Now, I’m going to get into a lot of trouble by saying this so here goes…. As a designer, I pride myself in everything looking “pretty” and this is a hard thing for me to say to you all but…

HOT website don’t necessarily work!!

Yes, you heard right I’m taking a stand and going against the grain of habitual, graphic design talk!! We preach about how horrible some website look and their making money, while the pretty sites stay static, have no traffic generation and do bugger all for the person! Has anyone every experienced what I’m talking about? I know a lot of you have!!

How many times has it been drummed into my head that a website which cannot generate leads or create interest amongst a community, is a complete waste of cyber space!! I have to agree completely with this. I’m not one to place something online if it’s not going to add value to my niche and also assist me to find the people who REALLY want my stuff!!

It’s challenging telling my clients this, especially coming from a creative person! I have to say, I’m more for getting my clients results rather than creating a campaign that does wily nilly for their business.

Now there is hope if you think outside the box!! You can create a gorgeous website with an eminent imagination, although keeping in mind that the purpose of a website is for it to do something productive for the client. There is nothing more rewarding than combining a productive functionality, with the essence of lead and income generation.

Sometimes we have to make a compromise, partly trying our best to make something look awesome, as well as making it functional.

This is what you are there to do for your client’s. Guiding them towards a solution that benefits them as much as possible, not one that benefits your portfolio! I’ve heard a lot of horror stories about designers not listening to the client, and going off into la la land doing what they think is best. Listen to your client, understand their needs and make suggestions. Best advice of all:

Treat clients/prospects/customers, as you would like to be treated, with care, respect and compassion. They may be new to all this mumbo jumbo and most likely need someone that is patient.

Think of it this way, a happy client/customer/prospect is someone that will tell others about you, refer work to you and best of all, become loyal and think you ROCK!!

Be honest and be yourself in business. People buy you, not what you are selling.

To your success

Ange