Meeting my first client! What do I need to prepare?!

[danny_563]

Hello,

I have been trying to sell web design services for the last month and have finally got my first client.
I am offering the design for free but charging for hosting. Just looking to build my portfolio before i start charging!

The client wants to meet me to go over details etc but what do I need to do to prepare?

Thanks in advance

 

[travisle]

I wouldn't want you to be nervous for your meeting so in an effort to "loosen up" a little I suggest you drink a few beers before. 7-8 Ought to do the trick...

LOL

But seriously a lot of web designers and IMer's focus on HOW they are going to do things for their client. This is not what your clients wants to hear, they obviously aren't very techy or interested other wise they wouldn't be using your services.

Just make sure you focus on WHAT you are going to do for them. Just make sure you have an example of what their site would look like, and tell them that they will get many more clients. Maybe throw some facts at them about internet sales and how it will help their business etc.

Hope this helps

 

[danny_563]

Haha, Il make sure I'm drunk during the meeting.

And ok, but I dont want him to know im using wordpress, what's the best way to overcome this? And show him a few examples?

 

[ja1myn]

But seriously a lot of web designers and IMer's focus on HOW they are going to do things for their client. This is not what your clients wants to hear, they obviously aren't very techy or interested other wise they wouldn't be using your services.

Just make sure you focus on WHAT you are going to do for them. Just make sure you have an example of what their site would look like, and tell them that they will get many more clients. Maybe throw some facts at them about internet sales and how it will help their business etc.

This!

 

[danny_563]

I mean how can I show them several different examples of their website. Is there a plugin you can use or something?

 

[Duffers5000]

No shame in using wordpress some very big companies use it, not just bloggers.

 

[danny_563]

Hmm I just assumed bigger companies would hire someone who can build them just using html, css etc haha.

Learn something new every day

 

[mrsix]

Haha, Il make sure I'm drunk during the meeting.

And ok, but I dont want him to know im using wordpress, what's the best way to overcome this? And show him a few examples?

Why does it matter to the client? I've found that clients (maybe just mine?) love the fact that I use WP almost exclusively. That way I'm not sticking them with some outdated, poorly supported, security nightmare. If I get abducted by aliens, kidnapped by a cartel, or realize that the internet is the devil and go find jesus in a bottle somewhere they're able to continue having a full featured, community supported, killer cms running their site(s) and doing 98% of their on page seo for them.

But... if you insist on hiding that from the client... check out Wordpress Whitelabel

 

[danny_563]

You have a point. I just wasn't aware that a client wouldn't mind.

Also, is there a way to install wordpress without a domain name? So you can completely finish the website before changing their old nameservers?

 

[mrsix]

You have a point. I just wasn't aware that a client wouldn't mind.

Also, is there a way to install wordpress without a domain name? So you can completely finish the website before changing their old nameservers?

Just install it somewhere on their current site in a directory, your hosting, etc do the whole thing there. Then use Wordpress Move to finish it up and put it in the new spot.

 

[Corvox]

My 2 cents here so take it for what it's worth.

Start off by being friendly and show you are there to help HIM/HER.

Start asking what they imagine there website to look like.
What function did they what there website to hold.
What type of presence do they want online.
What color scheme did they have in mind.
Did they plan on writing articles on their trade to share the knowledge they have gain over the years with other people.

Just a few things I would ask my clients. Remember they need help in a field you know, so they accepted your offer. And the best way you can help them at this point is to find out what a website means to them. Then build it.

P.S. I dont mean to do all that for them for free of course. But once you get an idea of what they want, you can counter with. Well the free package is a simple 3 page website that show cases your business, it will be informative and have 3 ways people can contact you. How ever there is a hosting cost involved just like printed ad's there is a monthly fee to keep your site online, and that fee is $20/month (they will go for this 99 out of 100 times). get my drift you can not expect to UPSALE if you do not know what they want. So the reasoning for the questioning.

 

[danny_563]

thank you

 

[LittleBoots]

Haha, Il make sure I'm drunk during the meeting.

And ok, but I dont want him to know im using wordpress, what's the best way to overcome this? And show him a few examples?

You don't want him to know your using Wordpress? I think you should tell him, it will be a selling point giving a client the ability to update content on there website and reach out to there customers with a blog is a big thing now. I'm currently interning at one of the biggest web designers in my country (won awards) the designer designs a site, the coders build it in wordpress, clients happy and it wins awards...

 

[WebOracle]

Most people don't even know what wordpress is... and if they do not have a website in this day and age then I can almost guarantee you they don't know what wordpress is. Business owners just want their site to look good and people to go to it and buy their services or products. I would not go too far into details about what you are going to do and how you are going to get there. Just show them a few mock-ups and let your work speak for itself. I would not worry about your meeting and not being prepared or nervous. You have to remember you are doing a favor for them. Also don't forget to ask for referrals if they are happy. I would tell them something like you are able to do the site for free for two reasons.

1. You need to build your portfolio
2. You are trying to drum up some new clients and would like them to send referrals if they are happy with your work.

Good Luck! You've got this!

 

[ct2272]

Dress presentable. If a client sees you wearing business casual vs. something you'd wear in a home office or to the beach, your fees become more believable (even though you are charging only for the hosting with this one). If everything goes right, this client's word of mouth should get you other business as well.

 

[BlackIrish]

Be presentable and not nervous/anxious.

Be prepared to answer a few likely/possible questions. Also be ready to sell in case the client is still trying to make up his mind, so have something to say in case he is wonder why should he use your services, how would your webdesign help him make more money, etc.