Tips To Make Pitching To Major Web Design Clients Even Easier

It is likely to happen to everyone working in the web design industry at some point in their careers, regardless of whether they’re a freelancer, working for a tiny design firm or one of the biggest companies in the country – a major client will be coming in and you will be required to present the pitch of your life. Whilst there can be no denying that this is a highly nerve wracking experience, there are a number of ways that giving such a pitch can be made a little easier:

• Don’t compete on price
  Whilst marketing your web design company on price might work when it comes to attracting small clients and projects, the major clients are looking for something in particular in the companies that they hire. In these cases, you should always quote higher than you normally would – a major web design client will be more likely to pass over a company whose prices are too low.
• Pitch based on your results
  Unfortunately, the world is full of self-taught web designers who have never had any formal schooling and who complete projects in their spare time. This has led to many business owners being skeptical of all designers and, therefore, unwilling to dedicate a large budget to the creation of a website. Take with you a portfolio of attractive yet highly effective and successful sites to prove you aren’t some self-taught hick.
• Appear to be professional
  Often, major clients are big, successful and influential companies. And, in many cases, web design freelancers and tiny firms are not. During the pitch, however, it is important that you appear as if you are. When a major client comes in, have someone act as a receptionist; treat this project as if it were routine work (not a big deal); and get your team to dress professionally.
• Think long-term
  It is important not to treat major web design clients as if their project is a one-off assignment – you need to foster a relationship and treat them appropriately if you want to get their return business. Don’t just pitch for the project – pitch for the future design work of the client. Create a long-term plan that is designed to get them every success and show them the value of sticking with you.

Whilst you may not currently by completing work for a major client, it is likely that one will cross the doorstep of your web design business at some stage in your career. Whether they decide to go with you or not, however, is entirely up to your team and their pitching skills. It will be difficult not to be nervous (a major web design client, after all, can make or break a career), but as long as you are prepared you’ll be fine.