The relationship between website designers and client is a delicate one. Clients expect to be wowed with the best website ever and developers want to provide that; however, it is what happens in between those two points that can get a bit sticky. Experienced website designers know that creating a great website involves input from both sides – and keeping clients happy. The good thing is that open communication between designer and client actually requires only a few simple steps.

1. Explain the Process

To avoid dealing with a client who fails to properly review design work or calls frequently with change requests, it is important that anyone designing a website explain the layout and construction process first. A client must understand everything involved in website creation and what the designer needs from them to accomplish this goal. Website develops will listen to a customer’s ideas and then itemize what is required in terms of design effort, time, and cost.

Web design also involves explaining to clients the difference between function and appearance so that a client can understand why function must prevail before looks. Customer review should be explicitly explained so clients know how to properly review the project at each point – and what approval at that time means.

2. Sticking With Outlined Plan

A plan for brainstorming, site building, and invoicing should be developed with the client so they can see the procedure on paper and understand the steps involved from the website designer’s point of view. Planning must involve everything from documenting customer wants and needs, necessary function, and an agreed-upon review system to how many changes can be done, estimated cost based on the plan, and billing arrangements.

All of the above worked out ahead of time with both the professional web developer and the client will keep the job on schedule, prevent disputes, and control the general process. It also emphasizes to the client the importance of good communication between both sides in order to achieve desired results.

3. Provide Regular Updates

Constant client contact via frequent updates on the development of the project will help customers feel involved with the progress of their website. Any problems or questions along the way must be addressed before work continues. Otherwise, stick to the documented review schedule towards timely web design completion.

4. Be Transparent

Nothing is perfect – not web designers, customers, or a web design plan. To help avoid conflict during the building of a website, developers need to be as transparent as possible throughout the process. Make a schedule and stick to it; if a diversion is necessary, let the customer know immediately. Stop, revise, agree – and then continue on. Bring problems, costs, or any work-stopping issues to the client’s attention before wasting time, money, or facing the effects of a bad decision. With open communication, a good web designer will stay in control of the project – and ultimately, the results.

Although most of the work to create a website involves the knowledge and creativity of the developer, designers of websites must also play the role of mediator and foreman to keep project – and client – focused. Those who are able to get through the rough spots with good communication will get the job done both properly and on time – resulting in a happy client!

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