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How do you correctly advise people who ask you to build a website for them?

by skepticaldoubt
15 replies
How do you correctly advise people who ask you to build a website for them?

People come to me and say they need an website for their business and how much will it cost to do xyz, and they want to to look like www.sitetheysawandthinklookscool.com.

After a brief chat it becomes clear that they have some ideas of designs and features in mind but they have given no thought to the business strategy side of things or how they will find customers or make money from the site.

It's at this point that I feel the urge to explain to them that they should start small, research the online market for their product/niche, find out what their customers online would want and how they could compete in the market place and test stuff out and build the site to accommodate what they find as they go along.

The worry I have is that often they don't want to hear this as they are too busy or know it all already and just need xyz and can I do it cheaper than what the other company said they would do it for.

What is your best approach for educating them properly about what they should be doing not just what they think they should?

Or do you just quote for whatever they asked and just build the site and let them worry about all the problems later when they realize it's not making money and you're job is already done unless they call you back to fix it later?

(Is this something you experience too, or is it just me?)
#advise #build #correctly #people #website
  • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
    Yup, you've realized the important fact that a website is just a piece of the puzzle...and that they need a visitor/lead source and conversion/follow up system in addition.

    Sell them these things, too. Find solid outsourcers to do the parts you don't want to (like copywriting, for a possible example.)

    Use their energy and enthusiasm to start the conversation. Then bridge them over to "how you work." People like to hear that there is a plan. People like to be advised of potential pitfalls...like if they buy just a website, it's not likely to do much in isolation. Then lead them to your solution.

    If you give them only what they want, they'll blame you for a poorly functioning solution.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kay King
    After a brief chat it becomes clear that they have some ideas of designs and features in mind but they have given no thought to the business strategy side of things or how they will find customers or make money from the site.
    What is YOUR business? What is it you are paid to do?

    Do you earn money building websites for others? Or are you a business consultant?

    If someone hires you to build a site I'd say build what they want and educate them on how to use the site (add to, change, etc). You might offer an extra service (paid) where you guide them in maximizing the site, getting traffic, etc.

    The worry I have is that often they don't want to hear this as they are too busy or know it all already and just need xyz and can I do it cheaper than what the other company said they would do it for.
    If it bothers you, maybe you are selling to the wrong price point customer. I've found those who pay higher prices usually know what they are buying and what to do with what they buy.
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  • Profile picture of the author Barry Unruh
    Start off with a very simple question...

    "What is the purpose of your website, and what do you hope it does for your business?"

    If they ask WHY..reply "I just want to make sure I include all the right pieces to accomplish your goals."

    Now sit and listen.

    Once you know their goals, you can begin to explain what they really need to accomplish those goals and more.

    You will lose some customers, but the ones you keep will be willing to pay more and be open to the idea of continued monthly services to build their business.
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  • Profile picture of the author nmwf
    When I run into people like this, I simply offer "brochureware." (That's a website that looks like a brochure for you young 'uns.) I also warn them that in most instances, in today's global and extremely competitive market, a full website that attempts to accommodate every bell and whistle in online marketing could be a literal money pit. So I additionally encourage them to only use a website as a way to validate their seriousness at this point.
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  • Profile picture of the author RyanLB
    Personally I give them the names of designers that I've worked with, since I don't do that.

    But, the best thing that a designer can do for themselves is to create a consistent pitch. This is going to be a problem that you run into again and again for as long as you design. Everyone wants pretty. Very few have any idea how to implement effective business strategy - or know anything about it at all.

    Put together something with the help of a copywriter or on your own if you feel like you can. Personally, I like to use powerpoints and deliver them on a tablet when pitching. It gives that impression of professionalism and It doesn't have to be flashy.

