There’s no doubt that working on something utterly important for us can be both fulfilling and grateful. Especially if it all aligns with what moves us, which represents the essence of our being. In today’s modern, fast, and far too often “cold” world, a few people are blessed with the privilege of doing what they like and what fulfills them.
For us, web designers, the situation is no different. There’s no doubt that we like when our client accepts our ideas with no question asked. To have a client who basically “just nods his head and provides payments.” However, the reality is different. It often happens that design is being changed several times throughout the project, or client suddenly has an epiphany and delivers some “great new idea”…The list of situations like those is well known to all web designers and developers. So, what can one do? At the end of the day, the client pays, and in 99% of the cases, his wishes are our commands.
But What if a Client Pays Nothing?!
What if you’re approached by a client who has no budget for a website but needs one? He may be running a non-profit organization and guided by the idea of social solidarity contacts you and asks for a free website? Will you ignore him, accept under your terms and conditions or take the time to at least listen to what he has to say?
Our Experiences
Practically something similar to that happened to us. Actually, the situation basically didn’t “happen” for us. We were the ones that initiated it, guided by the desire to provide our humble contribution to those philanthropic ideas.
Cep za hendikep
Back in 2018, when we were contacted by Zoran Martinov, a representative of “Cep za hendikep” organization, we had no dilemma at all regarding his idea about redesigning their website. We accepted that project without any reserves. By redesigning the NGO’s official website, we managed, and those are Zoran’s words – “to ease up the user experience and attract more visitors by implementing interactive map of all cities and locations in which activities are being conducted.”
Attention Required!
When we talk about these types of projects, experiences may vary. We were lucky enough to have a “client” who was always full of understanding regarding our commitments, who accepted our suggestions, and basically a client who fully relied on us to help him achieve his goal. The final result was beneficial for both sides.
On the other side, we cannot put aside the fact that some are not such grateful clients. Ones who would maybe dare to misuse your goodwill, forgetting that it’s you the one who is doing them a favor. It is why you should always have in mind.
These types of assignments come in spare time.
It often happens that this sort of “clients” consider their projects as a priority, which is not the case. Your regular clients expect results according to deadlines. Your paycheck depends precisely on them.
These projects are priorities, right?
Well, they might be, sometimes. If the mission is to quickly gather funds for some urgent medical intervention, every second matter. In those situations, it’s best to help ASAP or not at all. On the other side, the protagonist of that idea should have in mind that you have a family to feed, bills to pay… A little bit of mutual understanding won’t hurt.
You can make these types of websites in a matter of hours
You can, of course. You can make them even in less than an hour. But is it going to be a quality website? Your reputation as a designer or developer is at stake. We have always tried to avoid that.
Our clients always recognize our professionalism, and they know how to appreciate it. Don’t hesitate, get yourself involved in a cause you care about, help someone who needs a helping hand. We are constantly motivated by those causes – “Pokreni Zivot” Foundation is our last contribution to a better and more humane environment.
In any case, like any other potential project you encounter, it is your duty to consider all of the demands carefully, present your remarks and suggestions, regardless if it’s a paid or a pro bono project. Your web design agency, as well as your own reputation, depends on every project you complete.
