A good client has some of the following attributes:

• Is goal-oriented: focused on the big picture and how the site fits into the business as a whole

• Answers the Client Survey in a clear and detailed manner

• Supplies a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a clear outline of goals and scope

• Understands the web environment and the development process

• Gives final sign-off and approval in a timely manner

  
  

• Is in agreement on deliverables, schedule, and budget

• Is responsive to email and phone calls

• Has a team-oriented approach

• Gets you content on time and establishes a point-of-contact for content and/or a copywriter

• Is part of the solution instead of the problem

This is not necessarily a nightmare client, but here are some things to watch out for:

• Has a "get-it-up-quick" attitude with unrealistic schedule requests

• Wants to shortcut the process and feels it is a waste of time to address audience needs or overall strategy.

  
  
• Doesn't know what the content should be but wants it to "look cool"

• Asks to create a demo site, says "the real one will come later"




• Cannot give final approval or is not putting you in touch with the decision-makers

• Doesn't have time to fill out the survey

• Small budget, swift deadline

• Unresponsive, cannot make decisions, does not email or call back in a timely manner

• Indecisive, changes mind frequently, unable to articulate feedback

• Wants to handle the creative and/or production aspects to "save money"