Hi there, One of my clients would like a romantic-type of website but he is not sure exactly what he wants in it. Does anyone here have any ideas what he could do? The client main specifications are to: Have a useful Website Generate revenue online from the website Here are some of the clients ideas: the client was thinking of having romantic tips, dating advice, reviews of the best romantic hotels, holidays, gifts and so on. He would also like registered users to be able to have a control panel where they can insert important dates (such as birthdays, annaversaries, etc) and get an e-mail automatically sent out to them when at the website. Does anyone have any further ideas and perhaps if you know any good hotel affiliating programs (so that visitors can book hotels/holidays/etc through the clients website and he gets some commission) then please let me know. Thanks.
Tell him to go to hell, and don't take the job... He doesn't know what he wants, but he want you to make him rich. what is it actually he's going to contribute with? He ha an idea that it's possible to make money on the internet by creating a social networking site, but has no idea how to do it, or what he really wants. He wants you to make it for him, and develop the idea for him. And sit back and wait until you have created something for him that makes money.. Well... good luck with that...
Take the advice from an old computer programmer who used to do custom programming..... Your client will have to do better than that or you'll just end up spinning your wheels and designing and re designing. The advice to check competitive websites is excellent and what your client should do first. And then send, to you, the links of the site he likes
First, I agree, unless you get them to define in detail what they want I would refuse to accept them as a client. Once they have been specific in what kind of site they want then draw up some comps, sketch out a design to see what the client thinks of your ideas. Some other things: Why does he want to send out emails - as reminders of events, as notice of products or services he has for sale, for inspirational purposes? What is the client's target market? Does he want his website to be for planning honeymoons, romantic weekend getaways, empty nesters who now have more time and money to spend on each other? As for generating revenue, you could suggest that the client signup for an affiliate program management service (e.g., Commission Junction) and place ads for flower delivery, booking flights and hotels, candy and cookies, etc. Whatever you decide to do it, make sure it is in writing, and keep them involved at each major step in the development of a site design so that you don't spend a bunch of time on something the customer isn't going to like.
I ran into a similar situation with someone a few months back..Where I am new to designing site for other people it was hard for me to just come up with design.. So I told him to go a find 3 or 4 sites that he liked...Related to his topic or not..Then I had him use those to come to somewhat of a conclusion on what he wanted...In the end he really liked the final product...He made most if not all of the decision on what he wanted in the end, and all i really had to do was build it.
Going to need a lot more details and structure than that from him. You should check out commission junction for hotel affiliates also.
Thanks for the comments. I will make sure i have it very clear on paper before i start anything. I don't mind working with this client though; i have worked with him in the past on other projects and it has all gone well. It's just on this certain type of website his not sure what he wants... but as long as i make sure i plan everything first, show him the plans, and don't start anything until his happy with the plans then i hope it will all go well. Once again thanks for the comments. If anyone still has any further advice feel free to let me know.
This is the problem. He will never be happy if he doesn't know what he wants and that will make you to keep redesigning over and over again until you - only you - find a miracle formula that will make him - only him - a fortune. I had this kind of client in the long old past as well and they are horrible. I dropped him. If you decide to go on, for sure make him to clearly decide what he wants, in writting, in detail, and don't be shy to charge good money for any little change he may choose. It helps wonders.