5 replies to this topic

[Adam Sheridan]

Hey everybody!

I have been setting up a small design studio for quite a bit now, our website is nearing completion, however I am having a problem and need some suggestions from the Pixel2Life-ians.

I want to create a Client Area on my website so Clients can login and recieve their designs in their own control panel. Many web design studios use this method but none of us ever get to see whats behind the "Golden Gates". I am wracking my brain trying to think of features I could include but have come up with barely anything!

What do -YOU- think a good Client Area should include, and why should it be included?

Any suggestions nomatter how crazy (to an extent...) I would love to hear!

Thanks!
- Adam

[Archangel]

I think the proper term is "Pixel2Life-ers".

One thing I've always thought about offering my clients in way of this is an area while their product is actually being created that they can look at the progress and leave feedback.

Maybe once it's created offering the downloads and heck, once they're in the system maybe give them some sort of special "members only" forms to fill out for more projects they want done?

[Craige]

I'd probably include a way for them to see progress being completed on their designs. Maybe .gif's of different stages. You should also have a feedback form so they can comment on the design as it is being done, and if they decide they don't like something, they can have it changed.

You should also have a printable bill/recept for them, a way to modify contact information in your database, and support tickets.

[Scythar]

i wouldnt listen:
if the photos are downloadable, they just gonna download you marvalous taken photo and wreck it (thinking they make something original by applying 541 filters on it), and if you are really really lucky, they put your name as a reference underneath it so everyone thinks you made that disgrace...

so, evry photograph here just make a thumbnail on the client side: ppl MUST at least call you to ask for the picture they like, and you have far more control oàn what happens to your pictures.

[Tirus]

A client area is an excellent way to keep a constant communication going between you and your client. When my clients first log in, they are told at what their stage/phase their project is currently in, for example sketches, basic design, final design, coding etc. Each step has a little explanation as to what it involves. I also have a PM system so if they have any new messages in their inbox (all coming from me), they can see that. Also, if a new design or something new has been added, it will say so once they have logged in, where they can then view the design (which is watermark-protected following a problem with a previous client) and to which they can comment on, which I receive. Of course I prefer to speak to them directly, either face to face or by phone when it comes to feedback, but otherwise its good.

So basically, your client area should keep your client aware of their project, such as what stage it is in, perhaps ETA for the final results etc, which prevents them from calling/emailing you everyday asking whats going on.

As mentioned, you could always add a place for them to update their contact info if you prefer storing your client info in a database or what not.

Good luck!

Edited by Tirus, 22 June 2007 - 05:27 PM.

[fiv3isaliv3]

Maybe I'm old school but I just use email and/or face to face meetings. Why create a script you need to maintain when email already works perfectly well? I don't even have to worry about my work getting stolen as I have a standard contract I have all my clients sign.