Business owners may sometimes find it difficult to change their website's design with an entirely new one, especially if the current one is “functional enough.” But this is your business, and if you're asking clients not to settle for lesser products or services, than you shouldn't settle for less either. So how do we begin to chip away at it? We start with a conversation.

Choose the best way to connect

Consider speaking with clients on the phone more often; it’s just a better way of connecting with them because it's quicker and allows for fewer misunderstandings. If videoconferencing works for both you and the client, even better. A clear line of communication with your client is key to getting the information you need to start working.

Questions help you zero in on the design elements

Consider asking your clients about themselves: what they like to do, what they think is an important part of their personality, what made them want to have their own business, etc. Then ask them about their business and how it ties into who they are. Once the conversation opens up, here are four standard questions you can ask:

• Where do you want to see your business 5 years from now?
• What was your previous experience with other designers like?
• What are some brands and companies you like or dislike?
• Who is your average customer?
  

The better you know your client, the better chance you have at creating something that really resonates with them and their audience.

Put your listening ears on

Questions only serve you well when you are ready to hear the answers. Don’t waste this time you have with your client - you only get one shot to hear them for the first time. These are the things you should listen for when asking questions:

• If/when they sound excited about an aspect of their business, or other businesses they like
• Hesitation or struggles with answering questions about their own business—this may mean they need more help in really defining what their brand is
  

Try not to fill in the blanks for them, but gently guide them to reveal their own answers. If they have trouble with a specific question, try asking it a different way or come back to it at a later time.

Lastly, follow-up

Always call back or email with follow-up with questions for you client to make sure you’re on the right track in case you're having doubts. Filling in the blanks is never a good idea. You don't want to be three days into working on a design only to discover that you misunderstood what your client wanted and need to start from scratch.

For any questions, don't hesitate to get in touch with us through our form.