How to Build Websites for Clients

  • October 16, 2024
  • Abdullah
  • 7 min read

Introduction

In today’s digital landscape, learning how to build websites for clients is essential for businesses aiming to succeed online. As more companies recognize the importance of a strong digital presence, the demand for talented web designers and developers continues to grow. For newcomers to the field, building websites for clients offers both rewarding opportunities and the potential for profit, though it can initially feel challenging.

This guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to build websites for clients—from the initial consultation to delivering a fully functional website. Whether you’re a freelancer, part of an agency, or just starting your web design career, this guide is tailored to help you thrive in the competitive UK market.

Step-by-Step Guide, How to Build Websites for Clients

Step 1: Understanding the Client’s Needs

Every successful website begins with understanding what the client needs. When learning how to build websites for clients, it’s crucial to go beyond the basics like the website’s purpose. You must dig deeper into their business goals. For example, do they need an e-commerce site to sell products? Or perhaps a portfolio website to showcase their work?

Take Sarah, a small business owner wanting a website to sell her handmade jewelry. Initially, she thought a simple site would suffice. However, after a few conversations, it became clear that integrating a payment gateway and a blog would help boost her business. This highlights why it’s essential to ask the right questions to fully uncover the scope of what the client needs when learning how to build websites for clients.

Some questions you might ask include:

  • What’s the purpose of the website?
  • Who is the target audience?
  • What functionality is needed (e.g., forms, e-commerce, social media integration)?
  • Do you have brand guidelines or existing content?

The better you understand your client’s goals, the better the final product will be.

Step 2: Define the Project Scope

Once you’ve gathered enough information, it’s time to define the scope of work (SOW). This step is critical because it sets expectations for both you and your client. In the SOW, outline:

  • What tasks will be done (e.g., web design, development, SEO, etc.)
  • Timelines and deadlines for each phase
  • Deliverables (e.g., homepage design, final website, post-launch support)
  • Budget and payment structure

Being clear about the scope from the beginning helps prevent scope creep, where clients keep adding features and tasks that weren’t originally agreed upon. This clarity helps both parties stay on track and avoid misunderstandings later.

Step 3: Create a Wireframe and Mockups

After the project scope is clear, it’s time to start designing. A wireframe is essentially a blueprint of the website, showing where the various elements will be placed without worrying about the design details yet. This step is crucial for getting feedback from your client on the layout and structure of the site.

Once the wireframe is approved, move on to creating mockups—more detailed visual representations of what the final website will look like. This is where you bring in colours, fonts, and other branding elements. Make sure to:

  • Follow the client’s brand guidelines (or create a style guide if one doesn’t exist)
  • Keep the user experience (UX) in mind by ensuring the site is easy to navigate
  • Optimize the design for mobile devices—this is especially important as more users browse the web on their phones

You can use tools like Figma or Adobe XD to create wireframes and mockups. These tools allow for easy sharing and collaboration with clients.

Step 4: Build the Website

Now it’s time to move from design to development. If you’re working on a WordPress site, this is where you’ll install WordPress, choose a theme, and start building out the pages. For more custom builds, you might be coding the website from scratch using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript or working with a framework like React or Vue.js.

No matter the platform, it’s important to:

  • Ensure the site is responsive, meaning it works well on both desktop and mobile devices.
  • Optimize the site for SEO. This includes using relevant keywords, adding meta descriptions, and ensuring fast load times.
  • Include necessary functionality such as contact forms, e-commerce integration, or booking systems.

During the build, keep the client updated with regular progress reports. This helps ensure there are no surprises when the site is delivered.

Step 5: Testing and Quality Assurance

Once the website is built, the next step is testing. This is a crucial phase that ensures the site functions as intended. Test across different browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari) and devices (desktop, tablet, and mobile) to catch any issues.

Also, check for:

  • Broken links
  • Page load speed (use tools like GTmetrix)
  • SEO best practices
  • User experience (ask a few people to navigate the site and give feedback)

Before delivering the site to the client, make sure everything is functioning perfectly. A broken website can damage your reputation, so this step should not be skipped.

Step 6: Launch the Website

Once the client has approved everything, it’s time to launch the website! Whether you’re transferring files to the client’s hosting server or launching it on your own hosting platform, ensure everything is in place. This includes:

  • Ensuring the domain is correctly set up
  • Double-checking SSL certificates for security
  • Setting up Google Analytics to track traffic
  • Making sure 301 redirects are in place for old pages if the client had a previous site

Remember to celebrate this milestone! It’s the culmination of your hard work and collaboration with the client.

Step 7: Ongoing Maintenance and Support

Even after the site is launched, your work doesn’t end. Websites need ongoing maintenance to ensure they remain secure and up-to-date. Clients may also want you to help with content updates, SEO, or adding new features down the line.

It’s a good idea to offer a maintenance package where you can provide regular updates, backups, and security monitoring. This not only ensures the client’s website remains in good shape, but also provides you with an additional revenue stream.

The Importance of Communication

Throughout the entire process, communication is key. Regularly check in with your client to ensure everything is going according to plan. Be open to feedback and make adjustments when necessary. The more you collaborate with your client, the more satisfied they will be with the final result.

Pricing Your Services

One of the trickiest aspects of how to build websites for clients is determining how to price your services. Should you charge by the hour or by the project? The answer depends on your experience, the complexity of the site, and the client’s budget.

For beginners, it might be tempting to undercharge, but remember—your time and expertise are valuable. Consider using a pricing calculator or asking other web designers about their rates to get a sense of what’s fair when learning how to build websites for clients.

Final Thoughts

How to build websites for clients in the UK can be a rewarding venture, whether you’re freelancing or managing a full-scale agency. By following the steps outlined in this guide—understanding client needs, defining the scope of work, creating designs, developing the site, testing, launching, and offering ongoing support—you’ll be well on your way to mastering the process and achieving success.

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