Sure, I’ve done plenty of “design” during the past three decades. However, I’ve also found myself doing things that have nothing to do with it. Things that are far outside the scope of a web geek. I’d argue that half of my time has gone to these other roles.

Perhaps that’s because web design is still a relatively new industry. Outsiders don’t know much about it. The early days were especially rough in that regard. Being a web designer requires a lot of hand-holding. We educate clients as we go through the design, development, and maintenance processes.

Looking back, here are a few unexpected roles I’ve played. Maybe I deserve an honorary degree or two?

Psychoanalyst

I enjoy trying to understand why people do what they do. It’s a good thing, as I’ve found myself digging into client behavior a lot.

Part of the role is figuring out what motivates people. It’s a helpful strategy when projects stall, or someone keeps changing their mind. Motivating someone results in getting things done – which is always a positive.

You can also use these skills to get people to hold up their end of the bargain. Sometimes, clients don’t do what they say they will (like paying an invoice).

It’s not that they are being cheap or stubborn. I’ve found that it happens with people who are being pulled in too many directions. Their website-related tasks get put on the back burner.

The trick is to know when and how to approach them with a task. Reaching them at a certain time of day, for instance, may make it easier to get their attention. It doesn’t always work – but I like a challenge!

Teacher/Motivational Speaker

Website owners often face a learning curve. Most aren’t familiar with the technologies that go into building and maintaining a site. That’s still true today.

However, it was even more pronounced when I started in the 1990s. Some people knew nothing about computers – even checking their email was an ordeal. Couple that with buggy hardware and slow internet connections, and you had a tech support nightmare.

Working with small businesses made this situation harder. These folks didn’t have the resources to hire an IT specialist. So, much of the technical work was passed on to the person building their website.

That led to a lot of teaching and pep talks. I helped clients set up their hardware and software and learn how to use them. I even tried to install broadband for somebody (it didn’t go well). The boundaries of web design were shattered.

The biggest hurdle is getting people to believe in themselves. I still run into that issue when training people to update their websites. The unfamiliarity with a tool leads to nervousness, which leads to doubt.

Regardless of the technological era, the goal is to simplify things. Show someone how to do a task and allow them space to ask questions. Provide a quick reference they can look at when you’re not around.

If they master a task, look out. They’ll have more confidence moving forward.

Researcher & Fact Checker

Let’s face it: the online world is a playground for scammers. It’s amazing our society functions at all, given the constant stream of people trying to take advantage of us.

A lot of scams seem to target website owners. Those domain registration letters US residents get in the mail are but one example. There are also emails about a site’s purported SEO troubles and payment gateway phishing attempts.

Some scammers are more skilled than others. Their work is harder to detect as a ruse. Thus, clients send these items to me looking for clarity. Is this a real message? Do I owe them money?

I’ve learned to spot likely scams. Knowing who each client purchases web-related services from helps. But there are cases when I need to do some detective work.

I believe things will only get worse. Artificial intelligence (AI) will make scams harder to identify. For instance, poor grammar is a telltale sign of a phishing scam. AI tools can help crooks improve their language and more easily fool victims.

Digital Forensic Scientist

Troubleshooting problems on the web is nothing new. However, the way we build websites has become more complex. And the technologies that make up our digital lives are vast.

That means retracing the footsteps of a task gone wrong. In practice, it’s pouring over access logs to track the source of a malware attack. Or determining how an email was rejected by an ambitious spam filter. There’s also examining WordPress post revisions to see how a page layout was broken. And I can’t forget checking an obscure web browser to see why a client’s site won’t display correctly.

It’s a tedious role that seems well above my pay grade. One can spend hours looking for the source of a problem, and there’s no guarantee that you’ll find it.

What’s more, there are often several links in a given chain. It could be the hosting company, the email provider, or a WordPress plugin. Maybe a client had their password stolen. There are so many places to look and so many things it could be. Determining the culprit is often a wild goose chase.

These tasks are becoming a bigger part of my day. Sometimes they span multiple days or even weeks. Much like internet scams, I don’t see it slowing down anytime soon.

Design and a Whole Lot More

Web designers tend to be a catch-all when working with clients. They’re as likely to ask us about an email delivery issue as they are about their website.

On the bright side, it keeps our days interesting. There is no shortage of problems to troubleshoot or technologies to teach. But it also takes precious time away from our core tasks.

It’s a reflection of the industry and of the difficulties facing small organizations. Clients need a team of experts to manage these disparate areas. That’s not realistic, though. The result is that things get passed over to web designers – the one expert they do have on hand.

It has always felt like a part of the job – one no one tells you about. The title certainly doesn’t do it justice.

The post The Unexpected Roles of Web Designers appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

The woman leaves the room for a moment, and when she comes back, she is dismayed to find that the children have all begun scribbling on the walls.

There are squiggly lines of color everywhere, ruining her pristine, white paint job. Imagine you are this woman. What do you do next? Do you praise the children’s artistic contribution to the decor? Or do you grab the nearest sponge and start scrubbing frantically before the company comes over?

