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.

But that’s where the predictability ends. That’s because my to-do list is subject to change. One request from a client can disrupt everything. No matter how much I plan. My schedule is in a constant state of flux.

I’ve learned to accept the situation. Or have I? A recent tweet made me think about how unpredictable my days are. And I’m not the only one dealing with uncertainty. Other freelancers have shared their frustrations as well.

Sometimes web designers need to shift gears faster than a Ferrari. That’s just reality. So, how do we cope with it? And what can we do to lessen the need? Here are a few thoughts on dealing with an unpredictable life.

No Routine Is Safe

I love having a routine. I find security in knowing what I’ll be doing each day. Maybe a down-to-the-minute itinerary is boring. But cold comfort is the payoff.

But working with clients throws a wrench into your schedule. You can’t predict when they’ll need something. When they do, it can leave you scrambling.

Oddly enough, it seems like these requests come in bunches. For example, there are some clients I hear from once a year (if that). And yet there are days when I’ll receive messages from several of them. Maybe it has something to do with the alignment of the stars.

Sometimes their requests are a minor disruption. But others can quickly lead you down a rabbit hole. Troubleshooting a broken website is a classic example. This type of situation can quickly eat up chunks of your time.

This results in a domino effect. You’re suddenly behind schedule. And that thing you needed to get done today must wait until tomorrow. It’s a frustrating feeling, for sure.

Adjust and Prioritize Your Projects

I’m far from perfect when dealing with disruptions. But I have learned a few lessons, too. Prioritizing projects is chief among them.

It’s important to consider how a request fits into your queue. Is it an emergency? Are you working on a tight deadline? How much revenue does your client generate?

Each of the above can help you determine the order of importance. For instance, a low-revenue client who needs a simple text change shouldn’t be a priority. That’s not to say you should ignore their needs. Just don’t drop everything you’re doing for them.

Adjusting the expectations of you and your client is also worth doing. Setting aggressive deadlines is likely to blow up in your face. Therefore, add extra time when estimating a project. Do your best to prepare for the unexpected.

It’s an absolute must for solo freelancers. You don’t have a colleague to pick up the slack. Thus, give yourself room to breathe. Time lost to an emergency won’t be as big of a burden.

Dealing with the Ups and Downs

Unpredictability takes a mental toll on freelancers. It’s easy to feel like you can’t accomplish your goals. Frequent interruptions can grind progress to a halt.

You might become hesitant to book new projects. Making that commitment is difficult when you’re already struggling. Who wants to add fuel to the fire?

Learning to cope is a process. But several things can help.

First, take a moment to collect yourself when switching gears. Get away from your computer for a bit. You’ll be able to clear your head before starting something new.

It’s also worth looking at efficiency. Are there any workflow changes that will make things easier? For example, you might find an AI tool that helps you troubleshoot code. Getting things done faster may result in less stress.

Accept the reality of freelancing. You’re here to serve clients. And their needs won’t always be convenient. Therefore, take them as they come.

Finally, give yourself some grace. It’s OK to get frustrated. That’s part of the journey. However, don’t let it take over your life. You’ll find your way back to that to-do list in time.

Don’t Let It Go to Your Head

You never know what each day will bring. For web designers, that means our schedules can change in an instant. One email can lay waste to our best-laid plans.

Eliminating this unpredictability isn’t realistic. Thus, we must learn to adapt. Being clear-headed about it is your best weapon. Mindlessly rushing through the difficulties won’t help.

I can attest that some days are challenging. But you can learn to put them behind you. Perhaps a career in web design should come with a warning label: Your day may not go as planned.

The post The Unpredictable Life of a Freelance Web Designer 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.

• Who are you designing for?
• Are you putting your client’s needs first?
• Is showing off the project in your portfolio a motivating factor?

You’d like to think that most designers are ethical. And they’ll keep their focus entirely on client needs.

But we’re all human. And sometimes, we add bells and whistles to a project for the wrong reasons. We may not even be aware of what we’re doing.

It comes down to those little decisions we make during the design process. Sure, they can enhance our portfolios. But they may not have a positive impact elsewhere.

Thus, understanding our motivation is crucial. Are we focused on our clients or ourselves? How can you tell the difference? Let’s try and identify who that fancy feature is benefitting.

Look What I Can Do!

I’m fascinated by all the cool trends sweeping the web. Sometimes a new feature will grab my attention. And I simply can’t wait to use it in a project.

Parallax scrolling is a prime example. It’s a widely used effect. But I’ve yet to add it to one of my projects.

Then, I found myself working on a website that seemed like a good fit. It included a stunning hero image that would wow users. So I implemented it.

Technically speaking, the result worked well enough. I beamed with pride when thinking about my accomplishment. And I know that my client will love the aesthetic.

The reality was different. My client wasn’t thrilled about the feature. They correctly pointed out that the effect was distracting to users. It took attention away from the page’s goal of driving conversions.

It turns out that the effect made the site harder to use. It didn’t help visitors find what they were looking for any faster. If anything, it got in the way. So, what went wrong?

Looking back, I was focused on the wrong thing. I used parallax scrolling just because I could. And it didn’t improve the finished product.

I wasn’t happy with myself. This was like a child being mischievous to get a parent’s attention. It may work. But not without annoying someone along the way.

