficial if your core focus is on building new websites. You can earn a little extra money along the way. Meanwhile, your expected workload will be minimal.

It doesn’t always work out this way, though. The prevalence of malware means that a security issue can happen at any time. And cleaning up a hacked website can be arduous and time-consuming.

Compatibility issues can also come into play. Websites built with PHP may have to be tweaked as new versions are released. And keeping up with the latest version of a CMS can also be tricky.

Therefore, it’s not wise to consider these clients as “easy money.” You may not touch their site daily. But they could still require significant work down the road. Keep this in mind as you weigh the pros and cons of working with them.

Who Built the Website?

There’s no accounting for quality when inheriting a website. You can’t know every step the original designer took. Did they follow best practices?

You may not find out until a problem arises. That can lead to a wild goose chase of sorts. You’re stuck digging through code, trying to identify what went wrong.

Some designers are understandably uncomfortable with these situations. No one wants to be on the hook for fixing someone else’s mistakes. Thus, they avoid these websites at all costs.

It’s something to think about. If you’re comfortable with the risks, sign on. Explain the situation to your client. Conduct a thorough review to try and catch potential issues. You may not find everything. But the process could provide some peace of mind.

Also, be sure to charge accordingly. There’s no telling what’s going on beneath the surface.

Find the Right Website Maintenance Clients

Maintaining websites can be lucrative. But it still pays to be choosy. Picking the wrong clients to work with can negatively impact your business.

Think about your ideal website maintenance situation. How much work do you expect? How much revenue would you like to bring in? Most importantly – does the website fit within your niche?

The idea is to build a business that runs smoothly. Too much technical variety can send you scrambling. And you may not have enough time to handle multiple large websites.

Write a list of what you’re looking for in a maintenance client. Next, develop a process for managing related tasks. Consider how much time and effort each site will take. And don’t forget to account for the occasional unexpected issue.

There’s no shortage of websites that require maintenance. Take time to ensure that you work with the ones that are a good fit for your business!

The post What to Look For in Maintenance-Only Clients appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

That last part can be tricky. And it’s not just financial resources that are in short supply. Clients may lack brand assets as well.

The issue often occurs with smaller organizations. They might not have the budget for custom photography or print materials. Thus, you could receive a low-resolution logo and not much else.

Is a logo enough to build a design around? You may be surprised at what a logo can inspire. Even basic images can tell us a lot about our client.

With that, let’s see what we can learn from a client’s logo.

Their Preferred Colors and Typography

Here’s hoping your client’s logo features a few colors. It’s a big help in determining the website’s color scheme.

However, even a single color will provide clues. You can create a palette based on a primary color. Several online tools will do the job for you. They’ll generate complimentary colors and shadings.

You’ll want to run these by your client for approval. But a logo can do wonders for inspiring the perfect color scheme.

The same goes for typography. Simple logo fonts could be appropriate for use elsewhere. For example, a clean serif font makes for a solid text heading. Unsure of the fonts used in the logo? You can use a font identification tool to help.

Script and display style fonts aren’t always a fit, though. They could be too difficult to read as headings or body text. But you can still use them as a basis for finding acceptable pairings.

The Client’s Personality and Tone

Is your client’s organization serious and buttoned down? Or maybe they’re a bit more relaxed? Their logo can provide clues.

Both color and typography tell a story. Bright and neon colors may indicate a casual vibe. An old-fashioned wordmark says it’s all business.

Illustrations also play a role. Does the logo contain a cartoonish figure? What about a simple line drawing of an office? Each can help you create the right mood.

You can also use this information when choosing other design assets. Items like icons and stock photos should match the tenor of the logo.

There are other indicators beyond the logo. Your client’s industry is important. Their communication style is also a factor. Still, their logo says a lot about who they are.

A Path for Reaching the Target Audience

Who is your client’s target audience? Their industry and clientele are deciding factors.

But details may be scarce. Clients with limited brand assets may not have a lot of demographics to share. And they’re unlikely to have a research budget.

In that case, a logo can show you a path to reaching the right audience. Or at least facilitate an educated guess.

For instance, an image could convey the relative age of the audience. And it’s also possible to target other identifying characteristics. Things like gender, identity, or financial status come to mind.

