Artificial intelligence (AI) apps are transforming how we build and work with WordPress. It seems like we’re inundated with new tools and use cases nearly every day. That’s either fun, scary, or both – depending on where you stand.

Our clients are also starting to grasp the implications of using AI. Or, they’re at least interested in what the technology can do for them and their website.

Once again, that’s a double-edged sword. It’s great that AI improves our efficiency and coding capabilities. Agencies and freelancers now have access to a valuable resource that can help take our businesses to new heights.

However, it may also lead to a shift in client expectations. They’re going to want more from us in less time. Oh, and they’ll also want it cheaper than before. It’s understandable, if not completely realistic.

So, how do we keep clients from asking for the moon at the speed of light (and for the price of a cup of coffee)? It’s all about process and communication.

You’re Still the Expert

One might assume that AI is smarter than humans. Sure, it may be fast and answer questions with unwavering confidence. For some, this leads to a false belief that these apps can and should do everything for us without our input.

But AI isn’t a perfect fit for every task. And even in those areas where it excels, humans should still verify the results.

Using ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini on its own won’t solve every problem. Much depends on the person using these tools. A skilled developer will know what to ask for, as will a content writer or marketer.

When it comes to generating WordPress plugins, future maintenance is also a concern. As such, the ideas behind the software must have a solid foundation. The details matter.

Without human intervention, there is no way to guarantee accuracy, security, or even the appropriateness of the results. AI can perform the task, but shouldn’t be left to make all the important decisions.

This is why your expertise is still a necessary ingredient for success. These apps are most useful when we’re there to guide them.

There’s More Time To Get Things Right

In the right hands, AI speeds up the development process. What used to take days can now be done in an afternoon. There’s no question that the technology saves us time.

The question is: What should we do with this extra time? Do we want to rush to launch our project or step back and consider what else we can improve?

Building custom layouts and functionality has traditionally been an obstacle – particularly for small agencies and solopreneurs. We only have so much time to dedicate to a project, and those items typically have the highest priority. They also require a lot of trial and error. Bugs must be squashed, and adjustments are made as we go deeper into the process. It’s easy to go down a rabbit hole.

That often led to little extras being left behind. Worse yet, things like accessibility or performance were half-baked, rather than being fully thought out. Projects didn’t always reach their full potential.

AI affords us more time to consider those other important aspects. Instead of development headaches leading to a mad scramble, we can now take a more holistic approach to site building. We can test thoroughly and make improvements.

Theoretically, AI facilitates a faster turnaround time. It’s also an opportunity to ensure quality.

Project Outcomes Are Your Value Proposition

Some clients will undoubtedly expect you to lower your prices. They may even ask you about your use of AI and how it impacts cost. It sounds reasonable, but there’s a flaw in this logic.

Successful outcomes are your biggest value to clients. How you get there isn’t the point. It’s a debate we’ve had before in the WordPress ecosystem.

The advent of page builders led to similar questions. Since we’re no longer building layouts by hand, does that mean our design skills are worth less money?

That’s like asking a carpenter if they charge less because they use power tools instead of a screwdriver. Likewise, automation in other industries doesn’t necessarily lead to lower prices. New vehicle prices go up every year, despite the presence of robots on the assembly line. And better software doesn’t lead to discounts from your accountant.

One reason we invest in new technologies like AI is to produce better results. If anything, we should look to increase our profit margins, not lower them. This shouldn’t be a race to the bottom.

It’s a discussion worth having with clients who challenge your pricing model. Yes, anyone can use AI. But anyone can use a page builder or even an SEO plugin. That doesn’t guarantee results.

We can produce outcomes that are tailored to client needs. AI is but one tool we can use to get there. It’s no substitute for our skills and experience.

AI Means More Is Possible, Within Reason

AI opens a world of possibilities for WordPress agencies and our clients. It can also lead to imaginations running wild. That’s why setting realistic expectations is important.

