How To Sell Web Design

You've practiced, practiced, practiced honing your web design technique and developed a mastery of color, space and layout. Your collection of stock art, fonts clip art, software and speedy computer stands at the ready. Think you're ready to sell your web design skills? Maybe, maybe not! Why not?

Well, I will tell you a little secret I've learned from running my own WEB DESIGN STUDIO for over seven years. Are you sitting down? Here it is. Most clients care little about how the web site will look. In fact, for most clients, the design of the web site is the least important feature. Am I crazy for saying that? Why go through all the trouble of being a great web designer only to discover that clients will not admire my work!

Before you become too upset, hear me out. Most clients are business owners or managers. Their most important concern is how the web site will contribute to the profitability of the company. In essence, they want results. They don't want to spend the money if it will not contribute to the success of the business. In fact, they usually become concerned with the design of their web site only if it is seen as a hindrance to its effectiveness. As a web designer, you must realize that your client does not see design in the same way that you do.

Therefore, if you want to sell great design, you must show a client how it will benefit their business. See your clients problem the way the client views it and show how good web design can contribute to the solution. Be as concerned about the "bottom line" as they are. Think and act like a marketer, business strategist and partner.

Generally, web design serves as a communication device. You are being paid to use graphics, color and layout to communicate your clients service or product to a mass audience. Design is a capitalist tool. If you see it and sell it that way, you will attract business. Avoid the tendency to be too "artsy." You know the type of designer I'm talking about. They are too protective of their designs, resisting any suggestions or changes from the client. Those designers are more concerned about earning the praise of fellow designers than the respect of the (bill paying) client. Your client knows their customer and their business better than you do. Listen to them, learn from them and you will be a more effective designer. Most importantly, you will be a working designer.

Key Points From This Article:

• Most business owners are not concerned about how the web site looks. Their overriding concern is how it contributes to the success of their business.




• To sell web design, think first how it will contribute to the profitability of the company. See yourself as a problem solver for your client.




• Avoid being too protective of your design. Your client knows their customer and business better than you do. Welcome their suggestions and insights when creating web design.