Being The Best Designer For Your Client
Deploying a great website is usually not a task for any lone wolf. This is because there is so much at stake and normally – it takes an entire team to achieve. However, there are times when points of view clash between team members and being solo works better. Now the question is – the relationship between you (the designer) and your client.
I believe that the role of a web designer is much more than creating a beautiful website. You have to establish equilibrium between pleasant user experience and a satisfied client. A good designer has the capability of converting their client’s dreams into reality. This article is about important tips that will make you the best web designer for your client..
Be Professional
No matter how creative or successful you may be in terms of your past endeavors, a client will always expect you to be professional in handling business transactions with him/her. A designer’s professionalism is reflected through his emails and online communications through chats.
Keeping your vocabulary simple, free of technical terms, along with timely replies of business emails are some of the best ways to show off your professionalism. Communication is key. Always handle business matters and keep your attitude positive. Clients can tell right away if you’re amateur. Also, keep contracts. A contract ensures a designer (and client ) keep their word.
Timely Feedbacks And Testimonials
Not many realize the true value of testimonials. The thing is, clients value testimonials a lot. Before giving you the baton of their valuable project, they’re likely to browse through all the kind words that other clients have to say about you and your work ethics. So it’s better you offer the testimonials to the clients before they ask you and in this way, you will be able to establish credibility with them. If you think from the perspective of a client, you will always be in a worry whether your project will turn out the way you expect it to be!
Timeline
Process timeline estimation will always remain to be a crucial stage in any design process. It is according to the time estimation provided by a designer that other corporate formalities are fulfilled. It is the responsibility of an effective designer to estimate all the probabilities in advance and offer a timeline within which the design work of a website would be completed. Committing a design task within a shorter period of time does not mean a chance to compromise on quality. A designer should avoid fake commitment at any cost. Professional coordination is necessary to avoid circumstances like these wherein time estimation does not go the desired way. Communication and participation. As mentioned before, communication is key.
Furthermore, a one-way communication in a design process will result in more changes in the design at a later stage; this results to frustration in both parties. Being a responsible designer means reassuring timely responses. Along with initiating active discussion so that your efforts proceed in a favorable manner. Active participation will reduce design alterations – thus completion will be easy. Again – communication is key.
Be Organized
That’s right! Be organized in your approach and maintain an established process. An organized design process simplifies your design intent and clarifies the project’s overall achievability. A clear and well-thought process is a reflection of the level of responsibility that as a designer has for the project. This may be more work – but is very rewarding. Besides, being organized and professional – means you can charge more (hint hint).
Be Relevant
The very first interaction between the client and the designer is all about getting to know your work ethics, attitude, and trust. This meeting assists a designer in knowing the needs and expectation of the client, as per which he suggests the best possible design solution. The first meeting will surely be complimented by necessary questions, which is why I advice designers to keep it short and relevant.
The more relevant and specific your questions are the more will be the confidence established between you and the client. Don’t go and ask “Why their business is doing it this way?”, or “How they can make more money – if their product is this and that”. All you need to focus on is the project. Some important questions asked will include client’s target market, history, and future goals. I suggest a designer to do his or her homework even prior to a meeting with the client.
These pivotal plots that I have laid above not only assures you of being the very best for a client, but these are also a list of common expectations that any client would have in his mind, irrespective of it being a development or a design project. Being a client myself, I would never like my investments to go in vain. This is why I would want my designer to be the best manager too! I sincerely hope that you find my post useful and if you have something to add, please feel free to do so.