    Just be OVERLY prepared for that situation. Have a pitch outlined and ready to go. Deliver it with confidence.
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  • Profile picture of the author RevenueGal
    I often encourage people to take action because everyone has to start from somewhere and learn as they go... If you created a simple business "startup guide on marketing your first site" to hand over to them, you could get started creating the site while they read over the guide. Once you hand them the "keys" to their new site, remind them to follow the simple marketing guide you have given them. That would take the burden off of you and give them a heads up on how to market their new site.
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    • Profile picture of the author Steve B
      I think your advice to people is a good starting point. Begin small, understand the purpose and mission of the web site and add additional bells and whistles as they are needed down the road.

      If people are going to reject your advice . . . do you really want them as customers? If they know more than you do about the subject . . . tell them that they don't need you. If they know less about the subject . . . tell them that you don't need their advice and refer them to Fiverr where there are lots of people just waiting to build them a site.

      Here's the thing - you don't want to get into the cutthroat wars with cheap labor - they will always beat your price.

      You want customers that appreciate your advice and that will pay you for what it's worth. This doesn't come over night - it will take some time to establish yourself. But if you are good and your prices are reasonable, you will gain a following and have enough work to keep you busy.

      Steve
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    • Profile picture of the author MeniStronk
      Originally Posted by RevenueGal View Post

      I often encourage people to take action because everyone has to start from somewhere and learn as they go... If you created a simple business "startup guide on marketing your first site" to hand over to them, you could get started creating the site while they read over the guide. Once you hand them the "keys" to their new site, remind them to follow the simple marketing guide you have given them. That would take the burden off of you and give them a heads up on how to market their new site.
      This is the best method. Tell them to make mistakes, it's fine to, and as long you learn from mistakes you're good.
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  • Profile picture of the author TobiasThomsen
    If you have a lot of people asking "How to create a website" i would definitely put a video course together that shows step by step how to do it.

    You can set a price of like $100 and then you will buy hosting and get them a free domain name. (You can get 1 year hosting and free domain for as low as $12 on ipage)

    In that way you are profiting while helping people.
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  • Profile picture of the author skepticaldoubt
    Thanks for your comments, some really great advice here.

    I think I might be confirming my biases somewhat but lots of what you said rings true with what I felt was the right answer.

    Ask them what their goals and expectations are.
    Explain what may be the best way to get there.
    Explain risks.
    Explain realistic benefits/opportunities.

    If they don't in any sense understand what is being explained ( that the website design is secondary to their business strategy) and don't see the value and importance of this then perhaps the project will be a waste of everyone's time in the long run.
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  • Profile picture of the author writeaway
    Give them a written draft of the traffic model.

    Tie it in with their design ideas.

    Give them options.

    I know this takes EXTRA work but you get a COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE.

    it is obvious you will go the extra mile and...

    This increases your chances of bagging a LONG-TERM client
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  • Profile picture of the author winnermarketing
    I explain what is possible to do.
    after that I let them the decision.

    If they only want an "institutional site" I do it without hesitation
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    • Profile picture of the author Kay King
      If you are teaching them to use a site you have built or telling them what they can expect by having a site built - great idea.

      If you offer additional service involved in maintaining or promoting the site - great idea.

      .. they should start small, research the online market for their product/niche, find out what their customers online would want and how they could compete in the market place and test stuff out
      That sounds as if you are telling them how to research their niche - find their products - test their market.....and you are acting as a business consultant when they hired you to build a site. Some people might be receptive - many won't.

      When you have customers who want the latestgreatestcoolestthing.com - you have enough of a job explaining the site to them....
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  • Profile picture of the author Jack107
    Build them their website and then offer them other services. At first with my web design business I was just building websites and off the client goes. - silly silly silly me.

    Now once the site is done I offer content writing, SEO services, building a list for them, etc. they more than likely take up one or two of those services.

    So assuming you are a web designer, build them the site and offer them other services. If not outsource the web design job and other services.
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  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    Tell them you dont have time to play around. Tell them you are here to make them money, and if they don't choose to go with YOUR recommended plan of action... they should hire someone else. Friend or no friend.
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