If you’re like most moms, the answer is obviously the latter, but why? Is it because you want to tyrannize the kids? Infringe on their self-expression? Probably not.

More likely, you just want to maintain a sense of order in the house. Three toddlers running amok with crayons would quickly become chaotic. And in a world of chaos, no one is happy; neither you nor the children, even though they were the ones who started the madness.

Defending Design Simplicity

Antoine de Saint-Exupery once said that “perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.” That’s a nice quote, but what does it mean in the practical sense?

Sure, it’s telling us that simple is better than complicated. Most of us know that instinctually. No one wants a pen that’s also a steam iron, a soap dispenser, and a toaster oven. But how do we avoid ending up with one? Here’s a secret: it doesn’t just happen.

Source: Quote – Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Most people have an idea of the perfect simple, elegant solution to their design problem. The downside is, so does everyone else who has the same problem. Put them all in a room together, and you’ll have no consensus, but pandemonium.

Everyone will contradict each other, and sometimes even themselves, in pursuit of the “ultimate” solution that will be universally beneficial.

In one of the greatest paradoxes of human nature, when everyone has a say in what they think will make everyone happy, the result – invariably – is that no one is happy.

The underlying imperative of de Saint-Exupery’s words is that there must be someone in charge of a process who makes the single, final decision.

There must be one person – or a small, unified group of persons – who will ruthlessly prune the savage garden of the horde, creating a result that is not what anyone said they wanted, but what is truly needed.

They must be able to think globally rather than provincially. They must be willing and able to ignore what people say and focus on what is objectively best.

They must lead, and they must be vigilant about it. Any slack during this crucial moment, the final verdict will unravel the entire operation, resulting in a quagmire of confusion that will suck everyone under.

In other words, they have to act like Moms.

Don’t Make a Mess

People like to believe they’re an important part of a decision making process. And they are – just not quite in the way they think.

A consumer’s role in the design process is both less and more important than it often appears. It’s less important because what people tell you they want is almost always irrelevant.

That might sound harsh, but it’s actually a good thing. Recall the earlier example of the multi-purpose pen. Everyone you question will tell you something slightly different about what they “really” want in a pen.

Some people will want a pen that can light up. Others will want a pen that does arithmetic. Still, others will want one that can write underwater, or that is made out of living plant fibers, or that will give off a heavenly aroma of freshly baked cookies.

If you’re a reasonable sort, you’ll want to take everyone’s ideas equally seriously. It’s only fair – the customer is always right.

Plus, you might think all those ideas sound equally as cool – who wouldn’t want a pen that can do all of those things? In magical unicorn land, it would be perfect, a must-have item. But here’s the thing about the real world: when you add features, you get mass, and mass equals mess. Let me repeat that: features = mass = mess.

And a mess is completely at odds with de Saint-Exupery’s words of wisdom above. Nobody likes a mess. That perfect pen dreamed up by your well-meaning consumer test group would be the size of a wine bottle and weigh as much as a brick.

Sure, it would have all the features everyone asked for, but who do you think is actually going to use it? What people say is irrelevant.

As a designer, you must be prepared, like a good, caring mom, to give them what they need.

A consumer’s big, important role to play in a design process – their time to shine – is in demonstrating what they really, truly need in a product. Contrary to the things people say, what they need is extremely important. It is only through solving a need that any designer can hope to have a career. But how do you tell the difference?

If you can’t trust people to tell you what they need (and you can’t), how can you possibly figure it out? Should you guess? Do you simply create things arbitrarily, assuming you instinctually know what everyone’s needs are?

Of course not. That’s just as careless as adding too much mass. Do you embrace your inner creep and watch them intently, observing their habits and formulating an ideal solution based on what you see?

Well… yes.

People love to tell you how iconoclastic they are. Everyone else is one way, but they are different because (fill in the blank).

The truth is, the majority of human beings on this planet are remarkably similar in behavior, even people who might superficially be categorized as “different.”

True deviations from the norm are often frightening – sociopaths and murderers – or patently obvious mental or personality disorders. The rest of us – natives and immigrants, extroverts and introverts, liberals and conservatives, iOS users and Android – we’re all more alike than we typically care to admit.

And when we come together to form a market for a product, our actions as a unit usually prove it. We demonstrate what we really want, what we need, by how we behave; what we buy, when we buy it, how we pay for it, or even if we pay for it.

This is the meat of good design, the thing that makes it revolutionary. You must indulge your inner creep, or your inner mom, and let your market speak to you not with what they say, but with what they do.

The post Avoiding Design by Committee appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

The challenge is that some clients don’t provide lasting revenue. After their project launches, money tends to dry up. You may have trouble justifying the cost of keeping them.

What costs? The responsibility of looking after their website, for one. If something breaks, you’ll be the one to fix it. The same goes for making small changes. This requires time. And it can get in the way of more profitable tasks.