All of this assumes that the logo fits your client’s brand. That’s not always the case. However, web designers can only work with what’s available. Any imperfections are out of our control.

Making the Most of the Brand Assets You Have

Designing a website without brand assets is difficult. How can we create a relevant look without a guide? And even a client’s previous website may not be of much help.

In many instances, a logo is all we have to go on. It happens time and again, even in this digital age. And it presents a challenge for web designers.

However, a decent logo provides a starting point. It can lead us to some answers. We can use it to craft color and typographic schemes. And it’s also possible to understand more about your client’s personality and target audience.

At the very least, a logo serves as a basis for discussion. Assess what you have and ask for your client’s feedback. You may be on the right track. Or your client may have to go back to the drawing board.

Either way, the logo might be the best tool to move the project forward. There are more details within than you may think.

The post Web Design When a Logo Is Your Only Brand Asset appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

Our answers come from experience (or a quick search). Yet, there is one question that seems impossible to answer. It has confounded even veteran designers: “How long will it take to build my website?”

It’s a perfectly reasonable question. One that should be simple to answer. But it’s also loaded with uncertainty.

The design and build processes are unpredictable. As such, you might hesitate to provide an estimate. Unfortunately, this clashes with a client’s need to know specifics.

Today, we’ll look at the factors that impact your project’s launch date. We’ll also provide some tips for giving accurate time estimates. Let’s get to work!

The Size and Scope of the Website

The larger the project, the more time it will take to complete. This will always be a key factor.

Both the size and scope of a website can impact its timeline. For example, building a content-heavy website could require a lot of work. And it also affects redesign projects.

The same goes for functionality. Readymade software like shopping carts are more efficient than ever. But they often need at least some level of customization.

Building features from scratch is also challenging. The trial-and-error process can be difficult to predict. There are always bumps in the road when writing code.

And we can’t forget about human resources. Large projects can be a slow go for solo freelancers, especially if you are juggling multiple duties.

Availability of Content and Project Assets

Launching a website is a two-way street. We can’t accomplish much without client participation.

The delivery of content and other project assets is often an obstacle. Waiting for these items to arrive can be the longest part of the process. The situation can grind progress to a halt.

There are several potential reasons for a delay. Sometimes it’s because a client is overwhelmed. That leads them to disappear. And just when it’s time to put the project to bed.

There could also be a lack of clear direction. Design politics can lead to a vicious cycle where ideas are debated and tossed aside.

The Synergy Between Client and Designer

There’s something to be said about the relationship between clients and designers. A bad one will lead to endless revisions and misunderstandings. A good one can keep a project on the fast track to completion.

Developing a solid rapport is important. Effectively communicating needs and ideas is a key to getting things done.

For example, setting clear expectations makes the job that much easier. Clients are more likely to deliver when they understand your needs. It’s also great to know what clients expect from us as well.

Being on the same page (or not) greatly impacts the project timeline. The more synergy you have, the greater the odds of an efficient process. It’s something to keep in mind.

Your Other Commitments

None of us lives in a project bubble. Thus, it’s likely you have multiple websites to focus on. This can be a challenge when it comes to providing an accurate project timeline.

It’s not just a matter of having additional work to do. The other items we mentioned are relevant to all projects. Therefore, you might face a lot of uncertainty.

One typical scenario: you’re waiting for several clients to send you project assets. What if they arrive simultaneously? You’ll be left scrambling to make progress on multiple fronts.

You’re either waiting for work or swamped with it. Sound familiar? Welcome to the rollercoaster that is freelancing!

Providing a More Accurate Project Timeline

It’s no wonder that this simple question seems impossible to answer. Even so, a fairly accurate answer is still a requirement.

Establishing a line of communication can help. It starts by learning about a client’s needs and wants. Try to uncover as much as possible early in the process. Spell it all out in your proposal.

Clients must also be aware of your needs and wants. For instance, they need to know their role in supplying project assets such as content. A delay in getting you those items can mean missing a targeted launch date.

There can still be unexpected roadblocks. That will usually be the case. But there’s a chance to minimize them through early communication.

The next time you’re asked that oh-so-important question, bring up the factors mentioned above. Together, you’ll be able to come up with a solid answer.

The post The Impossible Question: How Long Does It Take to Build a Website? appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

But “small” is a relative term. A project can be small in terms of profit. Yet that doesn’t mean that it’s quick or easy. You may still need to perform a lot of work.

