Happy clients, seemingly sadistic clients and clueless clients. As a designer, you’ve no doubt seen them all, but what’s the best kind? Most of your contemporaries would agree it’s the client who agrees with you.
There are things you can do to help yourself when you have such a diverse range of clients, so read on for some tips that will pay off in the long run.
So, you’ve nailed the first meeting with the client and now you’re about to meet them. First impressions do count and science even says so.
Studies such as those done at Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business have gone on to show that getting off on a good foot matters, as it’s important to build lasting trust from the onset in any kind of relationship, business included. From a psychological point of view, an issue in a relationship is easier to forgive in the future when that relationship is more established.
Ok, you probably won’t have huge issues with your client, but where we’re coming from with this is if you made a design the client never liked, or if there was a disagreement, they’ll be more forgiving towards you and willing to let you amend your errors to their liking, instead of just going to someone else.
So, here’s a quick list of a few things to bear in mind when meeting a client for the first time:
The first few minutes are fundamental – this is when the client will likely decide whether or not they’d like to pay for your services.
Be prepared with an outstanding portfolio of past work you’ve done for your clients. You can create a one off portfolio tailored to the particular client, but it’s important to include a breadth of your design work.
When you present your portfolio to your client, make sure each piece of work has a context to it; you want to impress your client with how you followed your past clients’ briefs and how you come to a final design.
Include a case study from beginning to end; this will show the client how professional you are at working through a series of problems to arrive at a solution on a commercial level. Include prices and timeframes to show you possess these skills too.
When you get your portfolio work printed, use professional printers. Using a reputable local printing company will help to reduce costs, ensure quality, and guarantee a reliable service.
Aim to include about 20 pieces in your portfolio and add an index for those who will view it.
You might be surprised to learn that after the initial meeting and after you’ve actually got the job, your work is still cut out with the client. They’re the customer and they pay your wages, so you still have to be professional.
Really simple things can go a long way; speaking clearly and politely on the phone, calling out of the blue once a week just to ask the client how they’re actually doing is definitely good.
A regular email to keep your client posted about what’s going on and what level you’re at with the project is a good way to show how keen you are, and that they’re getting their money’s worth.
When all is said and done, out of all the clients you could have – happy ones, evil ones, and clueless ones – they pay your wages so you must be willing to remain attentive, polite, and professional.
Keep them happy and they’ll keep giving you work.
Photo Credit to Dvortygirl[one_half]If so, why don’t you consider subscribing to The Design Range Newsletter? You’ll be kept informed once a fortnight on all the latest articles as well as exclusive tips and tutorials on increasing your income from graphic design.[/one_half][one_half_last]
[/one_half_last]
Not everyone enjoys confrontation. I certainly don’t. Even if you’re fine with confrontation you ideally don’t want to confront your client about the number of revisions they’re making or the additional work they’re adding to the scope of the project. Excessive revisions and scope creep can sometimes cause a little friction. Revisions If you’re working […]