It doesn’t have to be that way. The right strategies can ensure that every client is a profitable one. The key is in providing value. Here are a few ideas for increasing revenue from your existing clients.

Work With Yearly Maintenance Plans

Website maintenance plans are a great way to boost revenue. And they’re especially important in the age of content management systems (CMS). Apps like WordPress require frequent updates – not to mention a 24/7 focus on security.

The concept is simple: charge a yearly fee in exchange for a well-defined service. Specify what you’ll do and how much time you’ll commit to the job. Clients get peace of mind, and you’ll gain some extra cash.

Not all clients prefer this type of arrangement, however. They’d rather contact you when they need something. It’s particularly convenient for organizations that don’t make many changes to their site.

In that case, you could offer an hourly rate. But you might charge a higher price in exchange for this convenience. That way, you’re still making an acceptable profit.

An hourly rate is completely optional, though. The goal should be to funnel as many clients into a maintenance agreement as possible. This will provide you with predictable, recurring revenue.

Offer Subscription-Based Services to Clients

Maintenance isn’t the only subscription-based service web designers can offer. There are related items that can add value as well:

Web Hosting

There are benefits to hosting your client’s website. First, it ensures that their site is on a platform you are familiar with. This can make building, maintaining, and troubleshooting more efficient.

It also adds to your bottom line. You’ll be able to charge monthly or yearly fees for the service.

Just to be clear: this doesn’t mean setting up a server in your office. Instead, you can resell server space from an established hosting company.

The potential downside is that you’ll likely be the point of contact when something goes wrong. Therefore, you may want to charge a premium to cover the extra responsibility.

SEO & Analytics

Search engine optimization (SEO) has become a cottage industry. But it’s a relatable subject that web designers can master. Thus, it’s a natural extension of your core business.

And SEO goes well beyond the initial setup. Monitoring results through analytics provides important data. From there, you can adjust your strategy to align with client goals.

The adjustments can take many forms. It could be a few simple content changes. Or you might change a site’s structure to better serve users. Regardless, there are opportunities to generate revenue.

This service may be a perfect fit if you enjoy digging into numbers. Clients will be happy to pay for your expertise.

Content Creation & Email List Management

There is also subscription service potential for designers with marketing skills. Creating content for clients and helping to manage their email lists are prime examples.

Many clients have an ongoing need for both services. For example, those without an in-house marketer might need help writing blog posts. This keeps users engaged while your client can focus on running their business.

Email list management could be a stretch for some. But if you’re already creating content for their website, writing newsletters isn’t so far-fetched.

There is money to be made in the right situations. And these projects may fit in with what you’re already doing.

If All Else Fails, Raise Your Prices

If you’re already doing one or more of the above, good for you! That means you’re seizing the opportunity to enhance your services list. And you’re making the most out of your existing client relationships.

But the cost of everything is rising. Thus, you may need to raise your prices to keep pace.

This move shouldn’t be taken lightly, though. Clients who are already tired of increased costs may not be willing or able to pay more.

Therefore, this should be a rare event. Yearly increases, for instance, will eventually alienate some people. But doing so every 2-3 years may be more acceptable.

It’s OK to pad your bottom line. But it’s also wise to empathize with clients. Money for the sake of money isn’t a good reason to raise prices.

It Pays to Focus On Existing Clients

It can be easy to look past existing clients. Some of that may be due to the industry’s narrative. It seems like we’re constantly being advised to go bigger and better.

As such, we don’t always maximize their value. That’s a shame. Existing clients are vital to helping your business grow. We can rely on them even when we’re having difficulty booking new projects.

So, take the time to examine your client roster. Get a sense of how much revenue each one generates. Find areas where you can add value. Then create a plan to increase those numbers.

The extra money you make will add sustainability to your business. And your clients will get the services they need to succeed. It’s a win for everyone!

The post How to Increase Revenue From Your Existing Web Design Clients appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

Your viewer’s first impression of your content does not need to result in a sale. It’s nice if it does, but your client and even you may not know what your design is actually doing. What your main goal is as a designer is to make a memorable impression. Your design should stop your viewer in their tracks and compel them to go on to the next page, image, or piece of copy.

Basically, your design has to seize your viewer’s eyeballs, and hold them for long enough that they move on to the next visual cue. Like a street patrol officer waving a flag that directs traffic, your design must be eye-catching and invite curiosity about what is going on.

In this article I’m going to talk about what you’re really supposed to be doing as a designer, and just what role your designs play in your client’s sales funnel.

Stop, Look, and Listen

It’s a common piece of conventional wisdom in copywriting that the purpose of your first sentence is to get someone to read the next sentence, and so on until they get to the end and you’ve made a sale.

Design is the same way, and works alongside copywriting to achieve the same effect. Selling is a process that usually doesn’t happen immediately.

People have to get to know your brand and whether or not it’s relevant to them specifically. You can only do that through telling a compelling story that’s written in their language. To start the process, they have to be willing to listen to what you’re saying.

