How do you tell someone their site needs a new design?

How about sending a couple of anonymous emails saying that 'we love the site but had to stop reading because the colours/fonts/buttons were really difficult to see "on our computer" could you send literature so we can read it properly (or thereabouts)' that way it is not personal - could be their computer - but will get them thinking about the layout or colours or whatever.

(No-one try this on me please!!)

Alternatively go the other way around and super-complement them on their site and how much you love it - wouldn't it look better if the paisley background was in purple not blue... and bigger - this may shock them into looking at their site in a new light!

I asked my brother who designs flash stuff and he says he usually comments on minor details but changes more radical elements to get the ball rolling, once they have seen a positive change they are more likely to let you persuade them with more major changes... he says that he has come up with simple layouts that he sends out as a preview to prospective clients, this will give them a taste of what you could come up with

I hope that one of these may help!

Toby

I hope

If a friend told me that a website of mine could be improved upon, it wouldn't rub me the wrong way. If a stranger did though, it would.

Actual example: I got a contact from another host asking about a client I terminated because they were hosting a scam operation. I explained to them that they were violating my policies, etc, etc. Once we got all done with that. The other host came back, and said, "Oh, and by the way, we do professional web design as well, so whenever you want your site to have a professional look, let us know." I know my hosting website isn't the best of my work (it was done in a weekend). I only have it there for the clients I design for. It still kinda offended me though that he would make a comment like that.

Probably what you should do is have that client of yours tell their friend and refer them to you. I think this person would take it better from their friend than you. That free critique is also a good idea - just like a free consultation.

Actually, I just tell them what I've found wrong. If it's my initial message to them, I try not to surpass 3 things. If any of those 3 things are significant, they will simply ask you for more.

I did that just yesterday at someone's forum in front of all of his members. He said he'd have his staff fix it and if I find anything else to let him know.

I think people are more willing to know that there's something wrong with their site rather than to think it's perfect.

The first freelance job I ever got was done for a site I bought something from. I was going through the ordering process and they had a 'comments' box.

My comment was something along the lines of "no offence, but your site is in serious need of a redesign - if you're interested drop me a line - I can make the site look more professional and perform better in the search engines which means that YOU make more money. This is my number - drop me a line and we'll talk".

It worked - one hour later, I got a call. This guy has now been my client for 7 years and regularly put's new work my way!

The trick is to appeal to their business sense - offer them a way they can make more money! Businesses will happily fork out money if they know they're likely to see a return on investment.

Yeah money talks. It's a "what's in it for them" situation. I usually highlight some minor changes for free that has some effect on their site. Then I inform them I can do more to the site that could help it in the long run...

I'll give you guys a real life example.

There was a site I came across that was just HIDEOUS. I told the owner that their web designer sucks. I was actually really upset because people were praising her like she's a Goddess or something but her work was not even over newbies!

I even told the owner that it looked like they were promoting the web designer more than the business because the designer had her "Graphics by.... unmentioned" at the top AND bottom where everyone just can't miss.

So he responded to my email and told me to show him what I meant and how much better it could be. He even had his partner try to fix it up a bit. I told them even after the little changes, I'll still make their jaws drop. And well, I did just that.

Here's a design I did in just an hour:

http://www.showtheworldyoururl.com/

I even did most of the content for him and his partner. After seeing that it's "a thousand times better" and they had "bowed down" to me, they're now giving me a split in their earnings as if I'm a partner. And yes, I know it's a one-pager, that's what they wanted. I have my "Designed by...." at the bottom where it's much more discrete for them and people can come to me if they're really interested. Then again, I'M NOT A WEB DESIGNER! LOL.

I just like doing makeovers for people. I've made dozens and one I've done recently is a natural fat loss site (I should have had a "Designed by"... but I didn't do it until the one I just mentioned because like I said, I'm not a web designer): http://www.networkersdebut.com/mo/fatloss/fatloss.html

So my point is, if you really think someone needs some work, don't just tell them, prove it to them. Do a quick makeover for them and show them how much better it could be. After seeing your improved work, more than likely, they'll take your word for it and hire you.