Got a New Client.. The Mayor. What can I do?

Congrats! Maybe consider using the free-website-but-pay-for-monthly-hosting approach which is an attractive offer, and I'd suggest creating a few mockup designs on subdomains to show them and see if they like any.

I'm sure others have more in-depth answers for you but I can say walk in confident. You know what makes you an expert? The fact you know more than them about this subject, and you need to be confident and believe that you are doing something that they NEED that will HELP them. You're doing THEM a favor, not the other way around. Now, don't be cocky, but be confident and solid in your responses. As long as you know more than them about the subject, you'll be the expert in the room. Good luck, and congratulations!

quote- Hell of a first client, right?
Could end up being the client from hell.
Hopefully Im wrong but they will want you to do this for next to nothing and will take forever to make a decision.

But the thing they understand is tax money and image and if you can show them why spending money to update site can help them you are part of the way there.

For the first meeting, make sure you have some mock ups or a demo site hosted you can show them for your work in mind. Doing sites for government agencies can be tricky, because many of them want high functionality and other features which may be a maintenance headache. Be firm on what you are offering, set a decent price too. I know a municipality that was paying $2500/month for a web guy who didn't do much at all, but the site was primo.

The mock up design idea is a great approach - a lot of customers are always worried that they would say yes and then buy some crap design.

You have to think about they are not designers, and they honestly not even know completely what they want! :-)

So make a plan for them - tell them that you know it is not easy to decide when you don´t know the result.

Joke a bit, and tell it is like trying to sell an oil painting over the phone, without the other person have actually seen it. :-)

Then, tell them that it is important to you that they feel confident with the design, so therefore you are going to make 3 - 5 mockup designs.

Then those designs is done you set up a new meeting where they decide which one they like, and they can also decide changes, colors, etc.

That way you have actually sold the solution already - because they agree that they are going to decide upon the mock up designs.

Another tip when it comes to negotiating a price - a customer would NEVER ask about the price if he/she is not interested in buying.

I don´t know what kind of price you have in mind, but make it a little higher just to see their reaction.

If they are about to fall down their chairs, then tell them that you consider them to be an interesting client. And that you are willing to offer them a discount if you can use them as a future reference case to know clients. (who would say no to that? he he) - then offer them a 30-50% discount depending on your price tag.

Customers love a good discount, especially if they feel they only got that discount because they were bold enough to challenge the price.

Be confident about yourself - if they ask for some references be prepared. It is not mandatory that you have had similar clients - it is important that you can make some design.

So bring a few slides with examples of some of the things you have done.

The best of luck - and keep us updated about the outcome! :-)

Its really funny you mention this. One of my very first client was also a Mayor. 10 Bucks says you will meet with one of her assistants. Be prepared to have some of your other works and testimonials ready. Hint: Even if it is your first client. Best approach to show what you have done for others. Next best approach... talk 10%, listen 90%... How: Simple Ask Very very good questions and Have your questions ready in advance. If you are interested, PM me, I have a whole approach and system for this.

Regarding your site for the city, I can understand if you're nervous "pitching high" like in the $10k+ range.

It might be good to have someone to have your back on something like that. Talk to someone like me or one the other more experienced web design type warriors around here. You can be confident going in that no matter what they request of you, you can do it.

In fact, you can even do that without talking to anyone else - just tell them you can do whatever they want, take copious notes, but do not give them a firm figure until you "discuss the specifications with your designer and programming team".

Good luck with the pitch.

Dude...this is great. I'm dying for a high-profile client like this.

Nevermind that this is your first client, just go in with confidence. Some have posted that you should go in with mock-ups, I say no. Mock-ups of what? This meeting is to present the idea of what you'll be doing for them, which is giving them exactly what you want.

The purpose of this meeting is to listen, you will find out exactly what they want and get yourself a full scope of the project. Your mission is to come off as professional and knowledgeable as possible.

What I would suggest is perhaps doing some research so you're able to provide some ideas of things that should be on their site. Research other mayor sites, other politician sites and be able to speak on the features of such a site.

The reason why a mock-up isn't necessary is that a mock-up should be based on content. I'm guessing that the site needs improvement, which also includes content, perhaps a change in the navigation scheme/architecture structure? That being the case, you should first have that information at hand before any mock-up be presented, design should reflect the content on the site, not the other way around...that's a big and perhaps number one mistake many people make.

To pad your portfolio just have handy all the projects you've worked on, and by "have handy" I mean just have them top of mind. When I talk to clients/potential clients I'm able to casually and naturally bring up my work and am able to do things like say "just Google"x"" or "look up this site: domain.com", etc. as we chat and show them as I'm discussing various aspects of any given project. If you have about 3 you're golden, anything more is icing.

I agree with what others have said about the price, this is your golden opportunity to get a nice windfall, since its the government. The smallest amount should be 5K, 10K wouldn't be too much, depending on how small or big it actually is.

I'm willing to help you in any way I can, this kind of news excites me. So feel free to message me. Good luck buddy, and knock 'em dead.

In addition to everything Adrian said above, be careful
you don't get played. Most city governments have local
ordinances... perhaps even state laws... mandating that
all projects performed by outside contractors are subject
to the bid process.

Ask that question early on... Is this something the city is
seriously considering? If so, will this be subject to a bidding
process? You need the answers to those two questions early
in the conversation so you can write the specs the city will
then seek bids for.

You write the specs... you have the advantage.

With local government you never know who has a relative or
friend who can do the same thing you're offering to do. It would
not be unusual for city officials to milk you for information then
award the contract to someone else.

I'm not trying to throw cold water on your excitement... I'm just
letting you know that in the real world of politics and local government
you need to be aware and cover your butt.

For an initial meeting, you shouldn't need any composite mockups or wireframes.

You don't even know what they really want yet.

Go in with your ears open, listen to them. They already know their website sucks, which is why they agreed to a meeting.

Have a list of questions prepared to help you understand THEIR NEEDS... NOT WHAT YOU THINK THEY NEED.

Be the consultant, which means asking questions and listening. Selling isn't telling.