It’s up to us to set the tone. We must consider how we talk about AI and any claims we make about its capabilities. Our messaging should reflect how this technology helps us better serve clients, while avoiding hyperbole about miracle cures for every challenge.

That’s hard to do in an ecosystem where others are pumping out big promises. Then again, it’s no different than other can’t-miss solutions from years past. As always, agencies and freelancers should be the voices of reason.

Doing so builds trust with clients. That’s still the cornerstone of a successful business, regardless of the technology we use.

The post Keeping Your WordPress Client Expectations Realistic in the AI Era appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

WordPress developers use AI for a wide range of tasks. We’re building custom plugins, troubleshooting code, and automating processes. It’s all good stuff!

Adopting this technology has significantly changed our role. It’s no longer about poring over each line of code. Now, we’re closer to a symphony conductor, orchestrating projects as a large language model (LLM) does the dirty work.

We can certainly appreciate the increase in productivity. Fewer moments spent knee-deep in documentation or support forums means more time to get things done.

This also makes it tempting to remove humans from the picture. Some agencies and development shops have cut staffing in favor of AI. It makes sense on a few levels. An AI tool is cheaper than an employee or freelancer. And the gains in efficiency mean one person can do the work of many.

But there’s a fine line between increasing output and relying too heavily on AI. Here’s why humans should still be a part of the process.

Knowledgeable Humans Are Essential for Quality Assurance

There’s something to be said for a well-trained eye. A seasoned developer can envision how an app should work. Their experience helps them effectively structure projects and avoid common pitfalls. They understand the importance of performance and security.

On the other hand, AI models are great at generating code, but they don’t think like a human. They may use techniques that aren’t as efficient for a particular purpose. They can also misinterpret what we’re asking them to do. Like their human counterparts, AI tools aren’t perfect.

Even the most advanced coding tools can make mistakes. It could be as simple as a syntax error. However, they may also produce work that doesn’t account for edge cases or future maintenance.

That’s why a human should carefully review all AI output. Generated code should be tested with a mix of manual observation and automated tools. It’s no different than a senior-level developer keeping a watchful eye on what their team is producing.

Remember, automation isn’t an excuse to lower your standards. If anything, it provides an opportunity to squash bugs and refine functionality. Building with AI works best when done in tandem with a knowledgeable person.

Developers Can Shift Their Focus to the Bigger Picture

Solo developers and teams alike have traditionally struggled with the little things. Tight deadlines and shoestring budgets make it hard to get the details right. So often, it’s a race to the finish line, rather than a quest to create the best possible result.

The details are often what make a WordPress plugin or theme great. This happens when we go beyond software that merely works and focus on things like the user experience. AI gives us a chance to take a larger view of our projects.

We no longer have to write code by hand. That may bring a tear to your eye (or make you leap for joy). The bright side is that you now have time to create a comprehensive plan for each project. You can define how it looks, how it works, and how it will adapt to future needs. Even if you were doing these things before, you’ll have a chance to think bigger and better.

All of a sudden, deadlines are a little less important. You’re free to explore options and test them. Most of all, you can afford to make a mistake or two along the way. Rewriting a code snippet isn’t a disaster that puts you behind. Rather, it was just a failed experiment you encountered along the way.

The additional room for creativity could be a difference-maker. We can go from “we’ll get to it later” to “let’s get it right from the start” – that’s powerful for developers of all stripes.

People and AI Are Better Together

Every WordPress developer should be exploring AI and how it can benefit their workflow. We’re well beyond the point where it’s just a curiosity. The future of our industry depends on how we use and adapt to this technology.

The sad truth is that AI will continue to cause some businesses to reduce their staff. It seems like an unavoidable consequence.

We must be careful, though. To borrow from WordPress terminology, this doesn’t mean we should cut people out of the loop. Humans are still integral to building great software. As such, we shouldn’t cede everything to the machines quite yet.

Things like quality control and holistic thinking are too important – and it’s what we do best. We should use AI as a vehicle to put those traits into action. Doing so will put us on a path to greater efficiency and better outcomes.

