Know thy project. Reduce nightmares by using project questionnaires

By Eddie Machaalani

Many a web design project goes astray when deliverables are not in-line with client expectations. This often occurs because the web designer hasn't properly understood the clients business, design likes and dislikes, the target market and so forth. The easiest and quickest way to prevent these issues is to start with a project questionnaire.

A project questionnaire is a simple list of questions that you use to collect as much information as possible from your client before beginning any design work or coding. Depending on the type of websites you build, the list of questions could be different for different clients, however, the basics will remain the same.

Here's a sample questionaire that you could use to get started:

Why do you need a website? What are you looking to gain?
List at least 5 of your online competitors.
What do you like about your competitors websites?
List a few general websites that you like.
Why do you like these websites?
List a few general websites that you don't like.
Why don't you like these websites?
Is there a particular color scheme that your company requires?
Are there any restrictions on logo usage?
Are there any specific images that you'd like to see on your web site?
Who is your target audience?
What will your target audience use your website for?
Will they look to get information? Purchase a product? Inquire about more services?

This is just a quick list of questions I put together which you can add to, modify etc. If you can get this completed for every project you begin, you'll find your end result will be more akin to your clients expectations which is always a good thing.

Tips for Client Proposals

13 Responses to "Know thy project. Reduce nightmares by using project questionnaires"

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Russ Adams

said this on 24 Apr 2006 4:31:13 PM CDT

Thanks
As always I learn good simple things as I try to enter the world of internet marketing

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Sebastian

said this on 17 May 2006 12:09:24 PM CDT

Very good, I will put into practice what is mentioned, certainly will help me to get to know the customer better, reduce changes, up satisfaction! Thanks!

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adrian

said this on 29 May 2006 3:12:00 PM CDT

Great stuff. There are veritable marketing tools. Thank you.

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Klaus Jakobsen

said this on 12 Jun 2006 2:49:18 PM CDT

Short and concise - the way it's supposed to be.

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Ray Feist

said this on 13 Jun 2006 11:06:08 AM CDT

This hits the nail on the head, the more you can find out about the clients needs, helps with your overall design.

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Marian Murin

said this on 14 Jun 2006 3:34:48 AM CDT

Really good questions, but I think that they are relevant in the stage when customer is decided, that he wants a web page. What about the questions in the stage when potentional customer is not decided yet?

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yemz

said this on 10 Aug 2006 6:56:05 AM CDT

Your contributions to the web design profession is highly commendable.I wish i had the money to purchase your products so that i can begin to offer qualitative services as you teaches.Anyway, i know God will provide.Thumbs up for you,eddie.

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srijaga_cbe

said this on 16 Aug 2006 12:40:43 AM CDT

Its very useful for startups and freelancers. Thankyou Eddie.

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Michael White

said this on 04 Sep 2006 9:36:49 AM CDT

This is in respose to the comment#2, make it part of the inital process, many times your client doesn't know what they want, and in answering these questions it will help your client to clarify themselves. You could simply put it as part of the process of inquiring, Need a website? In the part where you ask them their contact information, ask the general questions above. this helps both of you in understanding what is needed, but it also creates in the new client a sense of partnership.

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