Why is that? These less-profitable projects tend to fall into two categories. The first involves clients who are on a tight budget. The other belongs to cheap clients that aren’t interested in spending money.

We need to be aware of the latter group. They offer opportunities for neither learning nor growth. Here’s how to tell the difference between cheap clients and those on a budget.

What Are Your Client’s Expectations?

The majority of people live within a budget. That often means settling for what we can afford.

Having realistic expectations are a part of the deal. For example, we wouldn’t expect to buy a new Lamborghini for the price of a used Chevy.

Clients often have similar budgetary restrictions. And most are reasonable in their approach. They’re willing to work within the parameters we set. If a feature is too expensive, they may save up to add it later.

But some clients don’t seem to grasp this concept. They expect enterprise-level features on their website. Yet they’re unwilling to pay the price to make it happen.

Instead, they haggle and harass. They question our ability to get the job done efficiently. And they scoff at paying for services like hosting.

Sometimes it’s a matter of educating a client. They may not understand what’s required to fulfill their requests.

But some people are unabashedly cheap. They’ll go to extremes to save money. This behavior hurts both the project and your relationship.

Cheap Clients Try to Pass Costs to You

Creating a website proposal follows a familiar pattern. A client tells us about their project. And they’ll tell us how much they’re looking to spend. We then provide an estimate based on their budget and needs.

In other words, we tell clients what they can do for the money. We may also advise them on how to get the most value.

Nothing here is set in stone, however. A client may decide to spend more or less. It often depends on the expected return on investment (ROI). If spending more gets a better return, some clients will gladly do so.

A cheapskate client may see the value of an expensive feature. But they’re likely to haggle about the price. They may want a discount – even if it hurts our bottom line.

There’s no harm in trying to reduce costs. But expecting their web designer to absorb the hit is unreasonable. And it renders their project goals unrealistic.

The rule of thumb is simple. If you can’t pay for what you want, make adjustments. It seems like the cheapest clients are incapable of this kind of change.

Be Careful of Who You Work With

Most web design projects come with a budget. That’s a normal part of working with clients. We do our best to deliver the most bang for the buck.

And working with clients on a tight budget can be worthwhile. Lower profits aside, the experience is valuable. It’s often the perfect introduction for new freelancers or small agencies.

Plus, there’s a chance that your relationship will grow. A client’s budget may increase in the future. That could mean more revenue when it’s time for a redesign.

These relationships are worth pursuing. But be careful. Not everyone is on the up and up.

Some people will try to take advantage of your generosity. They’ll ask for the moon and pay pennies on the dollar.

Accepting this type of project will make you miserable. A cheap client won’t appreciate your efforts. And your bank account will suffer. It’s time you could have spent working on something better.

There’s a difference between a cheap client and one on a budget. The former will expect you to bend to their needs. The latter will be happy to compromise where necessary. Make sure you choose wisely.

The post The Difference Between Cheap & Budget Clients appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

What do they want? The traditional “fast and cheap” website, of course. These clients expect us to perform Herculean tasks for peanuts. And they’d appreciate it if you could do it all within two weeks. No pressure!

These requests have always been a thorn in our side. And it’s fair to wonder how realistic they are. Even more so as the web has matured.

Let’s take a fresh look at this old nemesis. Should they be tossed into the dustbin of history? Or does fast and cheap still have a place in web design?

Build Tools Are Better. But Websites Are More Complex.

My first experience with building fast and cheap websites came long ago. These were the days before content management systems (CMS) and no-code tools. Static HTML was the primary technology used.

There’s no denying that it was a stressful situation. But I routinely churned out new websites within 2-3 weeks. It sounds counterintuitive when looking back. How did I do this without the help of advanced tools?

I think client expectations played a role. A typical website was relatively simple. And the projects weren’t heavy on content. Most were of the five-page brochure variety. Functionality consisted of a contact form.

These days, a CMS like WordPress would seem to be a perfect fit. Install a theme, add the content, and off you go. You wouldn’t need to touch code for something basic.

But that’s just it. Clients no longer want a barebones website. Their expectations have evolved along with technology.

There’s always “one more thing” to do. Plus, there are multiple pieces to put together. All of this takes more time than a client realizes. The result is higher costs and a longer time to launch.