The post Why Humans Should Still Be a Part of WordPress Development appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

As agencies and freelancers, we are surrounded by the latest web technologies. Part of our job is finding tools that lower costs and increase efficiency. It’s all in a quest to improve our bottom line without sacrificing quality.

WordPress plays a key role in this strategy. The content management system (CMS) and its ecosystem are vehicles for helping us adapt to what’s next. Features like connecting to third-party APIs and implementing artificial intelligence (AI) come to mind.

It all adds up to an exciting time to build websites and related applications. However, it’s possible to go a little too far with technology – particularly when it comes to customer service.

Sometimes, the way we choose to use technology pushes us away from our clients. That’s a shame, because having a personal touch is vital for long-term success. It could be the very thing that separates your agency from competitors.

With that in mind, let’s look at ways to create and maintain connections with clients. Along the way, we’ll share advice for using technology to enhance (rather than hinder) those relationships.

Humanize Technical Support

We understand: supporting clients is challenging. And we’re not just talking about the technical aspect of troubleshooting issues. Keeping communications organized becomes more difficult as your business grows.

That’s why busy developers often turn to technology for help. Things like support ticket systems and AI chatbots are common solutions for serving clients. The idea is to handle small requests automatically while keeping the complicated stuff in a tidy thread.

The intent is noble. However, it’s all about how we execute these processes. There’s a right way to do things, and there’s a wrong way.

Consider your own experiences. For example, let’s say you need technical support from a WordPress plugin author. But instead of receiving help from a human, you get canned responses from a bot and then days of silence. How does that make you feel? We wouldn’t blame you for feeling frustrated.

The same principles apply to your agency. Clients need to know that you are there when they need you. Automation can be a helpful tool, but it’s not an excuse to ignore your clients.

A quick response from you or a team member goes a long way toward building trust. Even if you can’t immediately resolve an issue, a message to say “we’re looking at it” is meaningful.

Avoid AI-Generated Content for Your Blog and Newsletter

Publishing a blog and newsletter is a great way to stay in touch with clients. It’s an opportunity to educate them on new service offerings, security issues, or industry trends.

Creating such content requires time – a finite resource. As such, it’s tempting to use AI to generate what you need and keep your publishing schedule humming along. That could be a mistake.

AI-generated content is less likely to connect with your audience. And its ability to produce mountains of text doesn’t make your blog any more useful or in-depth.

Clients hire us for our WordPress experience and expertise. They rely on our knowledge to help them navigate the online world. Why would we cede our thoughts to a bot?

The truth is, you don’t have to be a prolific or gifted content creator. The secret sauce is in sharing what you know in a relatable form. A personally written paragraph or two will be more welcome than a generic 2,000-word essay from ChatGPT.

Plus, your personality and ethos are key ingredients to a successful relationship. It’s something AI can’t match.

This doesn’t mean AI should be avoided at all costs. You can use it to flesh out ideas or create outlines. Just don’t let it take the words out of your mouth.

Use Technology To Improve Client Relationships

We all love shiny things. AI and automation are fascinating subjects whose potential we’ve yet to realize. Thus, it’s natural to experiment with them and learn how they can help your business. WordPress makes it easier than ever to take advantage of them. However, it pays to be selective about how and why you use these tools.

A good rule of thumb is to avoid anything that makes it harder for clients to reach you. Doing so creates more distance in your relationship and will lead to frustration. An unsatisfied client is likely to leave for an agency that offers more personalized service.

It’s an important consideration as you attempt to boost efficiency and lower costs. Saving a few minutes a day is nice, but not if it inconveniences your clients.

A better alternative is finding technology that improves your relationships. For example, implementing tools that make communication more convenient and better organized. Or using AI to handle routine tasks, so you have more time to focus on clients.

You might also choose to ignore high-tech solutions altogether and rely on old-fashioned customer service. It has worked before.

It’s a reminder that no matter how far we advance, a personal touch is still the best way to retain clients and attract new ones.

