If your client is local, setup an appointment in order to show him mockups. If you have a long distance relationship, I suggest using Fed Ex to ship mockups to your client. Ask your client to sign off on back of mockup that he likes. However, if client doesn't like any of your layouts, which happens to best of us, you are back to drawing board.

Once you get a layout that your client likes, you should rename your Photoshop file to reflect this and move unused files into an "idea file". There is no reason that these unused mockups cannot be modified for your next client. Also, you should proceed to taked unused mockup copies out of project's docket and leave behind chosen mockups. I would suggest placing unused mockups in a binder for new clients to look at to see what style they like.

Now is when you will be glad that you have created your Photoshop files in layers. Duplicate already existing file and make mockup files for inside pages as well.

10. OPTIMIZE IMAGES

Now that you have all of your pages laid out in Photoshop, it is time to cut out images that you will use in web page. A good rule of thumb is not to exceed 30K per page. Otherwise, your web page will take too long to load. Here area few more tips that you should follow:

1. Illustrations should be saved as a gif. 2. Photographs should be saved as a jpeg. 3. Keep amount of colors in an image to a minimum. 4. Aliased images are smaller. 5. The more compression you apply to a jpeg - smaller image.

11. PROTOTYPE IT

Take your printed mockups and Flow Chart. Place them by your side and use them in order to layout your page. Create your pages so that they are all linked together. The following tips will help you organize your files.

1. Place all images in an images folder. 2. Place every section of your site in a separate file. 3. Structure your directories to roughly match your Flow Chart. 4. Make sure that your file names make sense (It is a good idea to have a company code in front of each file. For example, for XYZ Company's About Us page, I would use xyz_about.html.). 6. Have an archiving system in place in order to backup your files. Name your files accordingly in order to link all of your html files together in order to create a working prototype that client can test.

12. TESTING PHASE

Before you send prototype to your client, test out usability of site with friends that haven't been involved with this project. Write down all input that they can give to you - both good and bad. Also, try as many different browsers, plugins, and operating systems as visitors are likely to use. Make sure to fix any problems that you find and make a mental note for further projects on what works and what doesn't.

After internally checking site, upload site to host server to test out access speed, plugins, and configurations. When you are sure that things are in working order, it is time to let client test out prototype site. There will likely be several things that your client won't like. Listen carefully to your client and make sure to give merit to all suggestions that client makes. Make sure to have client sign off on prototype in order to make site live.

13. MAKE IT LIVE

Once testing phase is complete, it is time to make site live. Cross your fingers and hope for best. Inevitably, visitors will always find something that they aren't happy with. You should always give support to your newly launched sites for at least 2 to 4 weeks.

14. REVIEW AND INVOICE JOB

Now that you have completed project it is time to fulfill your administrative duties. It is time now to review your time sheet. Add up all of columns to calculate total hours spent on project. Break this number into how many hours were spent on each phase of project.

Make a copy of time sheet for client and create an invoice to reflect your agreed upon hourly fee. Always reference client's purchase order number on your invoice. Otherwise, many Accounts Payable departments won't pay your invoice. If your client has not given you a PO# then you should contact him to make sure that there isn't a PO# linked to this project. Include all necessary information on your invoice. I always include following:

1. Your logo, name, company name, address, and phone number 2. Client's Contact name, company name, address, and phone number 3. Purchase order date (date job was ordered) 4. Invoice date 5. Invoice number 6. Payment terms (for example, net 45 days) 7. Break down of how many hours were spent on each phase of project 8. Add on expenses (Printing expenses - remember to add 10% - 15% markup)

Staple purchase order to invoice. Make sure that your invoice is neat and professional and then send it out to client.

15. ARCHIVE THE PROJECT

Now that you are finished, you can use docket to archive this project. Remember black marker and label that previously was used to name your project's docket? You are now going to file your project by this number. In order to find this project easier, I suggest placing a filing tab on each docket. Place everything in alphanumeric order.

Make sure everything that belongs in docket is there. Place all corresponding files on a Zip or Jazz disk and then place it in project's docket. All administrative documents, such as invoices and POs, should be placed in docket. Also, any printouts, emails, or notes that correspond to this project also belong in docket.

16. EVERYTHING IS REUSABLE

You shouldn't ever reuse projects that are copyrighted by your client. However, portions of every project are reusable. For example, you wouldn't reuse a design that you specifically created for a client. But, you could reuse Photoshop paths or textures that you created.

You will find that as you complete more and more projects, each one becomes a little bit easier. As you start out in freelancing, use each project as a learning experience. Each project completed results in a more experienced and valuable freelancer. Good Luck!

