Freelancing: Ask The Right Questions From the Beginning

When first contacting a client to start a new project, it is essential to have a few questions in mind in order to get things rolling smoothly. A breakdown in communication is a sure way to lose a client and possible chance of being referred to others – in other words, for a web designer, you lose some trust. Asking questions will allow your client to feel more involved with their website, and allow you to try to make their vision happen. It is also a way you can accurately put together an estimate and for some larger projects, a contract.

Here are some questions that you should ask. Of course, some of them you may want to make sure to add your own questions depending on how the client responds.

What is the focus of your website?
Whether a business or personal site, the client will need to decide who is their target audience. The client will also want to be able to show how people should chose their product/ site over another, so they must be aware of competition in their niche.

As the designer, you also must do some research to be familiar with the terms of the client’s niche.

How would you like your site to look?
Are there any features on other sites the client has seen that they really want for their own website Are there already some logos or graphics the client may need you to design around? Their website is a virtual calling card. They do not want it to flop, and that includes design.

What are all the services you need?
Does the client expect you to put their content up for them or install certain scripts? Sometimes the client likes to have a hand in their project. While they may hire you for design, they may want to insert their own content – or they might not. Sometimes that is due to time.

If you offer more than just web design, then this would be the time to discuss what other things you can do for your client.

It is important to make sure that both you and the client are on the same page or it could involve a lot of wasted time going through unnecessary proofs until you get it right.

What questions do you typically ask your clients in the beginning?