The post Why the Personal Touch Matters to WordPress Agencies of All Sizes appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

Working solo is one of the benefits of being a freelance web designer. You don’t have a boss breathing down your neck or tracking every mouse click. That’s one reason why many of us choose this career path.

On the other hand, no one has your back when things go wrong. There are no team members to ensure that you’re treated fairly or paid for your work. Raise your hand if a client ever skipped town without paying their bill. Yes, we see you!

This also extends to mundane tasks, such as onboarding to your client’s workflow. For example, working with an agency client and being dropped in the middle of an unfamiliar website. You don’t always get the benefit of a guided tour on how everything works.

It’s easy to become overwhelmed, and remaining silent only exacerbates the situation. The result is more stress and less money in your bank account. That’s not what freelancing is supposed to be about.

The reality is that freelancers are mostly on their own when it comes to advocacy. Here are some tips for standing up for yourself when the going gets tough.

Be Clear About Your Policies From the Beginning

The best way to avoid being taken advantage of is by being assertive from the start of your client relationships. Setting the appropriate boundaries lets clients know what’s important to you. The desired result is a mutual understanding of what is expected.

What sorts of boundaries should you outline? You’ll find plenty of small (and not-so-small) items to communicate, including:

• Payment policies: This includes when and how you want to be paid for projects. Also, be transparent about any transaction or late fees that you charge.
• Lead time for project assets: Some clients have a habit of providing project assets the day before launch. One way to avoid such chaos is to communicate the amount of lead time you require. You may also want to note that the project could be delayed if materials aren’t delivered on time.
• Business hours: Do you enjoy working 24/7? No, we don’t either. Share your business hours with clients and only respond to messages during this time. Not everything is an emergency.
• Things that cost extra: Each project has a scope to stay within. Ensure that clients understand that items outside the scope will incur additional costs.
• Your responsibilities: Modern web projects often require working with third-party providers. Think web hosting, content delivery networks, and plugin developers. Inform clients of what you can and can’t do when there’s a problem.

These items can be placed in contracts or even “welcome” guides. Clear documentation can make a difference. The more clients know ahead of time, the better the chance they’ll work within your policies.

Speak up When Necessary

Even the most detailed contracts can’t cover every possible problem. The truth is that various issues can arise when working with clients.

Perhaps you don’t have the necessary resources to perform your job. Or you’re receiving conflicting instructions from stakeholders. You could also be asked to perform tasks outside of your expertise or service offerings.

Such situations can be uncomfortable and unproductive. However, the more timid among us may try to simply “get along” and move on. This is a recipe for disaster. You’ll eventually need to get things off your chest.

Why wait until then? Nip these issues in the bud by speaking up. Bring any concerns to your client’s attention. Explain what’s wrong and/or what you need. Offer them actionable advice to resolve the issue.

The mere act of sharing your feelings will benefit your mental health. You’ll feel like the world has been lifted off your shoulders. It also keeps your focus on the task at hand, rather than the stress and anxiety.

We’d like to believe that most clients will take your concerns seriously. We’re all human and don’t always realize the nature of what’s happening. Most will want to make things right.

If they don’t listen, it’s a sign they’re not the right fit. All information is helpful.

Freelancers Must Look Out for Themselves

Freelance web designers face a special set of challenges, and there’s no one to help us. If you’re not careful, you could find yourself in a series of bad client relationships. From there, it’s an uphill climb to keeping your sanity.

Seriously, it can take years to untangle yourself from such messes. Meanwhile, you’ll struggle to get by and miss out on better gigs.

That’s why self-advocacy is so important. We must set our own boundaries to prevent a rogue client from making life miserable. We must also maintain an open line of communication. That helps to prevent small problems from becoming big ones.

Sure, it sounds like a heavy burden. On the bright side, it’s all in our hands. The key is finding the courage and resolve to look out for ourselves.

