6 Essential Questions To Ask Your Client
When I get requests to develop websites, they come in all shapes and sizes, different businesses require different things. I aim to tailor each solution to each client. Some clients have a look at the portfolio and like what they see. Naturally, this fills me with joy. I love both criticism and praise, it helps me grow as a designer. The client then decides they want something similar for their site.
While it is easy for me to replicate a style of work I have done before, I advocate to each client that this design may not be the perfect fit. No one wants to spend all day trying to fit a triangle into the mould of a circle.
So, here are a few of the questions I get my clients to answer.
How much do you know about web design?
This is purely so I don’t end up communicating in a way which is too ‘techie’. It also works out good either way; if a client knows a lot then they can let me know exactly what it is they want. If not then it allows me more creative freedom as a designer.
Could you tell me the type of services or products your company provides in as much detail as possible?
It is important to outline the specifics of exactly what the business provides so the design and development can be geared towards these services.
What is the main goal of the web site? (what would you like your customers resulting action to be)
Similar to the above, if you want a subscription then the website will focus on that. Some clients want to be called, others want to make a sale. Whatever the message, it needs to be clear early on to the visitor.
How many pages do you think it will take? Give your best guess
It is important to define the scope of the project. This will make it easier to give a quote and to estimate the duration of the project.
Do you already have graphic images, graphic logo, photographs, etc. that can be used in your website?
The client can definitely lend a hand in this department, as any media lying around will be relevant to the business and will presumably have any relevant branding already there. Branding is about recognition, no one wants to recreate the wheel.
Do you have a colour scheme or just a general idea about how you want your website to look? If so please describe.
This is important to avoid redundant designs in the early stages. Some people know exactly what they want down to a t. Others are more laid back. Either way for a designer it’s very helpful to learn early on as time is at a premium!
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Yep totally agree, nice list!
Good list, I will also ask a client to show me some websites that he likes most. It helps you to create an image of what he would like, of course, if all shown websites follow a pattern.
I come from a SEO background more than a design background, so the additional question I would ask is how important is it to rank well in the search engines. Automatically, their answer tells you what sort of freedom you have in terms of design elements as optimized sites need a lot of text. You’ll have to balance the text with the style of the site.
Another thing I would ask is what are you long-term marketing goals, so you know if a blog/social media apps will need to be added and can accommodate that space.
Awesome post!
I agree, although I’ve never known a client say anything other than they want to appear at least on the first page of Google!
I also ask clients to list five sites that they don’t like (be it in terms of content, look and feel, usability…). This can tell you just as much.
Nice post.