So… Someone Wants to Build a Website

by Andrea Listenberger '09

 

First off, be firm about what the purpose (and your purpose, too!) of the Media Cloisters is. Make sure that the patron understands that your help will lead to a collaboration, not a service simply rendered.

 

What we DO NOT do:

-design, code, and completely build a website from scratch without input from the patron

 

What we DO do:

-teach client how to design, code, and completely build a website from scratch

 

Let’s assume that the patron is willing and ready to learn!

 

A client with a specific need or question is sometimes easier to address. This leads to a few possible scenarios.

            A) You know exactly how to meet the need or answer the question. You do so.

            B) You have no idea how to meet the need or answer the question. You…

                        i. Ask someone else in the Cloisters for help, and learn as they help solve the issue

                        ii. Ask the client if you can get back to them later, and investigate the problem, via other staff, the interwebs, etc. You should respond and set up a follow up meeting no later than a week from the initial query.

            C) The client is asking you to help with something on the same line as building a rocket ship. Politely explain that we are not equipped to handle rocket ship construction.

 

More often than not, a client will come in with a vague, unsure idea of what they want in an original website. Here are some useful questions to get you on the right track.

 

-What is the goal of your website?

-Who is the audience for your website?

-Who needs to have access and be able to update the site?

-What are some sites that YOU like, in terms of design and organization?

 

After these questions are answered, you will have a better idea of what skills they will need to accomplish their end goal. Sometimes, it is best to write this down as you explain what you can teach them.

 

Ie:

Photoshop

Basic CSS

Basic HTML

GetWeb

Dreamweaver

 

OR

 

Blogger

Google Analytics

 

Your analysis is essentially an estimate of the amount of work they need to put in to get what they want and where that work will be directed. Feel free to offer ideas about how they can simplify, and mention issues they might not have thought of. Often the response to the explanation of work needed is one of SHOCK. Close their jaw, and then proceed.

 

Let’s say you and your client have agreed upon what kind of site they want, and how they will produce it, program and skill-wise.

 

STOP.

 

DO NOT PASS GO.

 

DO NOT COLLECT TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS.

 

#1 Thing Forgotten by Aspiring Web Designers: A SITE NEEDS CONTENT.

 

It is strongly, strongly recommended to ask your client to make a hand-written, technology-free outline for the structure of the site. This includes each individual page, and how these pages all connect.

 

Okay, you can pass go now. There will likely, however, not be any greenbacks waiting for you there.

 

Now you have all of the elements. This is the time to begin the noble, time-honored process of delegation. A day of work does not a website make. Let’s say the client is working under scenario A, and needs to learn Photoshop, basic CSS, basic HTML, GetWeb, and Dreamweaver to make her site. The project organizer herself does not need to personally teach all of these skills. Set up meetings with other staff who know the other programs. Pull in other staff to attend as well, to learn along with client. These steps = collaboration. Ta-da!

 

After basics are taught, your role shifts from foreman to firefighter.

 

There will be questions.

There will be problems.

There will be absolute despair and frustration.

 

These all are givens.

 

Maintain contact, check in regularly, and definitely feel comfortable in asking for help.

Do remember, however, you are involved as an instructor/mentor, NOT as a do-er.

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