Article in Web Design

Read carefully and you can learn how to deal with all kinds of clients seeking the perfect design.

“I have a client who wants me to design a layout, but they’re also talking about other firms which they like!”

Many clients are indecisive of what they want. It’s natural human nature. Every designer should put themselves in the shoes of their client. “I have $1,000 dollars here, which company can do the best job for the lowest price, or which company can do the best job, period.” Usually that’s what your client is thinking about when they are approached, or when they approach you. No client is ever 100% sure of your abilities, with or without a portfolio, the doubt always exists. This is what I’ll do for you, I’ll provide you with a list of things YOU as a designer can do to convince your client that you are the one that they are looking for.

Be professional, type, speak, or act professional. Do not just tell him flat out, I want to do this job; it’ll be so and so, are you interested? No. You want to put the client in control of the project. You ask the client, exactly what he’s interested in. Once you get an idea of what it is, you look through your portfolio to see if you have something similar to what he wants, so he can relate to it. If you don’t, no worries my friend, you simply ask your client, “Sir, are there any websites out right now that you like?” Let the client provide you with some examples, so you can get an idea of what the client wants.

Now that you know your client a little better, you can strike at him with precision. Offer your client something that no one else can. Maybe a free domain to go with his design, maybe free hosting, a banner free of charge, or maybe just a lower price than your competitors. All a client wants, really, is to feel secure and sure of themselves. They also want to have enough confidence in you, the designer, to provide them with exactly what they are looking for. If the offer is a bargain, and if you communicate well enough with your client, the job will be yours, guaranteed.

If you pursue them with an act of professionalism and you are driven to satisfy them, you’ve covered the main point of bringing in clients. Now of course there’s the issue of arrogant clients who want things done their way. These clients tend to be more aggressive because they want everything perfect. Understandable of course, most of these clients spend good money for the perfect item. Now sure, you’ll get frustrated, a LOT with these clients. Don’t worry though, if you keep a cool and calm attitude while speaking with them, you’ll end up earning their trust. Trust is a key factor in the business, if you build it with your clients, the arrogant ones, the selfish and rude ones, and even the good-hearted kind ones, you’ll be well on your way to establishing a comfortable client-to-designer relationship. Cherish the opportunity, clients who find you to be very professional tend to refer you to friends, providing you with even more clients, and what can I say, the more clients, the better off you’ll be.