Ignoring Mobile and Accessibility Isn’t an Option

Something else stands out from the past. We didn’t have to build and test our websites on dozens of devices.

Ensuring quality and consistency across screens is tedious. There is a nearly endless array of viewport sizes to consider. And even a readymade CMS theme isn’t without hiccups. Therefore, testing is mandatory.

And the same logic applies to accessibility. We didn’t think twice about “just launching it” twenty years ago. That’s a dangerous proposition these days.

There are both legal and moral obligations. Plus, building an accessible website requires a plan. It works better when baked in from the start.

Once again, these steps mean more time and money. Ignoring either of them isn’t an option. And neither is hurrying through their implementation.

When ‘Fast & Cheap’ Might Make Sense

Building a website quickly and cheaply doesn’t fit with most projects. The factors above are the primary reasons.

And we can’t forget about a client’s role. They may not be able to deliver on their outsized expectations. That’s how two weeks can turn into six months. The reality of their requests often results in a reconsideration.

But there are still a few occasions where this mix might make sense. A single-page website is one example. A promotional microsite is another possibility.

It may be wise to consider these websites to be temporary. There’s not enough time or money to build with the future in mind. Thus, they’re best suited for a short-term goal.

A page builder tool or a predesigned template could make quick work of this type of project.

The caveat is that the site must be light on customization. Clients must be limited to the options offered by the build tool. That means no fiddling around with PHP or JavaScript. This strategy also eliminates most eCommerce possibilities.

A client must also be willing to compromise. They may not get everything on their wish list. A shoestring budget and narrow timeline will only get them so far. That’s how this is supposed to work, after all.

Should You Accommodate These Clients?

Yes, it’s technically possible to build a fast and cheap website. The real question is whether you want to accommodate these clients.

You could pull all-nighters to create a fully functioning 500-page site in record time. But is that worth your time and effort? Probably not.

You should be paid handsomely for this level of work. And it’s only fair to have enough time to complete the project. Otherwise, your client isn’t valuing your time or talent.

Therefore, any consideration of fast and cheap should come with strict boundaries. Give your client minimal options and plenty of conditions to abide by.

And if you’re not comfortable with the arrangement? It’s more than OK to decline. That’s something you can do quickly – and for free!

The post Is the ‘Fast & Cheap’ Website Still Realistic? appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

My career has had its share of hits and misses. I’ve felt embarrassed when looking through my old projects. But time brings perspective. Eventually, you start to see things in a different light.

All projects offer a learning experience. Even the ones that didn’t have a positive outcome. As such, I wanted to share some of the most important lessons that I’ve learned.

Here are a few takeaways from those blasts from the past. Maybe they weren’t so bad after all?

Code Is More Resilient Than You Think

I’ve had to retrofit several old websites for use on mobile devices. These sites were built in the days before smartphones changed the world. They needed to look and function well on small screens.

I discovered that this wasn’t as hard as I anticipated. I had a wide range of sites to retrofit. Everything from early experiments in WordPress to table-based HTML.

The table layouts were generally the most time-consuming. However, I was amazed at how well I was able to convert them to CSS. It usually took a few hours. And the CSS-based layouts were even easier to deal with.

This demonstrates that HTML and CSS are resilient. And it’s possible to salvage quite a bit from an older website. That’s not to say everything is semantically perfect. But you can indeed squeeze some more life out of an old site.

Typography Isn’t an Afterthought

The web was once severely limited when it came to fonts. That may be one of the biggest changes over the past 20 years. But I’m not sure that any amount of cool fonts could have saved me from poor decisions.

For instance, I was obsessed with small type. I’ve found several projects where the font size was too small. Minimal line height forced lines to be squished together. The content was difficult to read.

I have a theory about why I did this. Small text was seen as more visually appealing back then. Plus, display technology wasn’t very good. Fonts often looked jagged at larger sizes. Tiny text was one way to combat that effect. Looks seemed more important than legibility.

The importance of legibility has become clear since then. Type is meant for way more than looking pretty. If it’s not readable, it’s not accessible.

Creativity Can (Still) Solve Problems

The various hacks I used to build websites are hilarious. And I know I wasn’t alone in using them.

