General Discussions

**lastyear@aol.co** · 03-07-2006, 02:10 PM

Does anyone have suggestions as to what steps a succesfull freelance web design project should entail? I have a few projects under my belt, but they all went way over budget for me, and I ended up spending much more time on the projects that what I was getting paid for.

Can you guys share your thoughts on what has worked for you? Perhapse a a good list of deliverables or a project timeline?

Here's my rudimentary process...Comments/suggestions/corrections?

1. Client chooses plan (number of pages, number of graphics, etc.)
2. Client signs contract and pays half of bill.
3. Account is created with web hosting company and Domain name registry.
4. Client chooses design from 3 or 4 options.
5. Copy is generated by client and given to designer
6. Site is built.
7. Site is uploaded.
8. Client pays rest of bill.

Any thoughts?

Thanks.

**vangogh** · 03-07-2006, 04:54 PM

I don't think there's any kind of formula that if you follow you automatically get success. The process you describe is pretty standard though I'd say sometimes be prepared to be flexible within it for a given client.

For example for a small job I won't ask the client to pay half up front unless I have an indication that the client may try to get out without paying. Also for smaller sites there might not be much in the way of deliverables other than some design comps.

I think you do want to be clear about what you will do for the fee you set and if a client asks for more you can let them know you'll work up a price for the new additions or changes. And you do need to make sure you set a price that is fair for the time you need to put into the project.

Most of it will just come down to marketing and networking yourself. The more you get your name out there the more people have the opportunity to contact you. Keep in touch with clients after you finish a project for them so they will keep you in mind for their next project and recommend you to friends.