Hi all, I'm new to web design and just starting to offer my services to others. I've been asked to do some website updating for someone for a very simple website, I know I can do this but because it's my first time I would love some advice, what are the appropriate steps I should take here? Do I need to ask for their hosting info and passwords ? I'm not really sure where to start, if someone could give me some pointers in the right direction I would really appreciate it!

First, you need the HTML files that you'll be modifying. That would mean you'll either need access to their hosting account so you can download the pages, or they'll have to give you all the site files to modify and give them back the modified files to re-upload.

I can't believe you're offering web design services yet you don't even know this much . What are you going to use to modify the pages - FrontPage ?? Do you know ANY html ?

You should start with a contract. Get everything in writing before you touch anyone's files. Here's somewhere to start: Free Contract

I would suggest getting the client's FTP username & pass and download/change/upload/test the files yourself.

Thanks for the info, yes I do know html silly lol. I use microsoft expression web. I'm self-taught and just new to working with people for money, and I don't want to come off as a complete idiot.

www.friesianfever.com/services
www.friesianfever.com

-Robin

Aahh... ok.. well.. there are plenty of people who DO start a business with little to no knowledge ... scary. Expression Web is ok from what I've heard, at least it supposedly produces decent code instead of that mess it's predecessor produced.

I completely agree with Monkey - get everything in writing up front.

Originally Posted by Friesian Fever

www.friesianfever.com/services

Nice and simple. Well done.

Originally Posted by A Monkey Typing

Nice and simple. Well done.

Thanks :-)

Here's a question.. most of my clients will be non-local, how do you go about getting them to "sign" a contract...?? Does it really need to be in pen? Never understood how this works.

Snail mail or FAX

Honestly, the contract is there to protect you so I don't understand why you wouldn't want them to sign it to bind it.

Obviously, if you don't set one up you can do the work and technically you can't prove you wanted payment for it.

Snail mail is prob best, fax works too. If you do it online, you need a terms of service online and have need to make sure they click they read the terms and agree to them.