Workarounds like slicing up large images (and putting them into a table layout, no less), trying to stay compliant with older versions of Internet Explorer, and all manner of vendor prefixes were the norm. They acted like virtual duct tape to hold everything together.

These practices weren’t great. But they were done for a noble cause. The goal was to make a site work for the widest range of users. And that’s still true today.

The concept of using “hacks” is no longer in fashion. But the creative energy behind them certainly is. The difference is that we now have tools to solve design challenges. Creative use of those tools can get us past just about any obstacle.

For Best Results, Clients Require Guidance

This was one of my hardest-learned lessons. As a young designer, client meetings were like taking an order at a restaurant. I wrote down what they wanted and did my best to deliver.

You can get by with this strategy for a little while. But it’s not so great in the long term. Positive outcomes require a solid plan. And it’s nearly impossible to do that when decision-makers don’t have the information they need.

That’s a big part of a web designer’s job. We’re the experts hired to ensure that a website is attractive, functional, and accessible. But we must speak up to keep clients informed.

These days, I’m not afraid to offer an honest assessment of a client’s ideas. I try to help them find the best path forward. It’s usually well-received and appreciated.

And the outcomes are much better, to boot. It becomes obvious as I look at recent projects. They tend to be more well-rounded than the older ones.

Don’t Be Afraid to Change

Change is like a monster hiding underneath my bed. It’s ready to strike the minute I’m comfortable with a process or technology. I once spent an unhealthy amount of time fearing and resisting it.

For example, I was terrified of CSS layouts. The thought of using a database made me break into a cold sweat. Writing PHP? Forget about it.

But a look at my portfolio proves that my fears were unfounded. I don’t claim to be the world’s greatest anything. But I did find a way to evolve. I’ve managed to learn new skills and stay with the times.

Sure, change still sends a little shock to my system (I’m looking at you, JavaScript). Yet, I’m more confident in my ability to adapt. Why? Because I’ve done it before.

Retrace Your Steps as a Web Designer

Love them or not, your old projects are there for a reason. Maybe they don’t live up to your current standards. But there are still valuable lessons to be learned from them.

That’s why I highly recommend taking a look through your archives. You’ll gain some insight into your evolution as a designer. And you can see how you’ve put those lessons to good use.

You may not realize how far you’ve come until you revisit the past.

The post What My Old Design Projects Have Taught Me appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

I’ve worked with everyone, from solo entrepreneurs to large organizations. It’s interesting to pick out the similarities and differences. And it has helped me reach a comfort level when working in different scenarios.

However, some clients see this as a bug, not a feature. They believe that a web designer should have in-depth knowledge of their niche.

I can understand their thinking. A web designer who has never worked with a non-profit may not be the best option for a charity. But what if they have worked in eCommerce? Could that experience also be relevant to the client’s goals?

The web has matured and standardized. As such, maybe the idea of industry expertise is outdated. Perhaps finding out what a client needs is most important.

What Makes a Client Unique?

No two organizations are the same. Sure, there may be overlapping similarities. But they each have unique goals and processes.

Thus, there can be stark differences between clients within the same industry. That applies to their websites as well. For example, what worked for Client A may not be relevant to Client B. The same goes for design and branding.

That’s why even basic knowledge of their niche may be enough. You can learn through experience. But you could also study websites from other organizations. They can be a great source of ideas.

It’s more important to find out what makes a client unique. Ask lots of questions. Learn about their goals and the story behind them. Discover the obstacles that stand in their way.

Doing so will tell you about their needs. You can then develop a plan to help them succeed.

We Create Solutions Based on Need – Not Industry

A client’s needs may be unique. However, the underlying technologies of the web are more generic.

Web hosting is a prime example. We often recommend a host based on need. Factors like the site’s size and expected traffic play into the decision. Your client’s niche plays little to no role.

Likewise, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP pay no mind to a website’s industry. They work the same for a medical practice as they do a video game community.

We instead take what we learn about a client and get to work. Skills like data wrangling and content organization shine in this context. An understanding of best practices for design and accessibility also helps.

It’s more about translating client needs into solutions. Experience, regardless of niche, is the key to making it work.

Take a Client-First Approach

If a potential client has concerns about your industry experience, talk to them. Having an honest conversation about their project can do wonders.

