Rant: Web designers dealing with computer-illiterate clients?

[dezinerite]

I love web design. It's challenging and it's fun. But one of the worst parts of this field is having to deal with computer-illiterate clients. I've actually had something similar to this happen:

Client: You deal with web design right? My computer's got a virus, can you fix this for me?

It's one of those "why-don't-you-just-shoot-me-in-the-head" moments.

 

[ukdesign]

lols. very funny. yes we dont like to answer the questions which we are not master at.
well computer virus are very common these days , either its a web designer pc or a businessman computer.

 

[MK3Design]

Yes I get this alot, even with friends and family. Because I am a designer and developer I automatically know everything computer related. wrong.

 

[janei]

Yeah...I often face this type of irritating problem.......

 

[enlytend]

Yes I get this alot, even with friends and family. Because I am a designer and developer I automatically know everything computer related. wrong.

Tip #1: Tell your non-tech-savvy friends and family members as little as possible about what you do - preferable nothing at all. Be mysterious, let them imagine the worst !

Client: You deal with web design right? My computer's got a virus, can you fix this for me?

Tip #2: Make a pay per lead deal with a good local computer hardware/software/malware specialist.

 

[dotker]

tell him to visit your site. :P

 

[namebug]

It's probably something easy to fix. You should look into it if you value your clients.

 

[dezinerite]

It's probably something easy to fix. You should look into it if you value your clients.

I would, but most clients pay for a certain service which is limited to their website (which usually includes website-related support). If you offer extra "free" services, goodness knows what they'll ask for next. I'd be putting too many things on my plate.

 

[enlytend]

I would, but most clients pay for a certain service which is limited to their website (which usually includes website-related support). If you offer extra "free" services, goodness knows what they'll ask for next.

Very true!

I was serious aoout my 2nd suggestion before: Find a good local "PC fixit" person who would appreciate some new clients and make a business arrangement with them, where you'll send these kind of inquiries their way in exchange for some pre-arranged compensation.

 

[~Psychotic~]

I think what annoys me more now is those who confuse "front-end web developer" (which I've only recently come to find that is what many people like to call web designers now -- can't stand it personally, bloody confusing) with "web developer".

My skills are limited to XHTML and CSS, stop asking me to code your freaken CMS.

 

[jgalty]

I would have turned that into a business opportunity so not sure what the big deal is.

 

[kiore]

Client: You deal with web design right? My computer's got a virus, can you fix this for me?

I have almost exactly the opposite problem. I have 33 years professional experience in the back-end: database design & coding ... easy. C, C++, php, C# ... easy (I can probably still remember enough Rexx or PL/I to pick them up again if I had too), various database brands ... easier but I have almost no visual design skills at all and yet people keep asking me to do little static web-sites for them or worse still tweak their CSS.

Fortunately I'm able to say without a word of a lie, "I can't design a good looking web site to save myself and here's some reference sites to prove it" after they stop laughing they have a look and stop asking for a while.:bingo:

 

[bpdesigns]

It is true that clients can get on your case sometimes. Maybe you should do what I have done and worked with someone you know and set them as your project managers. All you have to do is teach them some basic things, and ask you if they have questions. In return you give them a percent of the cut and every party is happy!

 

[nucleotide]

I would have turned that into a business opportunity so not sure what the big deal is.

they don;t want to pay for help. They think onsite computer diagnostics come free.

My pet peeve is clients who use 90% of the productivity time in the decision making process then treat my production cycle like a fast food window.

 

[Larry Fling]

You can squeeze more money from computer illiterate people.. Just like mechanics take more from people who dont know cars.. Good Luck!