Q&A: What is usually required from me as a freelance web designer?

Question by petar: What is usually required from me as a freelance web designer?
By the above question i mean whats the usual expectation from a client for a web design job?
Whats the usual Web designer job?

When i create the template and designs,styles etc for a web site project, will i need to add the content (text\or whatever) provided by the client? (is this part of web designer job)

As a web designer besides creating the styles,visuals,templates for a web site, do i need to do something else as well? Like for example adding the finished website project to a hosting server payed by the client or me or how does this process go?

I know that its a lot of questions above, but me, as a fresh graduate never really had the opportunity to learn this stuff.
They only teach you the markup and program languages but never teach you whats your job description, what you are supposed to do etc.

I thank you upfront for the future answers regardless if they are creatively good or bad.

Best answer:

Answer by Pro Graphics
I’ve been a professional graphics designer for 15 years with 10 years experience as a website designer. So, when I tell you that no two customers are alike – believe me.

A website designer’s responsibilities:
(1) After obtaining a client, you’ll need to explain to your client that he/she will need to obtain an available domain name and choose a hosting company.

(a) Because hosting packages are usually set up to be renewed automatically, your customer will need to purchase a hosting package with their credit card.

(b) You should do your homework and be ready to suggest a hosting company – a hosting company you feel comfortable publishing with.

(2) Keep in mind that some paid hosting packages may still have advertising included (Wix.com for example) so a premium package may be required if your client doesn’t want forced advertising on their website. Be ready to explain the cost and benefits of each package.

(3) You’ll also need to explain that many hosting packages include a domain name in the price and that hosting packages are automatically renewed (usually yearly).

I almost always require my customer to come to my office with his/her credit card and assist them in making the hosting package purchase. (ie.: I make the purchase with their credit card with them watching me.) That way both the customer and myself have the access codes to the website. And, I explain to my customer that they are to give the codes to no one without my permission.

(4) Page content:

(a) Brand: If your customer already has a brand (logo; company colors etc.) you’ll need to know this first and incorporate it into the template.

(b) I start off with 5-pages. (1) A Home page, (2) Map/Directions Page, (3) Contact Us Page, (4) Company Experience Page and (5) a ‘Store’ Page or ‘Service’ page (whichever is applicable.)

The way I do it is to explain to my customer that I have a template in mind and show the areas of the template where information can be added. I hand them a print out of a blank template and ask what information they want included and where.

(c) Once your customer provides you with the information they want on their website, it will be your job to edit the content so it looks professional on each webpage.

(5) Cost:

(a) You’ll need to explain that (for example: The cost of the website includes a custom template which is $ XX.00 and artwork (to include creating a company logo and images of products etc. are extra – usually $ 50/hr.for additional graphics work.)

(b) Make sure you tell your customer how long it will take before the website will be finished and make sure you know how to request Google to index the website so it will show up in the search engine pages or your customer is going to get really frustrated when they perform a Google search and can’t find their website.

(6) Maintenance:

Website maintenance includes updating the website as needed, whether it be price changes, image changes etc. And, make sure your client knows there will be an additional charge (usually $ 15/mo.) for you to maintain the website or you’ll be doing it forever – for free.

Rule of thumb: Your clients will be trying to get as much as possible for free. Your job is to set your prices high enough to make a living at it or you’ll find out first hand what the words, “starving artist” really mean.

What do you think? Answer below!

Author: admin

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