web design new customer - question sheet?

[unwashed potato!]

hi there. once again i'd like to get back into web design. i've said this to myself 93 million times but now i'm more in a position to have the time to explore this again.

what's jogged my thoughts now on it is someone has got in touch and is looking for a website, they've asked to meet but as we're moving office and it's not set up for web design but my cleaning co i've advised against it for the moment.

what i'd like to do is perhaps get some advice on what people do when starting a new project. i'm thinking of sending a questionnaire across with some basic questions like timescale, budget, any unique requirements but also then perhaps other questions i wouldn't have thought of that will help me understand what a customer wants.

anyone do this? anyone got a copy they'd like to share? as customer has made contact by email i'd like to reply asap with something

what do others do when starting with a new customer? i'd like to meet with customers but as i'm fairly amatuer with this i fear i'll get asked a question i dont know the answer to immediately where as at least by email i can check.

 

[spengos]

First stage is to understand what the client actually wants. What are their goals and objectives? The early stages are all about listening to the client and then you can start thinking about the design and how you will provide a solution.

If you get asked anything you don't know during the requirements gathering then just say "you'll look into it".

But as for a list of questions, as above, this should all come from the client at first. There's a reason they're coming to you for a website. What is it? What do they hope the website will do for them? etc etc. You'll find once you get chatting you'll get into it and start to build a good idea of what is required. Then maybe you'll have more relevant questions.

Also, all clients are very different and expect different things and have varying levels of understanding when it comes to the web. One of the hardest skills to master is adapting your approach to tailor for everyone. You need to adapt the way you communicate with clients and either 'get technical' or 'dumb down' when you think it might be necessary.

 

[unwashed potato!]

thanks for the advice.

dodds: i don't understand the link?