Facebook, Friendster, Google, [insert competitor website here]
In the website design industry, this is one of the common questions brought up by a Malaysia client. Yes, I say Malaysia client because out of all the international enquiries I’ve read which were sent to Simpleet, the ones who ask this question are normally, Malaysian.
What is most irritating about this scenario isn’t the fact they posed the question. Because, it’s not a stupid question – not really.
It’s the embarassment of not wanting to use our intellectual minds fully.
Normally, whenever a potential client ask us this question, we’d ask them in return, “what are the features/functions they’d like to see in this project?” This is the defining moment where you can tell if a client knows what they want or don’t have a clue. If they said…
I’d like to be able to connect to friends and colleagues as a group. And, there has to be personal messaging or group messaging. But the selling point of my social network is…
Ladies and gentlemen, if the client could describe this to you. They can still be saved and their project could be a success. However, if they were to say…
Like Facebook or Friendster-lor. What they have, I also want…
Stop! I’m sure you can see a difference already. One knows the vision and one is still blurry of their own vision.
Whenever this happens, it shows the client haven’t done their own research of their idea. However, all of this can be omitted with the right amount of funds – sometimes. If you’re a website designer or developer in Malaysia, you’d know what’s coming.
The client who has the vision will carefully weigh the providers budget, knowledge and experience – some, working relationship. The other would jump out of his seat, all bug-eyed and comment on the budget really required for such an idea.
This, my dear readers, is the classic case of “how to create a website like…” in Malaysia.
As your fellow “competitor” in the industry, I can attest to what you’ve mentioned.
A lot of people who wants website are actually clueless. :) That’s where our solutions come in.
Want me to pass you the “I want a website like…” customers to handle more? :P
I’ve talked down many clients like this, “convincing” them to seek other designers/developers to take on their pirate projects. Needless to say, not a single one of them did well.
And to add insult to injury, many of these pseudo-clients actually have the cheek to solicit spec services from you in return for “big payout”. So I’ll say, as a designer/developer, another acid test for these kind of projects is to ask for upfront (large sum) payment, and see if they flinch to get a good idea of their buy-in.
Indeed, Ngeow. That’s what I’m planning to do from now on as well. If I do come across a situation such as above again, I’ll just tell them the estimated market value of the brand at the moment and see if they’ve the investment. ;)
By the way, does MindValley have enquiries like these as well?
Hi,
It is not easy to create a website like Facebook and Friendster. :)
I’ve to agree Lee. And I’d have deleted your comment for self-promotion however, edited it instead.
If you’d like me to promote your ArticlePinger website, please contact me directly. Thanks.
I my opinion a website should have meaning, like my website websitextreme.blogspot.com give the meaning , how to create a webiste.
True enough. Facebook was created by the owner to keep social connections with his peers. If a website doesn’t have purpose or goals, then it should have vision. ;)