Don’t Ruin The Story

As a business owner, your client has a story to tell their customers. That story is probably longer than a logo or a banner ad. To be compelling enough for customers to want to buy, the story must be told gradually. Any other method cheapens the whole experience and sours your prospect against any potential sale.

Think about the last time you went to the movies. What if, rather than letting the film play for the audience, the filmmaker simply popped up on the screen and told you a quick summary of what happens. You’d be furious. You came to see a story, not some random guy telling you a bunch of spoilers.

Your prospective viewers are the same way. They don’t want to be inundated with the quick and dirty details of the story before they’ve had a chance to experience the entire thing unfold organically.

Let Them See Themselves

As consumers, we like to see ourselves reflected in any marketing materials directed toward us.

This means that, if I’m a 30-year-old mother of 2 looking for a fun game I can buy for my kids, I do not want to see images that aren’t relevant to my exact situation. I don’t want to see 20-year-old college students, or 70-year-old seniors, or dogs, or babies or zebras or teddy bears.

I want to see women in my age range with children around the same age as mine, enjoying the product I’m looking for. If I don’t see this exact combination, I’m out of there.

We all look for stories that we can relate to – those stories that closely mirror our own and provide a solution that would be appropriate for us.

The bigger the purchase, the more important this becomes. You would never purchase a luxury car from an ad that was aimed at a completely different demographic from your own.

Targeting a niche is especially important in this day and age, when there are so many choices out there. If I don’t find what I’m looking for in one place, I can go to 50 others just like it.

As a designer, it’s your job to make sure I know that those fifty other businesses are not just like your clients. Your client’s business is different. It’s just for me. Your job is to tell me why.

In Conclusion

It’s worth mentioning that, while the purpose of your design may not be to directly make a sale, it still plays a vital role in the overall sales process.

Without your design, no one would bother looking at your client’s product or service offering at all. Just like you’d be less likely to want to go see a movie based on a text-only description, rather than a full-color poster or trailer, your viewers are dying to see what story you can entice them to want to listen to.

How do your designs help draw in your client’s target audience? Have any ideas for how to enrich the storytelling process we as designers engage in with our work?

The post The Role Design Plays in Your Client’s Sales Funnel appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

Haggling over price is as old as commerce itself. But we still need to make a living. Thus, if we provided a discount every time one was requested, we’d go broke.

That’s why full price should be the norm for most clients. Doing things this way has several benefits.

For one, it keeps your bank account in good shape. Plus, it helps you predict future revenue and serves as a motivator. A case can also be made that it reduces stress. You’ll avoid becoming desperate for that next project to come along.

Still, that doesn’t mean discounts are never a good move. There are scenarios where it might make sense for your business. Here are a few times when a discount should be on the table.

Charity Website Projects

Many businesses offer discounts to non-profit organizations. For example, everyone from internet providers to banks provides money-saving deals. Some see it as a moral obligation. Others may look at it as a chance to gain some positive publicity.

For web designers, especially solo entrepreneurs, it can be more complicated. We don’t have the financial resources of bigger companies. Deep discounts can disrupt our revenue stream.

There is room for compromise, however. Perhaps discounts could be reserved for causes that are close to your heart. A local charity with a tight budget is a prime example. A food bank, a homeless shelter, or an animal rescue are possibilities.

In those cases, you might find building a website to be a true labor of love. As such, money shouldn’t be the main object.

It is important to be judicious about who receives discounts, however. You don’t want to get into a situation where you’re putting in hours of work without fair compensation.

Loyal Clients Looking for a Website Redesign

The truly lucky among us will have clients that stick with us for years. Not only are they a pleasure to work with, but they also pay on time and make referrals.

These folks help to keep your business going. Because of that, they deserve a special place on your client list. They are VIPs.

Providing a small discount on a website redesign is both good business and a way of saying “thank you.” If they’ve generated substantial revenue, any amount you can knock off the price is worth it.

This helps to continue building goodwill in your relationship. In turn, you’ll know that you can count on their continued patronage. And they’ll be happy to spread the word about your business.

During Tough Times

Inevitably, one of your clients will go through a difficult time. It could be part of a widespread crisis such as a pandemic. Or maybe something localized like a fire or bankruptcy.

Regardless, this might be an appropriate time to provide a discount. Again, it’s about helping to strengthen your relationship. This demonstrates that you have your client’s back.

There’s also some practicality involved. If you charge recurring fees for maintenance packages or web hosting, it may be difficult for your client to pay. Providing a discount or splitting up payments might make the ultimate difference in whether you get paid.

Not sure what to do? It may depend on your experience with a particular client. If they’re generally on time with payment and great to work with, this makes the decision easier.

When NOT to Discount Your Web Design Services

The scenarios above are the exception. Plenty of people will ask you for discounts. It’s usually better to say “no.”

Prospective clients are shopping around for the best deal. That’s their prerogative. But web designers will not benefit from a pricing war. It’s a race to the bottom that will leave you with regret.

