| I always find it interesting as a web designer to note | | | | On the other side of the fence are the more casual, |
| the vast differences between clients, not just in | | | | homely clients. Probably the owner of a local business |
| terms of personality and culture, but in terms of | | | | and a bit more outgoing. I have had experiences |
| responsiveness, urgency, concern and adaptability. Of | | | | where I've been invited in to meet the family and |
| course, any competent web designer must have the | | | | such, good stuff - as long as it doesn't get too cosy! |
| latter in abundance. Clients are known to change | | | | The real test of a web designer is when things don't |
| ideas, targets and opinions often; and why not, it's | | | | go to plan. The client rejects a design, has a new |
| their business and if a web designer is providing a | | | | idea, decides they want something extra - the list |
| service, he or she is expected to be able to change | | | | goes on. This is really when a web designer earns |
| what they are willing to deliver. | | | | their money. The client isn't an expert, you are and |
| From my experience, there are two distinct ends of | | | | they are literally thinking about what is best for their |
| the spectrum. There are the clients who are very | | | | business. What may seem a quick list of simple |
| businesslike; they use phrases like 'please advise' and | | | | requests to them may in actual fact turn out to be |
| 'going forwards'. These are the kind of clients who | | | | ridiculously hard. But this isn't the time to throw a |
| will probably set out a very structured specification | | | | strop or begin to cut corners. It's a time to realise |
| and that is exactly what they want you to deliver. | | | | that a good client relationship is one where the client |
| They have high expectations in terms of turnaround- | | | | knows that the web designer can fulfill all their of |
| and- although not necessarily quick to provide | | | | requirements. The funny thing is, the clients which |
| responses and feedback, they definitely expect you | | | | love you and recommend you the most are exactly |
| to be on the ball as you are providing the service. | | | | these sort of clients. |