Features Should Have a Purpose

Don’t get me wrong. We can still make use of cutting-edge features. But the feature needs to serve a purpose. Whatever we implement should solve a problem or improve the user experience.

Microinteractions, for instance, can be a great way to guide users along a path. They can make processes more intuitive. And animation can call attention to an important piece of information. It’s all about picking the right time and place for using them.

We run into problems when adding features without defining their purpose. Think about what a given feature should accomplish. Is it just for showing off? Or will it benefit both users and your client?

Web design is nothing if not a “me too” industry. We often use these elements to prop up our ego and income. Plus, none of us want to appear to be behind the times.

But we may come to a different conclusion if we’re honest about the project’s needs. Many (if not all) of these extras can likely be left out.

A good rule of thumb: If it doesn’t add anything useful to the final product, it doesn’t belong.

What about Client Requests?

Web designers aren’t the only ones adding bells and whistles. Our clients often request these features as well. So, what do we do in these instances?

It’s a tricky situation. We want to keep our clients happy. But we also need to think about best practices. And we owe our clients an honest assessment.

Therefore, the same philosophy should apply. Discuss feature requests with your client. Be sure to mention the pros and cons of implementing them. Most importantly, try to define their purpose.

It may be enough to change their mind. And if not, at least you tried to put the project’s needs first. You can’t win them all.

Design for Your Project, Not Your Portfolio

Great design exists to make things better. However, getting there takes a lot of thought and some soul-searching.

In the end, it’s about finding the right solutions for the task at hand. Having an impressive portfolio means a lot to our success. But doing right by our clients means even more.

With that in mind, it’s OK if your portfolio is missing those trendy features. Maybe you haven’t found the right time yet. There may be an opportunity to implement them down the road.

It’s more important to help clients solve problems and achieve their goals. That will mean more to your chances of future success than anything else.

The post How to Balance Client Needs vs. Your Portfolio appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

Among the greatest hits:

• “If you get tired of working, you can go watch TV.”
• “Wow, I bet you could hit the golf course every day.”
• “Life without a boss!”
• “You can sleep as much as you want.”

I could go on. But you get the idea.

The common thread is that they all relate to a perceived freedom. And you can’t blame people for assuming. Freedom is one of the big selling points of this career path.

But that’s not the type of freedom I’ve experienced. It got me thinking about the realities and how they differ from the perceptions. Just what type of freedoms come with freelancing? And what are the costs and limitations?

The Freedom of a Personalized Work Environment

Freelancing provides us with the opportunity to work where, when, and how we want. That means if you want to work nights on the beach, you can. It’s not necessarily realistic. But certainly possible.

In my view, this is the biggest benefit. I have a home office, work in a (fairly) private environment, and do something I enjoy every day. This is not the same experience as a traditional office with a room full of colleagues.

This means I can spend more time with my daughter. I’ve also become more disciplined about getting things done. And I’ve had the chance to experiment with how and when I work. Just as important, I can listen to loud music without complaint!

Still, there is a cost. It takes sacrifice (and maybe a little luck) to do things your way. If you want to work odd hours, for example, you’ll need clients who are willing to go along. That may mean severely limiting yourself at first. Or working “normal” hours until the right opportunity comes along.

The Freedom to Choose the Right Projects

Every web designer has their ideal project. There are price points, industries, and subjects that appeal to us. We can decide these things for ourselves. Then pursue the projects that match our ideals.

Being picky about who I work with has been a stress reducer. Don’t get me wrong – there’s still stress. But it’s not from feeling stuck or working on projects I don’t like.

There is a caveat, though. It’s not always easy to determine what types of clients and projects you want to work with. This is especially difficult when starting as a freelancer.

So, perhaps this freedom is one earned through experience. The more projects you work on, the more you’ll learn about your preferences. You’ll gain a better sense of what fits and what doesn’t.

It also requires being comfortable with your financial situation. It’s easier to say “no” to a client outside of your niche when you have adequate income.

The Freedom to Use Our Favorite Tools

Freelance web designers don’t have to use a specific tool or workflow. One of the most frustrating aspects of previous jobs was being told what I could or couldn’t use. Not to mention being stuck with a computer from the (internet) Stone Age.

I get to choose the hardware and software that suits my needs. No, I can’t afford everything I want. But I can work with what I have to make the most out of each project.

Plus, I can use tools that I believe in. Can you imagine having to sell a client on a content management system (CMS) you don’t like or trust? Even worse, imagine forcing outdated solutions on them. This is an area where corporate mandates can hurt more than they help.

These decisions do come with serious responsibility, though. You’re on the hook if something turns out to be a disaster. There’s no one else to blame.

Oh, well. That’s one advantage of working for someone else!

It’s About Making Your Own Choices

The overarching freedom of being a freelancer is the ability to decide for yourself. The assumptions others have about us aren’t completely wrong. But the reality is more nuanced.

Yes, we can choose to watch TV or abandon work for a tee time. But those choices have consequences. Do these things too often and you’re likely to be unemployed.

Success in this field isn’t easy. It takes the courage to make decisions and deal with what comes next. The freedom lies in being the one who gets to steer the ship.

The post Discovering the Freedoms of Freelance Design appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.