Communicating efficiently and effectively during a web design or website marketing strategy is key to a successful outcome. The relationship between a client and our agency is a true partnership in where both sides bring vital information to the table. Web design is only partially about the actual design and our designer. Communication plays a large role in how visually appealing your design will be how quickly the project can be completed.
4 Ways to Improve Client Communication
Build a connection. We are people first and foremost and it’s easy to forget this simple niceties when we’re focused on work goals. However, taking the time to start with something other than business talk, gives both sides a chance to strengthen the relationship.
Who Calls the Shots? We’ve all heard the expression “too many cooks in the kitchen” and nothing gets done or it takes twice as long. In business, when too many client reps are in charge of a project they all tend to make their own changes/opinions. Similarly, sending a messenger to key meetings may halt a design change or important information being lost in translation. Key decision makers must be present at key meetings and presentations in order to maintain quality communication. We would never send a “fill-in” staff member to a meeting, as they’re not the expert on your project and we value the time you spend with us.
How and When to Communicate. As your partnered web design agency, it’s our responsibility to determine the best time and methods for communicating with you, our client. One of the most effective ways to ensure we are delivering constant communication is through monthly review meetings. This is not to say we’re not always available, but a monthly review keeps the project on track and moving towards the goal. Constant communication is extremely important in our development projects because we rely on your feedback. Delays in responding can halt a project from moving forward and extend the timeline for delivery.
Communicate on the same level. We don’t understand the complexities of your field of expertise, so we would never assume you understand ours, like how HTML5 and CSS3 are providing the best UX for your project. As the expert in Web design and client communication, we’ll let you know we’re using the latest web development technology to bring your customers an easy to use and navigate website that’s mobile friendly. In the end, we are still talking about responsive design and CSS3 media queries, but we are focusing on the business results instead of the technical execution required to achieve the results. Send us visual examples of what you like, images of your store, brand, products, etc so we can follow your references and give you the best visual design.
Quality communication is not one-sided. It has to flow in both directions: from us to you and from you back to us. The best projects we’ve developed have all been a direct result of consistent, clear communication.
