How to receive client content

sher4

New Member
I'd like to know how other web designers receive the content from their clients. I'm particularly interested in knowing the easiest way for the web designer to receive from the client, the images they want shown on their website given the fact that some people have no idea how to reduce image size before sending or uploading, thanks.
 

krymson

Member
With great difficulty usually.

They are always going to send them tomorrow.

Couldnt be more true... But you either have to bug them or put a clause in the contract stating if information is delayed, then for every week you get to charge them for wasting your time because when they finally get around to getting you the information and you finish the site, they gripe at you because the project is behind.

But i either designate a dropbox folder for them to use or i have them email me the info
 

Frank

New Member
If you're also delivering a CMS, you could just put matters online and let them do the texts themselves.
 

Phreaddee

Super Moderator
Staff member
If you're also delivering a CMS, you could just put matters online and let them do the texts themselves.

from experience doing this the site never gets finished, you can never put it in your portfolio, and even if you get paid, there is no satisfaction. an empty site usually stays empty. in theory it's perfect, in practice I've never had much luck :(
 

ronaldroe

Super Moderator
Staff member
from experience doing this the site never gets finished, you can never put it in your portfolio, and even if you get paid, there is no satisfaction. an empty site usually stays empty. in theory it's perfect, in practice I've never had much luck :(

Man, I learned that one the hard way. I was really proud of the general design of the site, too.
 

sher4

New Member
Thanks all for your input - it sounds as though I'll need to have a few options available depending on the client.
 

RDB

New Member
I usually ask for all the content whilst writing the brief and sending the wireframes over. The last thing I want to do is wait weeks for content.
 
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Jewel

New Member
I charge 50% deposit and the rest is due after 30 days. That has kept a lot of clients from dragging out providing me with content. Once they paid for everything, they are more inclined to get you what you need.

But I can't say that I have never waited on content.... honestly the clients always think that it is easy to write content until they get to it.
I think, your best way is to tell them that you can provide them with a content writer, if they need one. Or add it into your price and just get it done.

If you have the chance, do the same thing with the photos. Charge them for a photo shoot. That way you make more money and you get your website images.


But I guess the question is how to get it from the client. Use dropbox it's free and every time you invite somebody to it, you get even more free space ;)
 

Robert-B

Member
50% deposit or even up 80% is a must I think. I have had a few people ask for PPM. I am busy I have no time to chase you for payments. You cant leave a shop and pay for your goods a bit at a time.

But I usually give them a wireframe and say here is your website and the pages. So I need content for xyz page. So can you send me that whilst I build your website.

Most clients underestimate the amount of time required to write good content also. Which is why I also offer a copywriter. But if you make it clear and say I need xyz by a certain time in order to show the client something most will understand. Its making the client understand which is the key.
 

roimarketing

New Member
I'd like to know how other web designers receive the content from their clients. I'm particularly interested in knowing the easiest way for the web designer to receive from the client, the images they want shown on their website given the fact that some people have no idea how to reduce image size before sending or uploading, thanks.

The easiest way is to insist they pay for professional sales copywriting on every page and then just get them to fill out a questionnaire. Copy is what will make someone convert and having a client provide their own copy will affect how successful the site is. Using a copywriter that knows how you design will mean you don't face the issue of having too short, too long or badly formatted copy as well.
 

kuraido

New Member
Most often the case from my experience I get clients delivering the important stuff toward the end of the project, thus causing late nights (if it's a crucial deadline) or extended date because they took too long. Early payment helps to motivate drive. I do a 25% up-front development fee, I don't say deposit because most often the case is they think they get their money back if they decide to call it quits. I also set in weekly or fortnightly goals/milestones to the client - this way they can see progress and they get excited, however this doesn't always work in favour when most of the stuff is placeholder. Clients don't have that type of thinking and take things literally. Yes, it's annoying haha, but it's part of the business. I think it's important to give them deadlines for supplying the content as well as continuously keep things 'in the loop' to make them not forget :)
 
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