Web Designers: How to Choose Which Projects to Accept

Written by Steven Snell

Sunday, 13 December 2009 10:39

by StevenSnell

Many web designers struggle with knowing which clients and projects to accept, and which ones they should pass up. Unfortunately, with the amount of competition that exists for web designers, a high percentage of freelancers and small design studios feel the need to jump on every opportunity that comes their way.

Not all potential projects that come your way will be able to pay you for what your time is worth. Many clients will want to get a first-rate design for bargain basement prices, and if you're taking these jobs you could be missing out on other more profitable opportunities. There are many other reasons as well, which you will see.

Here we will take a detailed look at several of the most significant factors that you should always think about when you are deciding on a project or a client. When work comes your way, remember these factors and use them to help as you decide if it is something you should pursue.

1. Price

One of the first things you will evaluate is the amount of money that you can charge for the project. Is the client willing to pay a fair price, something that will adequately compensate you for the time that will be required by the project?

If the client is working with a very limited budget that doesn't fit into your normal pricing scale, they should be willing to make some compromises that will reduce the amount of time required from you, or you should probably pass on the work. You may also consider having a package especially for clients who have less-than-ideal budgets. This would allow you to capture some business from clients that you would otherwise have to pass on.

2. Deadlines

Almost every project will involve a deadline of some type. Larger projects may even have a number of deadlines or milestone dates that need to be met. In some cases the deadline may not be as firm, but the client will still have an expectation of when it will be complete.

Some clients will want you to finish their project by a specified time that is just not feasible. In most cases they just don't know enough about the process to understand how much is involved, so if you explain things to them they may be willing to push back the deadline. However, if they are not able to work with you on a realistic deadline, your best move is usually to pass on the job.

3. Fit Between the Project and Your Skills

Each design will have some strengths and weaknesses, which is simply natural. Not every client that comes your way will be a great fit for what you do. Of course, you will want to challenge yourself and take some new projects to improve skills in certain areas, but generally your projects should be a good fit with your abilities and experience.

4. Personal Preferences

In addition to having some specific strengths and weaknesses as a designer, you'll also have some types of work that you prefer and others that you really would rather not be involved with. Once you know the types of projects that you enjoy working on, make an effort to make this a higher percentage of your workload.

5. Schedule

Another major consideration should be your workload. If you are already really busy, taking a new project will only reduce the amount of time that you have to spend on each project. As a result, your quality of work will suffer.

One common practice is to speak with the client about their project, see what their time frame is, and agree on a tentative date for starting in the future when your workload will be manageable.

About the Author:

Steven Snell runs a popular design blog that includes a web and graphic design job board to help designers find work, and to help companies find the right designer.

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