The post How Freelance Designers & Developers Can Be Their Own Advocate appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

The tech industry is full of buzzwords and hype cycles. Many of us feel pressured to talk about and adopt whatever’s new and exciting. Artificial intelligence (AI) is yet another example of history repeating itself.

That’s not to say AI isn’t useful or won’t last. It is a bandwagon that everyone is jumping on, however. In some cases, we’re not sure why we’re doing so.

That logic can apply to our clients using WordPress. Imagine seeing mentions of AI virtually everywhere. Well, you don’t have to imagine because that’s our reality, too. Regardless, it’s easy to feel like you’re missing out.

Clients will naturally ask us about AI and how to implement it on their website. So, what should we tell them? How do we help them understand the pros and cons? Here are some ideas to help them understand AI’s potential role inside WordPress.

The Most Important Question: What’s Your Goal?

AI inspires our curiosity and makes us wonder about what’s possible. Product makers understand this and continue to add AI-powered features. We’re seeing this with WordPress plugins and third-party integrations.

It’s no surprise that clients want in on the action. Yet, AI alone doesn’t make a product better or more useful. As such, it’s important to consider why AI is (or isn’t) the answer for a given situation.

So, when a client brings up the subject of AI, the question to ask is: What’s your goal? As in, why do they think AI will be beneficial? What do they hope to accomplish with it?

Most early implementations have focused on content generation – text and images. Using AI makes sense if writing text or finding stock photos is a part of your client’s workflow. The technology excels at generating featured images, blog post excerpts, and SEO content summaries.

There’s also the much-ballyhooed/dreaded AI-powered chatbot (it depends on whom you ask). These apps perform customer service tasks and respond to user questions. They may be a fit for clients who want 24/7 coverage without hiring a human.

Other use cases are popping up. However, you and your client should define a clear goal. From there, you can decide whether AI is the right tool for the job.

Identifying the Downsides of Using AI

We often hail new technologies as the answer to all our problems. There are still concerns about AI and the companies behind it, however.

With that in mind, our clients should be fully aware of the potential downsides of adding AI features to their website:

User Privacy Concerns

AI companies require data to continue training their models. For example, we know they scrape websites to gather useful information. Implementing an AI app on your website might have similar consequences.

Clients should be aware of the risks and how a given provider handles customer data. Will they use information from your chatbot to improve their product? What happens to your customer’s contact information? How can you be sure that your data is safe?

This is vital information for every organization, particularly for compliance with privacy laws such as GDPR. In the past, apps like Google Analytics sparked privacy concerns. AI should be scrutinized just as much.

The Potential Costs

Some AI providers offer a free tier of service with strict usage limits. It may work well for small websites. For everyone else, there’s a subscription model for connecting with the provider’s API.

Estimating your usage can be difficult. That could lead to a surprise bill at the end of the month.

Educate your clients on the provider’s pricing model. Be sure to point out what happens if they exceed their allotted API calls. Some providers may have a setting to prevent overages – encourage clients to enable it. It’s an opportunity to measure usage and determine if they need a bigger budget.

AI Gets It Wrong Sometimes

AI apps have been known to provide inaccurate answers. These tools have also been tricked into returning potentially dangerous or offensive information.

Perhaps this isn’t a big deal if your client uses AI within the WordPress admin area. They aren’t likely to ask the app to do something nefarious (well, a hacker could). But what about using AI on the front-end of the site?

Such incidents can be a public relations nightmare for large organizations, and even small ones can see a negative impact on their reputation.

This is a risk worth bringing to your clients’ attention. A provider should give assurances and proof that this can’t happen with their app. Find out what, if any, safeguards are in place.

Help Your Clients Make an Informed Decision on AI

The buzz surrounding AI is understandable, and clients are right to ask about it. Everyone wants to know what the technology can do for them.

As web developers, it’s our job to help our clients figure out if AI is right for their website. A rational discussion about the good and bad is part of the process.

The truth is that some use cases are better suited for AI than others. Much depends on what your client wants to accomplish and how much they’re willing to spend. The ultimate measure of its usefulness may be the return on investment.