Building a website is a collaborative process. And your ability to work with a client should outweigh any worries about their niche. Frankly, all of the experience in the world means nothing without collaboration.

I’ve worked with clients who had websites built by niche agencies. These were not your typical high-quality services, however. They took a one-size-fits-all approach. They offered a limited number of options while charging a premium.

It’s a way to get a quick, albeit expensive, website. Does it serve a client’s best interest? That seems unlikely.

Maybe that agency had vast experience in a particular field. But that only helps if they take the time to engage their clients. Otherwise, the results won’t reflect the client’s needs.

A client-first approach works better for everyone. That holds across industries.

Niche Still Matters. But It’s Not Everything.

None of this means that a client’s niche is irrelevant. If it matters to them, it should matter to us as well.

Still, it may not be as important as we think. The tools we use are typically the same. The same principles apply to solving challenges.

There may be a few industry-specific exceptions. Apps that manage privacy or legal compliance come to mind. But that impacts a client regardless of who they hire to design their website.

Maybe we’re better off focusing on the client. Their website is a reflection of who they are. Their industry is only one part of the story.

The post Do Web Designers Need to Know About Their Clients’ Niche? appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

It’s not all sunshine, though. Just because a prospective client came to you via a referral doesn’t mean they’re a great fit. Even so, you might feel an obligation to work with them. Therein lies the rub.

Maybe I think too much about these things. But it seems like there is a delicate balance here. Do you book a new client simply because you feel obligated? What’s the etiquette? How will your decision impact the relationship with your existing client? Should I hide under a blanket until this all blows over?

Yeah, there are a lot of questions that need to be answered.

Not All Referrals Are Destined to Succeed

First of all, every referral should be appreciated. And I genuinely do feel a sense of gratitude when a client takes the time to do this.

But a web design referral is a bit different than in other industries. For example, it’s not the same as sending someone to your favorite restaurant or real estate agent.

Those businesses are straightforward. The restaurant will gladly serve your favorite dish. The real estate agent can show you homes that fit your budget. In either case, they provide an immediate service. Then they are out of your life until you need them again.

Web design is unique. It is both highly specialized and often entails a long-term relationship. Thus, it’s not just a matter of making a sale and being on your merry way.

Project Needs vs. Your Specialties and Preferences

Sometimes, a referral is a good fit based on code. If you specialize in Drupal and the prospective client requires WordPress, the writing is pretty much on the wall. Easy enough.

It’s not always that simple, though. For instance, I’ve had several businesses referred to me who needed someone to take over the maintenance of their existing website. In addition, there have been cases where a website wasn’t finished. The client needed someone to step in and tie up the loose ends.

This clashes with one of my core policies. I avoid maintaining websites built by someone else. There are occasional exceptions. But I prefer to build something from the ground up. It’s just a more comfortable situation. I feel more confident in my ability to provide great service.

Perhaps it’s a guilty conscience. But the fact that these were referrals complicated my decision. The idea of letting down an existing client is a powerful thing. Whether that is a realistic view is another subject altogether.

Relationship Matters

Your specialties may differ from a client’s needs. And your potential relationship may not be so promising, either. This needs to be carefully considered before signing up for a project.

Again, a referral can cloud your vision. It’s possible to give someone the benefit of the doubt. You may do so even when all signs tell you otherwise.

I’ve found myself in this situation. Ignoring the red flags, I booked projects. And I almost immediately regretted doing so.

Yet I’ve also had referrals that have worked out wonderfully. The lesson? Scrutinize a referral just as much as you would any other prospective client.

So, What Are the Obligations?

A referral should undergo equal scrutiny. But there is also a case for giving it preferential treatment. These folks are already “in the club,” so to speak.

That doesn’t mean that you must work with them. But it does compel us to listen to what they have to say. After all, there’s no harm in saying “no thanks” if it’s not a fit.

But what if you aren’t booking new projects? It’s probably more polite to say so. This way, you won’t waste anyone’s time.

Regardless, I think there is an obligation to thank your existing client. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate – just a simple thank you note will do.

And what of the potential impact of turning down a referral on your client relationship? That can be tricky. So much depends on the personalities involved. But honesty is the best policy. If things don’t work out, it’s OK to share the outcome if asked.

Appreciate Referrals While Understanding the Reality

A client referral for your web design business can be a blessing. It has the potential to increase revenue and help you gain valuable experience.

