Many web designers struggle with knowing which clients and projects to accept, and which ones they should pass up. Unfortunately, with the amount of competition that exists for web designers, a high percentage of freelancers and small design studios feel the need to jump on every opportunity that comes their way.
Accepting every project is not a good idea for a number of reasons. Many potential clients, especially in today's economic situation, will be looking for something very cheap which may not give the designer enough time to do their best job. Of course, there are other reasons as well.
This article will serve as a reference for those situations where you are contemplating a potential project that has come your way. The factors that are discussed here should be able to help you during these evaluations in the future.
1. Budget
One of the first things you will evaluate is the amount of money that you can charge for the project. Is the client willing to pay a fair price, something that will adequately compensate you for the time that will be required by the project?
If the client wants you to do your best quality of work and to dedicate time to the project, you should be able to get the amount of money that you need out of that time. If not, you may be better off to pass on the project and look for other clients. One option is to offer a lower-priced package that will make it possible for clients on a budget to use your services, but it will reduce the time commitment from you.
2. Time Line
Almost every project will involve a deadline of some type. Larger projects may even have a number of deadlines or milestone dates that need to be met. In some cases the deadline may not be as firm, but the client will still have an expectation of when it will be complete.
Some clients will want you to finish their project by a specified time that is just not feasible. In most cases they just don't know enough about the process to understand how much is involved, so if you explain things to them they may be willing to push back the deadline. However, if they are not able to work with you on a realistic deadline, your best move is usually to pass on the job.
3. Fit Between the Project and Your Skills
Most likely there are some specific areas of design and development that are your strong points, and others where you could improve. Taking jobs that are challenging and teach new skills are good to have in your schedule, but most of your work should be a good fit with your own strengths.
4. Interests
Just like each design will have strengths and weaknesses, you will also have certain types of work that you enjoy doing more than others. If you want to enjoy your work more, make an effort to find work in the types of things that you like to do.
5. Workload
Just like pricing is important, you should also put a lot of emphasis on your current workload. If you are already as busy as you can handle, don't take new projects or at least schedule them to be stated at some point in the future.
If you are too busy at the time, let the potential client know when you would be able to start, and see if they are able to wait for you.
Accepting every project is not a good idea for a number of reasons. Many potential clients, especially in today's economic situation, will be looking for something very cheap which may not give the designer enough time to do their best job. Of course, there are other reasons as well.
This article will serve as a reference for those situations where you are contemplating a potential project that has come your way. The factors that are discussed here should be able to help you during these evaluations in the future.
1. Budget
One of the first things you will evaluate is the amount of money that you can charge for the project. Is the client willing to pay a fair price, something that will adequately compensate you for the time that will be required by the project?
If the client wants you to do your best quality of work and to dedicate time to the project, you should be able to get the amount of money that you need out of that time. If not, you may be better off to pass on the project and look for other clients. One option is to offer a lower-priced package that will make it possible for clients on a budget to use your services, but it will reduce the time commitment from you.
2. Time Line
Almost every project will involve a deadline of some type. Larger projects may even have a number of deadlines or milestone dates that need to be met. In some cases the deadline may not be as firm, but the client will still have an expectation of when it will be complete.
Some clients will want you to finish their project by a specified time that is just not feasible. In most cases they just don't know enough about the process to understand how much is involved, so if you explain things to them they may be willing to push back the deadline. However, if they are not able to work with you on a realistic deadline, your best move is usually to pass on the job.
3. Fit Between the Project and Your Skills
Most likely there are some specific areas of design and development that are your strong points, and others where you could improve. Taking jobs that are challenging and teach new skills are good to have in your schedule, but most of your work should be a good fit with your own strengths.
4. Interests
Just like each design will have strengths and weaknesses, you will also have certain types of work that you enjoy doing more than others. If you want to enjoy your work more, make an effort to find work in the types of things that you like to do.
5. Workload
Just like pricing is important, you should also put a lot of emphasis on your current workload. If you are already as busy as you can handle, don't take new projects or at least schedule them to be stated at some point in the future.
If you are too busy at the time, let the potential client know when you would be able to start, and see if they are able to wait for you.
About the Author:
Steven Snell runs a popular design blog that includes a job board for web designers to help designers find work, and to help companies find the right designer.
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