One of the first things you learn as a freelance web designer is that everybody wants a deal. It happens with both new and existing clients. You’ll receive plenty of requests for discounted pricing. They must think that web designers are akin to a used car lot. Haggling over price is as old as commerce […]
Should a Web Designer Ever Provide Discounts? Read More »
Working with clients is a mixed bag. The experiences you have are valuable. But there’s no guarantee that they’ll be enjoyable. Thankfully, most clients are fair and honest. Yes, some can be difficult to work with. But it’s still possible to form a productive relationship with them. On the other hand, you’ll find the occasional
How To Survive a Nightmare Client Read More »
Maintenance is a part of daily life for many web designers. Looking after the websites we build helps to keep them running smoothly. And it’s also a great way to earn recurring revenue. I’ve been maintaining websites for over two decades. I started with old-school static HTML websites. These days, I work primarily on sites
How Security Is Driving up the Cost of Website Maintenance Read More »
Imagine that you’re a contestant on one of those crazy reality shows. The kind where they drop you off, blindfolded, into the jungle. They give you a compass and a rudimentary map. The goal is to find your way to a posh resort. Inheriting a website that you didn’t build can feel similar. You may
Don’t Shortchange Yourself When Inheriting a Website Read More »
We often discuss the worst aspects of people. And it makes sense. Freelance designers are likely to deal with the occasional client from hell. Oddly, these stories tend to bring us together. We can swap tales of disaster and laugh. I’m thankful that most of my client experiences have been positive. And many relationships have
5 Things to Look for in a Great Web Design Client Read More »
To many web professionals, freelancing means freedom. The freedom to work on what you please, when you please. It seems to be the perfect career path for this on-demand world. However, being on your own does have some downsides. Solo entrepreneurs don’t have the same benefits and protections as employees. And it often leaves us
The Four Ways That Freelancers Are Mistreated Read More »
Freelance web designers have a lot of responsibility. It goes beyond building beautiful and functional websites. We must also think about things like accessibility, performance, and security. Not to mention the challenge of keeping clients happy. Because we juggle so many moving parts, we tend to take on more than we should. That often includes
Things Your Web Design Clients Should Manage Themselves Read More »
Booking new clients for your web design business is challenging. First, you have to find someone interested in your services. Then it’s a matter of hammering out an agreement so that you can start your journey together. This sounds easy. But the process can feel like being in a reality show competition. Once in a
Jumping Through Hoops for Prospective Web Design Clients Read More »
No one likes to lose a web design client. Especially when you consider the hard work that goes into finding one. And we can’t forget about all of the efforts it takes to provide them with great service. The whole experience can leave a bad taste in your mouth. Not to mention a hole in
Why Losing a Client Can Be a Positive for Your Business Read More »
Communication is among the most important aspects of our relationship with clients. Much depends on our ability to effectively explain concepts and reach a mutual understanding. Creating positive project outcomes without it is nearly impossible. Yet many web designers are stuck using the most impersonal form of communication: email. This creates barriers that can slow
How to Improve Client Email Communication Read More »
