Often time, a client approach you with request of a new website for their business but doesn’t have a clear goals or visions or plan of using the website that would impact their business meaningfully which will leads to scope creep and finally an unfocused website with no clear conversion goal. 

Here are a couple of questions that would help you understand where your client is and get them on the same page so you can discuss project scope, budget, timeline.

1. How often would you like to check in with the project

2. How involve would you like to be in the processs

3. What’s a successful project, end result  look like to you? What would make you happy and would help the business? Where do you see your busines 5 years from now

See how clearly they can articulate their vision and whether they need guidance in marketing.

If they raise budget as an issue off the rib and want to keep the budget as low as possible -> this is a negotiation tactic, they want to anchor you low.

Answer with: I understand but for your project, my price is starting from $5000 usd, i see that your project needs some extra care, we need to set things up within your business so the website can work with your current workflow. In my experience, new businesses needs more work and focuss to provide the flexibility to scale, and work closely together to give you the endd result you are looking for, which will save you a lot of time, money and resources in the long run.

I see a lot of client approach me with an outdated system that they stuck with and not happy with because they went with a cheaper option in the beginning. So we can have calls and work closely together to make an awesome product and worth your investment.

What if they don’t have the budget? be comfortable in saying no so you can have time for other quality client that are willing to invest and pay you what fits for the service you provide