But there are no guarantees. Just because you’ve connected with a prospective client doesn’t mean you’re required to work with them. The vetting process should be the same for everyone.

It’s all about determining whether the opportunity is right. If so, your business will be in a better position for it. But not to worry if things don’t work out.

At the very least, one of your clients was pleased enough with your work to spread the word. And that is always a positive development.

The post Why Web Design Client Referrals Aren’t a Slam Dunk appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

I’ve wondered why this is such a challenge. But after seeing it time and again, a few things have become clear.

Clients are generally not content creators. Most aren’t prolific writers. They may have talking points in mind. But they might struggle to articulate them. Time is also an obstacle. People are busy with other tasks. Thus, focusing on content strategy takes a back seat.

This presents an opportunity for web designers. We can get the process moving in the right direction. With a little nudge, that is. Here are a few ways you can help clients develop a website content strategy.

Focus on Key Talking Points

If you’re redesigning an existing website, some of the hard work may be done for you. The existing content can help you understand what’s important to your client.

Even messy content can be useful. Identify the key points and discuss them with your client. Present them as a means to achieve their project goals.

Each organization has a unique message. An eCommerce shop, for example, may want to talk about their attention to detail when it comes to customer service. A medical practice will want to concentrate on their expertise. This type of information can prove vital in content creation.

The goal is to help your client narrow their focus. Having a better understanding of the task can boost their confidence. They’ll be better positioned to produce quality content.

Provide Visual Guidance

Visualization can also help clients develop a successful content strategy. We do this by providing templates or prototypes that outline the various sections of a page.

Clients can use it as a point of reference. They’ll grasp how to create content that is concise and easy to digest. It removes the guesswork from the process.

Web designers have often used “Ipsum” text for this purpose. However, the advent of AI tools may change this practice. AI would provide better context. Clients could then edit the generated content to suit their needs.
Not everyone will follow your guidelines. But that’s not the point. It’s more about getting them to think. That will get the wheels of progress turning.

This also trains clients to take a more consistent approach. Writing style and formatting would stay the same throughout the site.

Visual guidance allows clients to fill in the blanks. It’s more efficient and less stressful.

Encourage Organization and Ease-of-Use

Organizing content is a challenge. Without care, things can get out of hand. And the problem can become extreme.

Some clients insist on cramming a massive amount of information onto a single page. Others might be the opposite. They’ll create secondary pages that contain no more than a sentence or two. Neither of these strategies is likely to be a hit with users.

Thankfully, a little education can go a long way. When discussing content organization, focus on these fundamental questions:

• How easy is it for users to navigate?
• Is the content relevant to users?
• Should long pages be split up?
• Are we missing any key information?
• What’s best for SEO?
• Is it accessible?

It’s an opportunity to steer clients towards a user-first approach. The answers should lead everyone in the right direction.

Write It Yourself

Certain clients may never become comfortable with writing and organizing content. Or they may never get around to doing the work. This doesn’t have to be bad news, though.

You could offer to write the content for them. You’ll take some pressure off your clients – not to mention make some extra money. It could be a win-win situation.

Some clients will be happy to pay for this service. They can act in an editorial role. They’ll review your work and collaborate to make improvements.

But it takes research to get things right. Discuss the most important messaging points with your client. This will ensure a smoother process and better results.

It may not be the right path for everyone. But there is potential here for writers.

A Proactive Approach to Content Strategy

Being proactive with content is often key to a successful project. Clients are most likely looking to you for guidance. Therefore, your expertise may be just what they need to move forward with confidence.

And, just maybe, it means you won’t have to wait around nearly as long for content to arrive. You can then focus on readying the website for launch.

Website content doesn’t have to be so difficult. The right approach can make a world of difference.

The post How to Help Your Clients with Website Content Strategy appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

It’s also not a good thing for your eyes. If there’s no focal point, the food can overwhelm you, and you’ll find yourself lost in a vortex of scary, calorie-filled nightmares.

You’re not going to process your eating experience; you’re simply going to start at the least offensive corner and chow down until it’s all gone and your stomach’s about to burst.

That’s why, when you go out to nicer restaurants, the chef portions out your food in small amounts, so that you can take your time and absorb not just the actual eating but also the sensory experience – the sights, the smells, even the sounds. Yes, people. Food is complicated.

