Topic: Getting info from client. . . (Page 1 of 1)

Here is the situation. I have a client that wants a web site. We spoke about what the company was and what all he would like to include in the site. Basically this is the way that it is:

Cleaning Service: Home Locations About Contact

That is pretty much it. What I am having problems with is getting info from the client for the "Home" and "About" pages. Can anyone think of some questions that the client could answer, kind of like an interview, that would give me some text to put into the page?

Kind of like:
1. How long have you been in business?
2. What sets you apart from other cleaning services?

etc. . .

Thanks in advance.


Later,
C:\


~Binary is best~

c:\

One of the best approaches to this kind of thing is ask to see their existing advertising, what do they put in there.

They will already have done their homework on how to attract customers, essentially all you are trying to do is repackage this into a web based media. I know this might sound basic but its one of the key approaches to marketing, people will often recognise a slogan etc or an advert and immediately know who it is without seeing the text or name, thats how you want to approach the front page, use their brand identity coupled with current slogans, the about thing which is where ya sales pitch comes in is gonna be their current marketing crap etc

And poke around other sites and get hold of other advertising materials for similar businesses. Don't steal designs, of course, but it could help get you into gear. What do other companies lack that you can provide to your client? What do other companies do well that you can use and improve on?

Just some thoughts ...

Cell Number: 494

thanks for the input. One thing that may be important to mention that I forgot. This is the only thing and the first thing that they have done.

They have NO flyers, NO media, nothing. This will be their first venture into this.

I really doubt that they have any idea on what they want really. It has become like pulling teeth.

Thanks again.

Later,
C:\


~Binary is best~

Ahhhh, yes, I have been there before. That's when looking at the client's competition comes in.

The first and most important point to find out is: WHY do they want a website? If it is just because it is cool, or because they know the guy down the block is doing and they feel they need to too, then they need to be smacked over the head.

Do they want to offer services via the web "reserve our services by filling out this form" .... or maybe it will be more of an online brochure that can be referred to from other advertising as in "see our website for more information".

Honestly, I doubt anyone looking for their services will turn to the web first to find them. They will probably turn to the phone book or newspaper advertising or something like that. So the site can't be designed as the primary selling vehicle. It should probably just play a backup role to whatever else they do to get the word out. I know you said they have no other ad materials, but I'm sure they are advertising SOMEWHERE. They would be fools to sink their money into a website without having other, more traditional avenues of advertising.

So, they tease someone into an interest in their service via the phone book ... now the customer decides to look them up on the internet to see what this company is all about ... Put yourself into the shoes of the customer. What questions would you have? Prices, services, how fast are they ,,,

What will you be doing for art? Will they supply you with some photos?

edit: If they have no other advertising planned (which is really stupid) then maybe you can offer to hook them up with some newspaper advertising too. What the hell, ya know!? A few extra bucks for a few extra services couldn't hurt! You would be doing them a HUGE favor!

Cell Number: 494

[This message has been edited by BeeKay (edited 06-14-2002).]

BeeKay

C: like he said look at the competition see who has the best sales angle think why it attracted you and build from there, think of the spin offs have they got a logo...no design one for them...have they got business cards to leave with customers no...design one for them..if you have caught this one right you could be onto a nice little package here if you play it right.

OK, I think I have came up with a few things thanks to you guys.

No they don't have any other means of advertising. I suggested him to do something in the Yellow Pages. I could design that as well.

I made him a logo and he is going to be using that for his business cards.

This guy really is just doing a website because it is cool I think. There will be a place for people to find out what locations he has and a place that will contain a form which I won't go into, that is for another day.

I'll look into the competition and see what they are doing.

The pages will have some pics in it of course. Mostly of people in business suits and such. A girl that I work with is a local model so I am using a couple of pics of her and her boyfriend (not together )

In the past I have done sites that were either remakes or the people really knew exactly what they wanted. This on the other hand has became a headache.

Thanks for all the advice.

Later,
C:\


~Binary is best~

Yeah CPrompt...check out what the competition is doing (as said above), and charge the customer extra for writing...?...

have them type you up at least *some* content... if not, tell them that we charge the same for data-entry & copywriting as we do for webdesign- and we...type...really.... slow...


Harmonizing new illusions...
ICQ: 67751342

hehe that's a good one Petskull. And not a bad idea

Later,
C:\


~Binary is best~

Content?

I'm paid to create the website. I generally don't know my clients business nor do I care to. When it comes for content I tell them flat out that my fees are not limited to the design of the website, but all the work I do for your company. It's just cheaper and easier for them to supply me with a typed rough draft of exactly what they wanted included in their websites. You have fairly generic sections their C:\ What you include in your home and locations page are fairly straight forward. Simply have the owner of the business type up a brief history of his business from beginning to present and then some future goals. Again, contact is fairly straight forward as well.

I once had a client give me the run around creating content. As 'CEO' of his three man organization he was above me apparently. I let him give me the run around all he wanted. Everytime I typed something up and faxed it over for his approval he told me he didn't like it but was far too busy for me, I simply accepted it and started from scratch. At the end of the month when he got my bill I had his attention. It ended up costing him almost 3/4's the cost of the website to complete the content. Naturally I gave him a break because I didnt want him to tell people I was a terrible business man, but for monthly maintanence, he has a copy of exactly what he wants ready for me.

It's cheapr and simplier. Time is money and our time happens to be in demand. Don't waste your time writing about a home cleaning service. It's good business practice in any field to focus on what your being paid to do and let others do what anyone else can do. CEO's shouldn't be doing stock boy work, and web designers shouldn't be writing content. Of course if you have to, charge an arm and a leg.



-Jestah
Cell 277