Some proclaim that providing a discount now carries the promise of “more work” later. This is one of the oldest tricks in the book – don’t give in. Unless future revenue is guaranteed in writing, you’re unlikely to ever see those brighter days.

Existing clients are a bit more complex. As we mentioned earlier, it’s fine to provide discounts to your VIPs. They’ve more than made up for whatever deal you offer.

But some people simply don’t want to pay for anything. And they expect others to bend to their demands.

It can be a sign of a one-way relationship. One where your experience and expertise aren’t valued. It might be better to see them walk away in an angry heap than to feed their ego.

It’s Your Business, Your Decision

The lesson here is simple: just because someone asks for a discount doesn’t mean they should receive one. You might even make the case that the opposite is true.

Some people do deserve a break, though. For example, non-profit organizations and loyal clients. Their actions may move you to offer lower pricing without being asked.

It’s your web design business. Therefore, you get to make those decisions. Choose wisely!

The post Should a Web Designer Ever Provide Discounts? appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

The web can be a scary place – even for seasoned designers. Trying to wrap our heads around privacy issues, security, accessibility and new technologies can make anyone’s head spin. So, just think of what they can do to the people who depend on us for help.

In some ways, it’s even worse for our clients. Why? Because there are any number of bad actors out there who are constantly trying to trick them, hack their site or otherwise extort a few extra dollars. Not to mention the perfectly legitimate things that, while innocent enough, can put a non-techie into a cold sweat.

With that in mind, here are a few items that tend to put even cool clients into panic mode. But don’t worry. Each one includes some tips for talking them off the emotional ledge.

Mysterious Spam Invoices

If you own a website, or even a domain, odds are you’re going to start receiving all manner of nuisance messages. Whether they appear in your inbox or your postal mail, their aim is to get you to spend money – often out of fear.

One of the more famous examples of this are phony domain registration renewals. A company (if you can call it that) will send a letter that looks like an invoice, claiming the client’s domain name is about to expire. It will probably mention all the terrible things that can happen if they don’t renew this instant. And, oh yeah, the cost is massively marked up.

The only trouble is that your client has never heard of this company. So naturally, they’ll ask you about it. They may wonder if they’ve missed the deadline and why the price is suddenly higher. Have they already lost the domain? What will happen to their business?

Honorable mention goes out to those great “let me fix your website” emails that show up regularly. But they’re only kind of scary.

What to Do

When your client comes to you with a scam message, tell them so. But also tell them, if necessary, who their domain registrar is and why it’s important to have that information on file. It’s a great chance to educate them.

Red Alerts from Google Search Console

No, it’s not just spam that gets a client’s heart racing. The emails sent out by Google Search Console can be even more frightening.

The search/email/operating system/home device/phone/world-dominating giant has been known to inundate our inboxes with all sorts of “helpful” messages about our websites. Sometimes it thinks buttons are too close together or text is too small. In other instances, it complains about missing attributes within breadcrumb links.

That’s not to say these messages can’t point out some legitimate website issues. But often, it’s more likely to cause the recipient to worry about something that is realistically harmless. Worse yet, it gets forwarded to a web designer, who suddenly needs another glass of wine.

What to Do

Whatever rubbish Google sends, it should still be looked into – just in case. Still, it’s worth mentioning that these messages need to be taken with a grain of salt. Clients shouldn’t worry that their site won’t be indexed or that they’re somehow being punished by an algorithm.

Let them know that Google’s automated tools can often focus on the minutiae. And, while you’ll be glad to review the issue, it most likely isn’t a major concern.

The Cache Trap

Raise your hand if you’ve ever had a client request a change, which you make, and receive a message back stating that they “can’t see it”.

Even though I can’t see you (Google probably can, though), I’d expect many hands to be in the air. That’s because “cache panic” is probably as old as web design itself. For years, it’s been a game of cat-and-mouse where we attempt to help our clients clear out browser cache – a sometimes painful experience.

I mention this because it seems to be more prevalent than ever with certain website configurations. Managed WordPress hosting services have been particularly difficult in this area. With some, it’s not just browser-based cache, we also need to worry about server-based as well. The result is a lot of wasted time, trying to get everyone on the same page.

What to Do

First, get a stress ball. Next, teach your clients about the wonders of cache and how they can clear it from their browser. In most cases, that will do the trick.

If you find that your web host has tough-to-clear server cache, it may be worth trying a staging environment. This would allow you to make changes on a non-cached location, while enabling your clients to see updates before you push them to production.

Shapeshifting Tools

Change is difficult – especially when it comes to software. And it seems like, just when we find a comfortable routine, it all gets blown up by what vendors like to call “UI enhancements”.

This can really throw a monkey wrench into the lives of clients who update their own website. After all, they’re not web designers and don’t have time or interest in keeping up with the industry. They simply wake up one day, log into their website and find that their whole process is turned upside down.