Today, I’m going to talk about simplifying your designs using the very same principles a chef uses to ensure that you have the most pleasant eating experience possible.

And just like you’re much more likely to return to a restaurant that serves you an experience rather than a mess, your users will be more likely to do the same when your designs are clean, strong, and simplified.

Focus In

We humans are programmed to make things complex. In the field of cultural anthropology, there’s overwhelming evidence of this fact, as societies around the world have progressed over the millennia from simple (think ‘hunter-gatherer’ type societies) to complex (modern “post-industrial” countries).

It’s in our DNA to want to add on rather than take away, which can make the average designer’s job pretty difficult.

From your end as a designer, it’s generally quite hard to be objective about which information or design elements are “necessary” versus which are not. Getting a second opinion can help sometimes, but if the person you’re asking is not a seasoned designer, they might not have the experience to tell you what’s not working and why.

When I’m working on a project that’s gotten too out of hand, I usually stop and take out the notes I took at the beginning of my process.

The mind maps, diagrams, and lists that illustrate precisely what my main focus was supposed to be for the project. It’s inevitable that you’ll lose sight of your main focus at least once during the design process.

That’s okay, as long as you refer to your notes and refresh your memory. Designing around your main focus helps you to be more discerning about the content you include in your design, as it makes it clear what’s directly related to that main focus and what isn’t.

Use the Pareto Principle

The Pareto Principle is something that’s been getting quite a bit of attention in recent years, thanks to personal development gurus like Tim Ferriss. But just in case you don’t know the basic idea behind it, here’s a quick run-down.

The Pareto Principle, or the “80-20 Rule,” as it’s sometimes known, basically states that 20% of any given element is responsible for 80% of the results, and vice-versa.

Designers love the 80-20 rule since it’s so applicable to the design process, particularly in those areas where information or sales are at the heart of the design goals.

While you’re designing your product, website, or other deliverables, here are two important questions to ask yourself so that you don’t “over-design” those elements that don’t need it and so that you can keep your focus on the 20% of the elements that are the most important:

1. Who, specifically, is most likely to benefit the most from this design element?

I’ve talked at length about narrowing down your career focus to zero in on one or two specific markets.

This question is one you can ask yourself at any time during your creative process. If you devote time to researching exactly the target markets you’re best equipped to serve, you’ll have a much easier time finding and understanding the needs of clients.

And when it comes time to simplify your designs for this target group, you’ll know exactly what they’re looking for, how they look for it, and how to provide it to them simply.

2. How can I deliver the most value to this group of people using the least number of steps?

As an extension of the above idea, your process will become much simpler when you begin focusing on the number of steps it will take your users to get from your design to the information or product they’re looking for.

It’s helpful to write it out in a literal list; start with the key action step on your website, brochure, poster, etc., and document exactly what needs to happen from there to make the sale.

Once you’ve done that, the path usually becomes very clear in terms of what’s actually needed to get the user to their destination, and what’s not.

Smart It Up

A lot of the advice you may read about simplifying your designs might make it seem like designers think their users are the stupidest people in the world.

Skim a few articles and you’ll see what I mean – everything is concerned with making the important elements as obvious as they can possibly be so that the user doesn’t have to use their brain for anything.

It can actually make you start to feel a bit sorry for the average user at first since designers seem to think so little of them.

But if you understand the underlying principles behind this philosophy, you’ll begin to realize that not only do designers not think their users are stupid, they’re actually being very smart about creating an experience that caters to the needs of the very top of the user “hierarchy.”

It’s not that you should automatically assume that people are stupid. Rather, your assumption should be that everyone is smart – each of your users is far too busy living productive, interesting lives to waste time where they don’t need to.

Once you embrace this mentality, it will become easier for you to zero in on exactly what makes these smart, productive, interesting people tick, and how you can help them absorb the exact information they need to go on about their awesome lives. This has the added effect of allowing you to go on about your awesome life as well.

Your users should be able to get to the specific information they need with as little effort as possible.

Whether that involves less reading, scrolling, or interactivity, make sure you keep your focus on the actual steps required to encourage the biggest results from the least amount of action.

The post Why You Should Simplify Your Designs for the Smartest User appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.