It all comes down to the same factors as other tools and technologies. That’s good news, as it means we’re prepared for the challenge.

The post How To Help Your WordPress Clients Understand AI appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

There’s a school of thought among web developers that clients don’t care about how you build something. They only care that things work as expected.

There’s some truth to that logic. Most of our clients aren’t WordPress experts. They don’t know Yoast SEO from Jetpack. They’re unlikely to know what separates a good theme from a poor one. They depend on us to build their website responsibly.

However, our choices will matter to them at some point in the future. For example, when an abandoned plugin includes an unpatched security issue. Or when an outdated theme isn’t compatible with the latest version of PHP.

Making the wrong choice can be costly for you and your clients. At the very least, it means additional maintenance. At worst, it could mean cleaning up a hacked website and dealing with a data breach.

So, how do you know if you’re choosing the best options for your clients? We have some tips for picking themes and plugins that have the best chance of future success.

Choose WordPress Products With a Good Reputation

The WordPress.org plugin repository hosts tens of thousands of items. However, not all of them are fit for use in a production environment. Consider that some plugins haven’t been updated in years, while others have existed for only a short time. The same scenario applies to themes.

That’s why choosing reputable products is so important. Even if something goes wrong, it’s likely to be fixed. Additionally, the best theme and plugin authors are proactive in implementing security measures.

Finding a reputable product isn’t difficult; it involves a little bit of research. Here are a few clues that a theme or plugin is trustworthy:

• An updated changelog: A regular pattern of updates indicates that the product is actively developed. New features are great. However, also look for bug fixes and security patches.
• Resolved support tickets: The WordPress.org forums are a great place to see how well a product is supported. Some commercial products may have their own support forums. Regardless, look for resolved tickets and frequent responses from their support team.
• A steady active install count: The theme and plugin repositories include active install counts. A high number doesn’t always correlate to quality, but it’s an indicator of a trusted product. Even a relatively low number is acceptable, provided the items above are addressed.

None of us can guarantee the long-term outlook for a theme or plugin. But choosing one with a good reputation should increase your confidence. It’s something your clients will also appreciate.

Consider the Pros & Cons of an Ecosystem

Some WordPress themes and plugins come with their own ecosystems. WooCommerce is a prime example, as the e-commerce platform offers extensions you can use to add functionality. Other examples include Gravity Forms, Kadence, and GeneratePress.

Buying into such an ecosystem has advantages. Compatibility should be top-notch, for one. It’s better than a piecemeal approach, where you add unrelated software from all over the web. Each piece fits together to create something bigger.

Theoretically, this should mean easier maintenance, particularly if each item comes from the same author. Product upgrades arrive in lock-step and avoid major issues.

There are some potential downsides to this approach. An ecosystem must be sustainable, for one. Imagine investing in a family of theme products that goes out of existence. That means your clients are using software that is no longer actively developed. It’s only a matter of time until there are problems.

Plus, a singular part of an ecosystem could fall into a black hole. Many WooCommerce extensions are built by third-party developers, for example. That’s great for innovation. Yet, there’s also a risk that the product won’t keep up with changes to the parent plugin.

Once again, this is where reputation comes into play. Scrutinize an ecosystem and its related products as you would any other theme or plugin. Don’t assume every item is of equal quality or strength.

Think About the Bigger Picture

It’s easy to fall into short-term thinking when working on client projects. We’re trying to meet client expectations within a tight timeline and budget. That can lead to installing a theme or plugin simply because it’s the fastest solution.

We may not realize the long-term consequences of those decisions. Using what’s most convenient in the moment doesn’t guarantee quality or reliability. Make the wrong choice, and suddenly, your client will care about how you built their website.

Keep that in mind as you plan for a project. Consider the future needs of the website and how things will look in a few years. Do you see a WordPress theme or plugin that’s still humming along? Or might you be in a panic to replace a key component?

No decision is without risk. However, you can reduce it by doing your homework. Doing so will lead to easier maintenance and more peace of mind.

