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Increase_the_Efficiency_of_Your_Web_Design_Business
| Increase the Efficiency of Your Web Design Business
You know, these days, it's pretty easy to find information
building a web site. You can find info on everything from how to
create your graphics to what content you should include on your
web site. More than likely, you could probably write articles on
building web sites with all the knowledge you've gathered.
However, there's more to running a successful web design
business than being able to build great web sites. First, you
have to take care of the logistics of running that business. And
that's what this article is about: teaching you what you need to
know about running your web design business. So, here's a list
of steps and processes you must implement to run an efficient
web design business. 1.Employ a client questionnaire before
starting a project. In order to accurately estimate the cost of
a project (for you and for the potential client), you have to
know exactly what the client needs and wants. By using a
questionnaire that asks all the right questions, you can
pinpoint the time you'll need for the project and what your
costs are going to be. Additionally, a questionnaire has the
added benefit of showing the customer that you really know what
you're doing and that you're serious about getting their site
exactly right. 2.Create formal proposals for clients. Many
potential clients want to know exactly what they'll be getting,
in written terms, before starting on a project. They want to
know what their options are, what your ideas for their project
are, and most importantly, they want to know that you're a true
professional. A formal proposal says a number of things about
your firm: oYou're well established oYou have meticulous
business practices oYou're very serious about your work oYou're
very good at what you do Here's what to include in your
proposals: oa cover sheet oa cover letter oexact site
specifications odevelopment guidlines opayment terms osite
storyboard oa contract (see below) 3.Create a set of generic,
multi-purpose legally binding documents. Oftentimes, a client
must request that you do not disclose information about their
business practices, trade secrets, etc. to anyone. Most clients
will feel uncomfortable simply "taking your word for it" and
will require an NDA (non-disclosure agreement) to be signed by
you. When this happens, it's extremely expensive and
time-consuming to involve a lawyer to draw up the agreement.
It's far easier to have a generic document on hand that you can
customize as needed and just use whenever you have the need.
Additionally, in order to protect your interests and make sure
that you always get paid in full, it's wise to create a generic
contract that you can customize for each project you work on.
4.Develop a estimating system that allows you to accurately
predict your costs and the client's costs. There are quite a few
means to do this, so take some time to sit down and figure out
how to do it for your business. It doesn't have to be anything
complex. It could be something as simple as charging per page,
etc. But it's important that it's accurate and will allow you to
make sure you don't undercharge for projects and put yourself in
a jam. Putting all this into practice may take a fair amount of
time and money, but once you do, you'll be amazed at how such
small changes in the way you do business can increase your sales
and your effeciency. (By the way, you can get much of the stuff
above from a company called Proposal Kit; just go to
www.sybren.net/proposalkit. I bought their "Standard" package
and I've been really happy with it.)
About the author:
Need a killer website for your business? Micah Cranman designs
attractive, compelling, and results-driven websites for small
businesses and organizations. For more information on how he can
help you develop a powerful web presence, visit his site at
www.sybren.net.
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