What to do when Client has no idea

[Gatorajc]

I have been pretty lucky so far most clients I have had some kind of idea what they wanted in a web site.

What kind of questions do the rest of you ask when the client has no clue what they want? I have a few ideas but I do not want to go to far in one direction and find out they do not like it.


AJ

 

[Wullie]

Hi mate,

Ask them some of the following:

Are there any sites you like? If so, what do you like about them?
Are there any you dislike? Again, same as above.
What type of image are you trying to portray?
What is the purpose of the site?
Who are your target audience?

There are loads of questions that can be asked but it really depends on the client and also their line of work.

Hope this helps

Wullie

http://www.necomputers.org.uk

http://www.freshlookdesign.co.uk

http://www.freshlookdesign.com

http://www.whiland.co.uk

The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change.
The leader adjusts the sails. - John Maxwell

 

[myatia]

Going along with what Wullie said, I'd make a list of sites that you like which have designs that are suited to the company. Look at

http://www.coolhomepages.com/

http://www.designersdepot.com/

for examples. At the same time, you might want to send these links directly to the client. For less web-savvy clients, it might be hard to find good examples of what's out there.

Good luck,

Misty

 

[petermeachem]

Don't offer them too much choice. They will never be able to decide. Say 'would you like it like this, or like that'. Once they have made the basic decision, they can alter things obviously, but keep it easy for them.

http://www.therockalltimes.co.uk

http://www.ourhouseinportugal.co.uk/

 

[Kjonnnn]

In addition from the good suggestions you've been given, remember this.

Sometimes people have no idea what they want, but if you present various ideas and styles, I'm sure they'll know what they DONT want or like.