Podcasts Technology Syntax - Tasty Web Development Treats The Freelance Client Lifecycle - Part 1

The Freelance Client Lifecycle - Part 1

Published: Jan. 23, 2019, 2 p.m.

In this episode Scott and Wes talk about the freelance client lifecycle\u2014from gathering requirements, to project hand-off, and everything in between.

Techmeme Ride Home Podcast

From\xa0Techmeme.com, Silicon Valley\u2019s most-read news source, The Techmeme Ride Home podcast is a short daily podcast about the day\u2019s tech news. Mark Zuckerberg called Techmeme the one news source he definitely follows. New episodes are published every day at 5p.m. You can\xa0check out the show here, or search for \u201cTechmeme Ride Home\u201d in your favorite podcast player.

LogRocket - Sponsor

LogRocket\xa0lets you replay what users do on your site, helping you reproduce bugs and fix issues faster. It\u2019s an exception tracker, a session replayer and a performance monitor. Get 14 days free at\xa0https://logrocket.com/syntax.

Show Notes

03:29 - Gathering Requirements

  • Probably the most important part of the process. If you botch this, you\u2019ll be dealing with change orders and scope-creep throughout the entire project. Poor planning is why agencies have project managers and why many freelancers hate their clients.
  • Ask lots of questions
  • Get lots of examples
  • Break down each page into functionality
  • Ask about budget
  • Clarify who will be updating the site
  • Do this in person if possible

17:00 - Quote

  • Figuring out the quote
  • Break it down into major functional areas that don\u2019t necessarily depend on each other.
  • Multi-staged quotes are great because if it\u2019s too expensive, the client knows they can add additional features later in the project.
  • Explain the tech you will use in relation to how it will help their business, or how easy it will be for them to manage.
  • Presenting the quote
    • List what will be included
    • List what won\u2019t be included
    • Make your quote valid for two weeks
    • Create a template that looks professional
      • Our agency had a professional template, printed on heavy paper in an embossed folder with our logo on it.
    • You don\u2019t have to go this far, but experience matters. Think Apple. You can quote more if you have a higher perception of quality.

30:20 - Timelines

  • Timelines should include hard dates. You should have a \u201chard on\u201d and and \u201chard off\u201d.
  • Assume 24-hour turnaround on questions
  • Be generous with your estimates. Under promise, over deliver.
  • Quoting time is a huge skill

35:58 - Contract

  • You best have one
  • Spell out what the client is getting (from quote)
  • At the very least, have the client sign your quote
  • Clear communication and a good relationship is extremely important
  • Use online templates, or have a lawyer create something specific

41:09 - Setting Expectations

  • Don\u2019t make yourself available 24/7
  • Establish a professional environment by not being too casual
  • Your choices will set the course for your relationship
  • Don\u2019t be too quick to reply to email
  • Schedule emails for 10a.m.
Links \xd7\xd7\xd7 SIIIIICK \xd7\xd7\xd7 PIIIICKS \xd7\xd7\xd7 Shameless Plugs Tweet us your tasty treats!