Web Design Process/New Client Concerns
June 3rd, 2009
I’ve just begun work with a new client for a complete website overhaul (copywriting, design, navigation–the works). And this client had some very good questions about what to expect about how the workflow process would proceed. For those of you with similar questions, let me share the conversation…
Client:
Could you map out for us how you usually work with new clients?…Since we don’t know how you like to work with your clients, please tell us how you normally operate. Once we get the “look” right for the home page, the rest should flow, and we can get (the writer) involved for copy work, unless you think (the writer) should be engaged sooner. Again, we don’t have any experience with this…so please walk us through the process so we know what to expect (timelines help too).
Azzcat:
I’ll be the point person and primary contractor for (clientWebsite.com). Writing services will be subcontracted to (the writer). You’ll sign a contract with me, include deposit, and work will commence.
…we’ll want (the writer) in early to assist with concept and general site design. We’ll have a conference call to pick your brain (it won’t hurt!), clarify goals of site and begin Phase I/Concepting (2-3 weeks). We’ll put together wireframes and run them by you for review and revisions. Wireframes are essentially the site outline–nothing pretty–just basic boxes and arrows to show navigation, site layout and content areas.
Once the wireframes (.pdf) are signed-off by you, (the writer) and I will each do our magic for Phase II/Copywriting & Graphic Design: (the writer) will write the copy (3-4 weeks), I’ll do the graphic comprehensives (the same 3-4 weeks). Note that I will create comps using “Lorem Ipsum” dummy text, keeping content and layout separate.
We’ll submit copy (.doc) and comps (.pdf) to you for feedback. You’ll select your favorite comprehensive set (you’ll have a choice of two). We will:
- revise and edit copy
- revise and edit the selected graphic comprehensives
- re-submit copy and comps for your approval.
Once the copy and comps are signed-off by you, (the writer) will be finished and I’ll begin Phase III/Coding & Launch (3-4 weeks). I’ll post it within my own domain’s “sandbox” where I can work and debug the site live and you can give it a test run. When everything is perfect, I’ll move the site to your server.
Next, the client asked:
It all looks pretty good. The only thing we were unclear on was the part where you said you’d submit two comps for us to choose one.
Will that be the first time we look at anything you’ve done, or will you give us an idea before then between wireframing and comps?
Azzcat Replied:
We’ll be in communication. The wireframing will be the idea-generating time. Feel free to send me links to things you like…or not, and I’ll take them into consideration when designing. We’ll be gathering all sorts of information about how you want to present your company, so you’ll hear about visual ideas–but no, you really won’t SEE a comp view until I get to make the comps! Wireframing is about flow and chunks of content and how the user will experience the information.
Client
What happens if we don’t like either?
Azzcat
Well…theoretically that could happen. ;-) But if I’ve been listening to you and doing my job, it’s very unlikely you’ll want to dismiss everything from two separate comprehensive layouts! More likely, you’ll see something you like from one that you’d like to incorporate into the other. That’s why we have 2 rounds of edits included–to fine-tune the design. Of course, if you don’t like anything, we’ll have an in-depth discussion about why/what elements need to be redone. There may be additional design charges for me to start again from scratch. But really, that’s never happened between me and a client. Don’t worry!
Client
How much revision will be able to do after the comps are presented?
Azzcat
2 rounds of revision/edits are included. I can always do more, but then we’ll be on the hourly clock…because beyond 2 rounds exceeds scope estimate. Do note that it will ALWAYS be easier to change the design BEFORE I go to code–so don’t be afraid to speak up if you really need something changed after sign-off–it’ll be the least expensive way to go.
Next, the client asked:
Thanks for the clarifications and the contract. One last question we have after reviewing the contract: it seems that you’re designing us a website, but retaining a kind of ownership over it, is that right? If that is so, then how do changes happen to the completed site? Let’s say we get tired of the layout or color, or graphic, etc., 2 years from now…do we have the ability to make changes b/c it’s ours, or do you have to weigh in on the changes? It’s important to know where we stand, as this site projects our company’s image, and we need the freedom to adjust it as our business matures. I hope not to have to change it, but that’s not likely, as I see many other businesses change things periodically. Anyway, please let us know how changes to the completed site would happen, and what our ownership rights to it are, as the contract doesn’t seem to address where we stand on ownership rights to the site once it’s completed (it’s all legalese, so please dumb it down for us).
Azzcat’s Reply:
It’s your site to change as you see fit. It’s my work to show for self-promotion. I would like a credit “Designed by Azzcat Design” in the footer.
It’s a website–expect it to change and evolve! New content boosts your SEO. Of course, it would be lovely if, when you need help, you’d return to me, but that is not required. Nor are you required to keep the same theme. (In WP, themes can be changed like clothing.) What you may not do is re-sell the theme to a third party.
The source files remain my property. These include the layered Photoshop files (intellectual property) from which I work, and any fonts which I have purchased (my business investment). Any art, fonts, images purchased by you are yours. I am not allowed to use them for other clients unless I purchase another copy/usage right.
Being that it’ll be a WordPress installation, you’ll have quite a bit of control from the admin panel. Sometimes that will be perfect and you’ll be able to play around with the site and make changes. Other times, you may need my services to manipulate the style sheet or add styles to additional widgets or something. Just give me a holler and I’ll guide you through DYI work or you can hand it over to me. We can set up a maintenance agreement whereby I bill hourly or we establish a monthly or quarterly review and retainer.
Again–you own the site, the code, the content. (The writer) and I retain the right to display and reproduce the work for self-promotion. You may not resell the content we create for you to third parties.
Let me know if you have any more questions.
Summary
Don’t be a afraid to ask questions. Basically, it’s like any construction process. For best results…plan, study, sketch, measure twice and cut once!