Unprepared Clients

The client typically often has a general idea of what they want their web site to offer, and perhaps they will mention other sites where they like the look, content or functionality. Beyond this, though, we often find that the client has not really thought through what it is that they want, and what they want their website to achieve. Where possible and in advance we like to send our potential clients a questionnaire to try and pin down or at least narrow the options of what it is that the client wants or think they want.

The Deadline - is that realistic?

When asked about web site completion deadlines, clients will often say “ASAP” or “We have to have it by the end of the month.” This is great if only clients could keep to their side of the bargain too. The number of times, we have been asked to deliver a website with a tight schedule only to find that we are still waiting for content from the client, a key stakeholder in the project has gone on holiday or "by the end of the month" might really mean "we'll get back to you in a few weeks". Being realistic with the deadline is a good starting point to keep both sides expectations sensible and achievable.

Content is key

Although, sometimes, we are expected to write the content as well as develop the website, even though we know nothing about the client's business. Having said that we can heartily recommend the services of a very good copywriter but that will be an additional cost and not included in the price quoted for developing the website. We ought to get that clear from the start - we cannot write your content for you as part of the price for developing the website.

Computer literate/savvy...

No matter how user-friendly our design process may be, some clients will be unable to perform simple computer tasks, such as converting a Word document to PDF or cropping and resizing a photo. A client may be surfing the internet all the time, but not skilled enough to scale down the 2300X1250 pictures they got off their daughter’s digital camera and send them to you in a ZIP file. But don't worry - we can help you with all of this and depending on your skill level some of this will be very straight forward and some will need a CD and a courier - all easily dealt with!

Expectations

We have already mentioned expectations briefly - but to be clear expectations are to be managed from both sides. For example a small business may see plenty of animation, videos, and login forms and databases whilst surfing the internet, that they feel they should have on their website. But in reality, some business will not need all of these nice to have items and some of the costs of these features would not be justified for particular projects.