The most recent example of this is the WordPress Gutenberg block editor. It looks and functions quite differently from the old Classic Editor. Not to mention that early versions lacked the polish we see today.

This led to a lot of confusion, frustration and, yes, even a little fear that things would break.

What to Do

Frankly, it often falls on designers to stay ahead of the game with these kinds of changes. If we see major developments coming along to the sites we manage, we should act to make the transition as smooth as possible (or delay it indefinitely).

In the case of Gutenberg, that meant educating clients about the new editor. And, in some cases, perhaps installing the Classic Editor to keep the status quo. It’s all about minimizing discomfort.

Web Designers: Lifting the Fog of Fear

It seems like just about every day, there’s something to put a scare into our clients. Whether it’s a crafty scammer, a nitpicking search giant or advancements in technology – we web designers are bound to be asked about it.

Certainly, having to calmly explain these situations can become tiring. There is no shortage of other things on our to-do lists. But on the bright side, it can be very satisfying to help clear up misconceptions and bring even a tiny level of comfort to someone else.

That in itself is a reward and it also helps to build a high level of trust between designer and client. And, looking like a superhero isn’t so bad, either.

The post Things That Will Scare Your Web Design Clients appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

Sure, it may accurately describe what a client is willing to pay. That doesn’t speak to the challenges involved, though. These projects always tend to be more than meets the eye.

I’ve spent over a decade working in the WordPress space. And I can’t recall a single project that didn’t involve multiple revisions and at least some customization. Even a website that uses a third-party theme and a few select plugins will need some tweaks. This process encompasses projects at every pricing level.

It begs the question: are low-cost WordPress projects worth your time? The answer depends on what exactly you’re looking to gain.

Don’t Expect to Improve Your Financial Standing

Building websites at a discounted rate rarely ends up making you rich – at least not at the lower end of the scale. And, despite its massive ecosystem, utilizing WordPress in these projects only complicates the matter.

The theory behind low pricing is often based on two things:

• Working on a higher volume of projects;
• Offering lucrative upsells;

This clashes with the typical WordPress site. There are an almost endless array of themes and plugins to choose from (we’re not including from-scratch custom work, as that’s likely beyond a small budget). Thus, there are so many potential tweaks a client can ask for.

To turn a good profit, it would seem that a designer needs to be ultra-specific regarding what’s included in their baseline deal. Otherwise, the line between included services and upsells can become blurred.

Not to mention the time involved in the build and revision processes. There may not be enough hours in the day to work on the volume of projects necessary to earn a healthy sum.

You’ll Learn Some Things about WordPress

Every project – regardless of price – represents an opportunity to learn. Putting a website together on a shoestring budget provides its own unique experience in this area.

Because we’re talking about low-cost projects, the chance to dive into custom code will likely be limited. That is unless you’re approaching things with the sole purpose of learning.

Even if that’s not the case, the knowledge you gain can still be valuable. For example, you’ll have lots of one-on-one time with the WordPress back end. That provides a foundation of how the dashboard works, where various settings reside, and plenty of practice with the Gutenberg block editor.

Then there’s also a great benefit to learning about WordPress plugins. Building these sorts of websites often means relying on third-party code. You’ll have a chance to find niche plugins that you can use both now and in the future. That’s a great resource to have at your disposal as you move through various projects.

In addition, you’ll also be able to identify pain points that arise during the build process. Knowing, for instance, what a particular theme can and can’t do has value. The same goes for plugins and WordPress itself.

An Opportunity to Build Your Portfolio

If your portfolio is a little on the thin side, taking on smaller sites can be an effective way to beef it up. This is particularly important when you’re in the beginning stages of your career, when new clients may be hard to find.

However, you’ll want to approach this area with some caution. Adding low-budget WordPress projects to your portfolio can be a double-edged sword.

On one side, proudly displaying your work can add legitimacy to your brand. A prospective client will see what you’ve done and have confidence that you are qualified.

The downside is in how those projects are perceived. If a specific website looks low-budget, you may set yourself up to be typecast. Organizations may see you as someone they can turn to for cheap pricing, which may not be ideal for your long-term growth.

Therefore, it’s best to use some discretion as to which projects make it into your portfolio. Include those that have something unique to offer, but perhaps leave out the ones that are of a lower level.

Know What You’re Getting Into

The decision of whether or not to work on low-cost WordPress websites is a very personal one. So much depends on where you are in your career and what you’re looking to achieve.

Veteran designers and developers may not have much reason to play in this space. Although, some may see it as a way to fill in some gaps in their schedule or help out a friend.

If you’re just starting, there is a lot of value in building a cheap website or two. The more you can work with WordPress, the more proficient you’ll become with the content management system (CMS). This experience can pay off down the road.

Besides, very few of us start out working on high-end projects. The natural path tends to be starting small and moving up over time. This can better prepare you for the responsibilities and advanced knowledge required to work with larger organizations.

However, it’s important to know what you’re getting into. If you’re comfortable with the limitations that come along with low-cost projects, then don’t be afraid to jump in.

