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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.
Here we will take a detailed look at several of the most significant factors that you should always think about when you are deciding on a project or a client. When work comes your way, remember these factors and use them to help as you decide if it is something you should pursue.
1. Income
This is one that very few designers will forget, but it needs to be mentioned. Of course, the amount of money that you will make on a project should be one of the factors that weighs in your decision. You're sure to run in to a lot of potential clients who want the world on a very limited budget.
The price that you need to charge for a project will be directly tied to the amount of time and effort that it will require from you, and that will directly relate to the specifics of what the clients want. If you find that a project will take you much longer than can be justified by the client's budget, either pass on the job or present them with an option to compromise on some of the things they want.
2. Timeframe
Most projects will come with some sort of deadline. It may be strict or there may be some flexibility involved. Either way, the client will have certain expectations, and you will need to do your best to give them a quality experience working with you.
If a client has a time line that simply isn't possible for you, let them know that it isn't going to work. Tell them when you think you would be able to get it done and see if they can accept this deadline. Otherwise, you could increase your pricing for the rush job, or walk away.
3. Fit
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. Personal Preferences
Not only will you have some areas of design where you are strong and some where you are weaker, but you'll also find that some types of work you enjoy more than others. It's a good idea to make an effort to find more work that matches up with your interests so that you can enjoy your work more fully.
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.
One common practice is to speak with the client about their project, see what their time frame is, and agree on a tentative date for starting in the future when your workload will be manageable.
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.
Here we will take a detailed look at several of the most significant factors that you should always think about when you are deciding on a project or a client. When work comes your way, remember these factors and use them to help as you decide if it is something you should pursue.
1. Income
This is one that very few designers will forget, but it needs to be mentioned. Of course, the amount of money that you will make on a project should be one of the factors that weighs in your decision. You're sure to run in to a lot of potential clients who want the world on a very limited budget.
The price that you need to charge for a project will be directly tied to the amount of time and effort that it will require from you, and that will directly relate to the specifics of what the clients want. If you find that a project will take you much longer than can be justified by the client's budget, either pass on the job or present them with an option to compromise on some of the things they want.
2. Timeframe
Most projects will come with some sort of deadline. It may be strict or there may be some flexibility involved. Either way, the client will have certain expectations, and you will need to do your best to give them a quality experience working with you.
If a client has a time line that simply isn't possible for you, let them know that it isn't going to work. Tell them when you think you would be able to get it done and see if they can accept this deadline. Otherwise, you could increase your pricing for the rush job, or walk away.
3. Fit
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. Personal Preferences
Not only will you have some areas of design where you are strong and some where you are weaker, but you'll also find that some types of work you enjoy more than others. It's a good idea to make an effort to find more work that matches up with your interests so that you can enjoy your work more fully.
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.
One common practice is to speak with the client about their project, see what their time frame is, and agree on a tentative date for starting in the future when your workload will be manageable.
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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