Have you ever lost clients and don’t really know why? Many clients feel nervous when visiting a web designer because they feel they have inadequate knowledge in the field. When a web designer uses difficult terminology when explaining what he does, then his client feels uncomfortable and it is more difficult to work with him. I have seen countless jobs that have been lost because the Web designer did not know how to explain his process with the client, was too impatient to answer the clients questions, or plainly uninterested in continuing a more than 2 minute conversation with the client.
Many web site designers lack the ability to communicate well with their client. Yes, they may be technologically brilliant, but they lack the ability to interact with clients. This really has nothing to do with creative or technical skills. In fact many great designers lose a client because of their inability to communicate with that client. The client needs to feel comfortable working with you, and his comfort depends on how well you can communicate with him, as to what his needs are. How do you do this? Well, your language and physical aspect (we are not talking about whether you are handsome or not, just well groomed), are very important aspects in being able to convince a client that you are the right person for the job. Many great designers lose clients because of their inability to talk to a client.
Most business owners know what they want their web site to do for them, but many of them are technologicaly inadecuate or at least feel like they are. So, the business owner is nervous enough about visiting you the web designer and needs some empathy as to your being able to meet his needs. Most business owners know nothing about the technical process of reaching those goals, he just wants it done. It is your job as the web designer to explain the technical parts in laymens terms, so that he or she will understand the price and the time you need to complete the job. Remember these people are not technologicaly savy, so using technological terminology will not be impressive to them, quite the contrary it will make them feel like you are being condescending, and trying to confuse them. It is essential that you speak plain and simple english to your potential clients. If you have to explain technological processes make it as simple as possible.
Try to use examples, comparisons, and visuals whenever possible.
Instead of saying something like: You need to "ftp" your files to the server, just say that the files need to be transfered electronically from your computer to the website over the Internet. Be considerate of them, Dont make them feel stupid! They are your client, after all. Keep your language as simple as possible. Above all be patient and aswer questions patiently.
You will reap great benefits if you approach your clients this way. They will feel more comfortable working with you and will then give you more relevant information for their sites. It is very upsetting for them to feel like they are purchasing something that they don't understand. They will also greatly appreciate your efforts in helping them understand what you do, and makes them feel like you are honest and easy to work with, because you are not trying to hide anything with confusing language, or trying to demean them. It is essential to speak your clients language as a web designer.
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