The post Are Low-Cost WordPress Projects Worth Your Time? appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

An experienced web designer knows better. A site launch is just the beginning. Content management systems (CMS) like WordPress are a case in point. A steady stream of updates keeps us on our toes.

It’s one reason why I believe a professional should manage WordPress sites. Even the tiniest of websites have significant maintenance needs.

Still, clients don’t always understand the stakes or the costs involved. Until something goes wrong, that is. But let’s not go that far.

The key to avoiding problems starts with education. Teaching clients the hows and whys of WordPress maintenance can do the trick. With that, here are some points worth driving home in your discussions.

Website Maintenance Is an Investment

There are two types of website investments. The first is the cost of the initial design and build. It covers everything from the idea phase to the site launch. That’s the big, expensive part.

The second comes after the site goes out into the world. It ensures both content and software are current. Clients can get tripped up by this one.

What clients may not understand is that websites require care – regardless of whether the content changes. They’re viewing the phrase “website updates” through a different lens.

How do we change their perspective? You could compare website maintenance to that of a car.

Cars need regular care to keep things running smoothly. Doing so prevents problems down the road. It’s an investment in safety and stability.

Websites need the same kind of investment. The goal is to keep it in tip-top shape – and avoid common pitfalls.

WordPress sees frequent updates to plugins, themes, and the core software. Together, they improve the overall security and performance of a website. It’s too important to ignore.

Standards and Best Practices Change

The web’s standards and best practices are subject to change. So, that shiny website from a few years ago is now behind the times.

We’ll see this in several areas of a typical WordPress site. Accessibility is a big one. An older WordPress theme may not be up to the current standard. Old or abandoned plugins might also lack accessible features.

Server technology also marches on. A website may run on an outdated version of PHP, for instance. That means you’re missing out on better performance and security.

These issues go beyond a website’s aesthetics. They are fundamental to things like usability and legal compliance. The more you fall behind, the greater the risk.

Resolving these issues requires time and money. We’ll need to review the website and determine what needs to be changed or fixed. From there, it’s time to perform the necessary tasks.

Clients may have a hard time grasping this concept. They can’t always see the need for such changes. Nor can they always measure the results.

However, it’s one of the costs of website ownership. Think of it this way: Brick-and-mortar locations must keep up with building codes. Websites need to do the same.

Vigilance Is an Important Part of the Plan

Website maintenance is not a once-per-year type of task. It’s an ongoing commitment. WordPress releases a new major version every few months. Plugin and theme updates can drop at any time.

Each update opens the door to potential change. For example, a plugin update might require a new version of PHP. You might also need to update any custom code.

Security is also a key factor. New vulnerabilities pop up frequently. They require us to act quickly. Otherwise, we increase the risk of a compromised site.

Vigilance is important. It comes at a cost, though. Web designers need to keep a watchful eye. That means a combination of manual intervention and automated tools.

These acts won’t guarantee a problem-free experience. But they can prevent a small problem from becoming a major one.

That peace of mind is worth the price – particularly for clients who depend on their website for sales. A broken or hacked eCommerce site could spell disaster.

A Well-Maintained Website Benefits All

In a nutshell, everyone benefits from a well-maintained website. Web designers can use it as a vehicle for recurring revenue. Users are less likely to encounter problems. And that should make website owners happy!

The other side effect is taking advantage of new features. WordPress is continually refining its core. The same goes for its theme and plugin ecosystem.

It’s an opportunity to do more online. Features that enhance performance, accessibility, or ease of use can mean more sales. That’s one way to increase the chances of customer loyalty.

Make an effort to discuss WordPress maintenance with your clients. Help guide them on the importance of staying on the cutting edge.

They’ll be more likely to commit once they learn the hows and whys. And they’ll be better prepared to adapt to the web’s ever-changing landscape.

The post How to Explain WordPress Maintenance to Clients in Simple Terms appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

I’m thankful that most of my client experiences have been positive. And many relationships have withstood the test of time. Some have lasted for 20+ years.

And just as bad clients display certain traits – so do good ones. They provide clues as to what it’s like to work with them. Maybe we can refer to them as “green” flags – as opposed to red.

With that in mind, let’s look at traits that make for a great web design client.

1. They’re Willing To Listen to Your Ideas

When someone hires you to build their website, it’s nice to know that they trust your expertise. After all, a web designer does more than take directions.

Providing advice is part of the job. It can help clients get the most out of a project. We know what works and what doesn’t. And our experience with different tools and techniques is beneficial.

The best clients tend to seek your professional opinion. And they seriously consider what you have to say. It doesn’t mean that they’ll always do things your way. But they value your opinion.

2. They Have Realistic Goals for Their Website

Projects that lack a clear goal are difficult. But clients aren’t always sure of their specific needs. Thus, designers are forced to work with the few puzzle pieces that are provided. And they must also fill in any remaining gaps.

