Web Developers: Ask These Questions before the Project Begins
Whenever I go into meetings with clients, I have a page of ready-to-shoot open ended questions; my mission is to extract as much information as I can about the project.
Some would argue that asking too many questions might make clients feel uncomfortable but I call this a myth; in reality, if you do not have a sufficient questionnaire on your mind, both sides are set to lose the game. If you do not extract imperative information from your clients before embarking the project, they will definitely come back and for drastic changes
In an age when professional advice has been replaced by rookie advice on the internet, let me draw your attention to what kind of information you need to take from clients before embarking on the website building project.
What is your company about?
You need to have a good understanding about what they are all about? What are their values, mission, goals and history etc.
Sure, this question is simple to answer if your client runs a simple retail outlet but this might take a lot of time if they are into technical work.
What will be the primary function of the website? How will success be recorded?
Do not go forward without asking why the client is in need of a website. Is he looking for new subscribers to be updated via a newsletter or is he looking for more sales?
Set precise, achievable goals and get into action. Decide how will success be measured; number of signups on their newsletter or the amount of traffic rolling in? How much sales target has been achieved or how many new likes do they have on Twitter?
Study the client’s existing website?
You need to have a very clear view of the client’s existing website, if he has one. Inquire which content management system has been used, what do they like and dislike about their current website, the performance of their Google analytics etc.In a nutshell, you need to understand their likes and dislikes; their taste in website designing and most importantly, you need to learn lessons from their past mistakes.
What is your unique selling proposition? Who are your competitors?
A lot of clients get complacent with their online performance; you need to have a very clear understanding on what it is that makes the client’s company remarkable? Why would customers choose your client’s company when they have ten other suppliers available?
Study the website of the top-most competitor and deliberate on why is he doing such a good job? Always remember what Picasso said, “Good artists copy, great artists steal.”
Whom are you targeting?
Inquire on what kind of people are their best customers; once you have a clear understanding on the kind of people they want to sell, focus on building the website from their customer’s of view. From the layout affect to the psychological affect, there is only one question which you need to keep in mind – how will the customer react to it?
Get a very clear view about the features that need to be installed; do they need a shopping card or an email marketing capability? Are they looking for onsite galleries or online videos? Or are they looking for both?
These simple questions will make the process of website building a win-win situation for the client and the contractor. You want the client to be prepared with answers, so toss these questions to him before the meeting begins.