Submitted by http://www.allfreelancework.com/ - Freelance Jobs

B: No, we don't need one. I can't really see how it would do us any good since we are a local company. If someone wants something from us they just walk on over.

A: Well, Mr. or Mrs. owner's name, I spent some time thinking about your business before I called and I came up with a few ideas that would raise your profit line. For example, a similar site to yours, name a domain, started a web site how long ago and developed your idea into their site. Within how much time, they increased their profits by this much.

B: I don't know, it sounds expensive to me.

A: I am most reasonably priced web designer around, I could design entire site for only dollar amount. And if you still aren't sure that you just want to jump in, I will give you two free hours of consultation in which I will bring you a mockup design of what I visualize for your site. We can then talk it over. You won't have any commitment to continue, I just want to show you that you can have a profitable online presence. Is 10 o'clock Monday morning a good time to meet ... I want to share with you all of ideas for your site that I have typed out for you?

B: 11 o'clock is better.

A: Great, I am excited to meet you.

B: I am looking forward to hearing your ideas.

A: Thanks. I will see you Monday at 11:00.

You should always create a positive, but assertive, tone and try not to sound like a telemarketer. The difference between you and a telemarketer is that you have educated yourself about prospective client. You are way above this level so try to make a good impression. You will need to be ready for a negative response and rude replies. Not every call goes this well. Try to figure out ahead of time what kind of objections you might receive. Always respond with a polite business response. Never curse or say rude things back. Negative responses aren't always a bad sign. If potential client says " I don't need a web designer now, I need brochures not banners." Maybe your expertise includes print design too, go in for kill and get gig. Maybe you want to educate potential client on need of a web site to promote his or her business. If you think ahead and know your responses beforehand, you will do great.

Good Job! You have just landed your first consultation. Now you will need to prepare yourself for this important meeting. You will need to take on role of an expert in your field. You need to make sure that you understand that you ARE an expert. Otherwise, if you don't have self confidence, prospective client won't trust you either. Look and feel confident because you can and you WILL build a great web site for this client ... you WILL knock his socks off.

Use all of ideas that you had mapped out earlier and create a mockup a sample web site in Photoshop. This is how you should create a professional mockup:

1. Take a screen shot of your browser. 2. Bring this image into Photoshop and save file. 3. Layout all design elements into layers for home page of site first. 4. Go to your local service bureau to print out 2 copies of each design, one for you and one for prospective client. 5. Go to a business supply store, like Staples, and buy black board, a portfolio case big enough to hold several black boards, Utility knife, Exacto knife, spray adhesive, labels, and a straight ruler. 5. Use an Exacto knife and straight ruler to cut off excess paper. 6. Measure width and length of printout. 7. Cut black board to be about 4 inches taller and wider than printout is. 6. Spray back of printout lightly with spray adhesive. After spraying back of printout, put one corner down about 2 inches from top and 2 inches from left of black board. Then pull printout taut from bottom right as you slowly press down paper from upper left. This will keep bubbling from happening. There should now be 2 inches of blackboard framing each side of printout. 7. Place a label on back of black board with copyright information, your logo, and a place for client to sign off.

You should also organize your thoughts by creating an organizational chart. This way you can show client what rough ideas you have for their business web site. Take a blank piece of paper and place your pen in center of page. Write down a word or two that matches subject of your previous notes. Branch out with lines to related topics. Make sure that all navigational routes have been mapped out. After you have completed this process, I suggest taking it into Freehand or Illustrator and clean up organizational chart. You should also place this on blackboard way you did above. Once you have completed this step and typed out any further notes, you are ready for your presentation.

Being a good sales person doesn't depend on talent, although this obviously helps. What you need most is confidence, and portraying that confidence will rub off on potential client. Follow these important points and you will most likely generate your first order:

1. Never stop selling. Get used to rejection and understand that you will eventually make a sale. You should try to find an average that you can attain. One out of five people that you talk to will order.

2. Don't lie about your skills or abilities if you want repeat business. If you are good, other local businesses will be knocking down your door in no time.

3. Open up with an attention-getting statement. Try to walk in business owner's shoes, what would be important to him. Find this answer and start off by bringing this to his attention.

4. Portray benefits of building a web site with complete confidence and excitement. Try to be overwhelmed with excitement.

5. Be ready for objections. Think of any objection that business owner could possibly come up with and brainstorm for answers before they are asked. This should be done in practice.

6. Close deal by asking when you should get started working on web site, this week or next? In other words, don't give business owner a yes or no question, give customer a choice between two positive alternatives.

Now that you know how to attract local clients, you should have no problems creating a successful freelance business. When working within your community, word spreads like fire. In fact, once you have a few dependable clients, you should have no problem finding new clients. Good luck.

Article submitted by http://www.Allfreelancework.com