On the other hand, a client who has specific, tangible goals for their website brings clarity. Knowing someone’s needs and expectations allows you to create a plan. Here’s to no more guessing games!

It’s also worth noting that you have an opportunity to help guide clients in the right direction. Therefore, don’t be too discouraged by a slow start. There’s still time to develop those goals.

3. They’re Willing to Spend for Quality

Even the biggest projects have budgetary restrictions. It’s something we all deal with. But there are circumstances when a project’s expectations have simply outgrown its budget.

Sure, there are plenty of free resources available. WordPress themes and plugins come to mind. But they aren’t always the best tool for the job. Without an investment in quality, the outcome will suffer.

You’ll gain an appreciation for clients who understand this reality. Sometimes money must be spent to do things right, particularly when it comes to eCommerce. A little money invested upfront can save extra costs (and headaches) down the road.

This also goes together with clients who are good listeners. Part of our advisory role is to recommend tools and services that produce the best outcomes. The hope is that they’ll take our advice and make the best decision possible.

4. They Value You and Your Time

Some clients don’t make you feel like a valued member of their team. They’ll dismiss your ideas and toss aside concerns. You may even be left out when big decisions are made.

On the other hand, it’s a wonderful feeling when someone treats you like family. They understand that you’re busy. They don’t waste your time. And when something happens in your life (good or bad), they offer words of encouragement.

For example, I witnessed the birth of my daughter and the passing of my mother. In both instances, several clients took time to send congratulations or condolences. It makes for a stronger relationship – one where everyone feels like they matter.

It also helps when clients make a good-faith effort to pay invoices. Doing so is a sign that they value and respect you.

5. They Tell Their Friends About You

Client referrals are a great compliment. It says that someone enjoyed working with you and is happy with the results. What’s more, you get the sense that they want you to succeed.

Referrals must be earned, though. Hard work, honesty, and a job well done are key ingredients.

But it takes a special person to recognize your efforts and recommend your services. Even if a referral doesn’t work out, their thoughtfulness still counts.

A Great Client is a Gift

We all have an idea of a “dream” client. Maybe it’s someone that pays well and asks for little in return. Or it could be someone who provides you with creative freedom. Maybe they drive a Ferrari and let you get behind the wheel.

Fantasies aside, it’s important to recognize those who value what we do. The greatest clients are the ones who keep our businesses running. Without their trust, we wouldn’t be here.

So, let’s raise a glass to our best clients. Give them thanks for being part of the journey!

The post 5 Things to Look for in a Great Web Design Client appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

Finding work is only part of the challenge, though. As the old saying goes: “Be careful what you wish for”. Booking projects means that you’re going to have to manage them. Taking care of several websites simultaneously is a big responsibility and you need a system to make it all work.

Let’s take a look at a few things that can help you take charge and better serve your clients.

Prioritize

In a perfect world, you’d treat all projects equally. Last time I checked, however, perfection was not among the world’s many attributes. That means we should find ways to prioritize our projects.

Projects which have a tight deadline and will make you the most money should (in general) come first. Schedule yourself enough time on a daily or weekly basis to take care of your most pressing tasks. The rest of your time can be spent knocking out the smaller, less urgent items on your list.

Keep Task Lists

Speaking of lists, you should really consider keeping a list of tasks to be done for each project. I love Trello for this purpose. I use it to keep a running self-dialogue of what I’ve done and still need to accomplish for each project I’m working on.

There are several apps and online services to help you visualize your to-do list. But you could also use a text document or good old paper and pencil. Just having a way to see your tasks laid out in front of you can help you stay on top of them.

Set Expectations

We all want to please our clients. That said, what if every one of them asked for something to be done on the same day? Would you keep saying, “No problem, I can do it…”? Probably not the best idea.

While we can’t necessarily eliminate last-minute tasks from coming in, we can set expectations of how long other tasks will take. Look at your workload and give an honest assessment of when you’ll have time for a client’s project. Don’t be afraid to give yourself a bit of cushion just in case things are busier than expected.

Then, if you are able to deliver the project sooner than you originally stated, you’ll look like a web superhero! That makes clients happy and will help keep you sane.

Know Your Limits

While it may sound obvious, many of us do not quite know our limitations when it comes to taking on projects. Freelancers are a confident and talented lot and we often believe there’s no project we can’t tackle.

Limitations are different for everyone. Some of us don’t mind working as many nights and weekends as needed. Others value leisure time with family and friends.

The bottom line here is to take on an amount of projects that you are comfortable handling. If it’s going to stress you out and interfere with your other responsibilities, you may want to think twice about signing up.

Putting it All Together

While talent certainly goes a long way in this line of work, you also need to possess a certain level of organization and responsibility to make your freelance business flourish.

Create a process that you’re comfortable with for your business. Organize and prioritize your tasks. Know what your schedule will and won’t allow you to do. Above all, keep things as simple as possible. This will help you stay on top of your to-do list and keep projects on schedule.

The post How to Manage Multiple Websites for Multiple Clients appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.