Developing a Client Process from Inquiry to Project Completion

Vandelay Design has a pretty good post on how to handle the client request for a project. In these days of tighter budgets and faster deadlines, it is more important than ever to be able to move quickly, provide the highest level of service, and NOT leave money on the table. Or worse, waste the precious time and resources we all have by doing things sloppy or without any kind of process. This is a great post, read it all.

Developing a Client Process from Inquiry to Project Completion | Vandelay Design Blog:

"Developing a Client Process from Inquiry to Project Completion

Efficiency and effectiveness are equally important to freelance designers and small design firms (and large ones as well, but that won’t be the focus of this article). There are obviously any number of different things you can do to improve your workflow or to produce a better end result for your clients. One area for potential improvement is systemization or standardization of process.

The process of designing and developing a website for clients is rather complex and involves a lot of different steps. First, there is the initial contact either through an online inquiry or maybe a referral. Then comes a quote for service, a contract, the opening stages of the design, client feedback, revisions, development, completion, final billing and record keeping. Of course, the exact steps may vary from one designer to another, but the point is that a lot goes into the complete process of taking a client from inquiry to the completion of the project.

With all of these different steps and a lot of gray area from clients about how the process will take place, creating some sort of standard process of your own can be an excellent way to improve the simplicity and effectiveness for both you and the client."