The post Why the Themes and Plugins You Choose Matter to Your Clients appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

The web may be an omnipresent part of our lives. However, it’s also more fragile than we’re willing to admit.

How fragile? Try to get things done when the likes of Amazon, Cloudflare, Akamai, or Microsoft have an outage. These behemoths can take out large swaths of the internet, including time-wasters like social media.

Web hosts can also run into problems, albeit on a smaller scale. Servers are bombarded with bot traffic and are always a target for hackers. A website can go down at any time.

Taken together, perhaps we should feel fortunate to get any work done at all. Still, outages put web designers in an awkward position. We’re stuck between a failed service provider and our clients.

What should we do? Here are a few tips for handling the inevitable service outages that plague the interwebs.

Something Went Wrong, Now What?

Perhaps you noticed a client’s website wasn’t loading during your morning routine. A downtime monitoring service might have pinged you. Or, maybe your client sent you a panicked message about it. Regardless, you’ve found yourself in a stressful situation.

The first thing you need (beyond a pot of coffee) is an answer. Look for clues regarding what’s happening and who’s responsible.

Sometimes, the answer is obvious. For example, a Cloudflare outage is often accompanied by an error page. Other issues aren’t so easy to diagnose.

When that happens, check the provider’s status page. That will provide details on any ongoing problems and often includes an archive of past issues. The caveat is that there can be a lag between when you notice an issue and when a provider acknowledges it.

What if a provider doesn’t have a status page? Some web hosts still don’t keep a public log of outages or maintenance. In that case, the best course of action is to contact their support staff.

Communicating With Your Clients

Effective client communication is crucial to running a successful web design business. It takes on even more importance when there’s a problem.

We often serve as the link between our clients and third-party service providers. In many cases, clients aren’t fully aware of what these providers do for their website. Thus, it’s up to us to fill them in.

Start by sharing what you know about the situation. Try to avoid technical jargon unless your client is comfortable with the terminology.

You’ll also want to make clients aware of who’s responsible for fixing it. Clients may assume we have some say in the process, but provider outages are beyond our control. That needs to be clear.

It’s also unlikely that you’ll have all the details. So, attempt to answer their questions with the information you have. Offer to contact technical support if necessary, but note that you may not receive an immediate response.

Unless the provider offers an estimate, it’s impossible to predict when the service will be back online. As such, avoid making a guess. It will only lead to disappointment if things don’t get resolved in time.

The better approach is to provide status updates as you receive them. This demonstrates your commitment to helping your clients and keeps them informed.

Is It Time To Change Providers?

Repeated issues, or a prolonged one, will lead clients to ask if it’s time for a change. The answer isn’t always easy, as much depends on the situation.

First, there’s a danger in rushing to judgment. An impatient client may call for a change after a few minutes of downtime. It might lead to a hurried migration that puts you in the same boat when the new place inevitably has problems.

You might empathize with your client’s feelings. Downtime can cost sales and conversions, while also hurting their reputation. However, jumping from service to service may increase their risk.

On the other hand, there may be times when the best option is to change. For example, a web host that has frequent problems will cost everyone time, undue stress, and money. There are only so many chances for a provider to prove itself worthy.

Patience is still advisable when making a switch. Identifying the right option requires research. Review historical data to see past incidents a provider had and how they responded.

Clients should also be aware of any risks involved. Downtime isn’t limited to a single provider. Plus, there could be technical hurdles when migrating elsewhere.

Remain Steady During Technical Difficulties

Try as we might, downtime is a part of life. Think of it this way: If the world’s biggest companies can’t prevent every issue, what chance do the rest of us have?

Our clients may not see it that way. However, communicating what we know can help them better understand these situations. This provides comfort and confidence that someone is looking out for them.

Good or not, you’ll have many opportunities to practice these skills. The web will continue to experience technical difficulties. Remaining calm and steady will help you and your clients get through it.

The post How Should Web Designers Deal With Service Outages? appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.