What questions should I ask a new client in regards to building their web site?

Question

This will be my first client and I am soooo nervous! What should I be asking them? It is for a coffee shop. It will be a small site since I am new at this. This is also a part of my assignment for college. As I progress I will make their site better as I learn new techniques. They are aware of my inexperience and are excited also and willing to help. I welcome any advice or comments on how to do this well and thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Ask them...

1. What is their color scheme
2. Can they provide a logo in an electronic format
3. Who do they see as their target market
4. Who are their direct competitors locally
5. Can they provide a menu / description of services
6. Ask them for a written company history
7. Do they already have a registered domain name
8. Make sure that once the site is up that there web address is on all printed material (signs, menus, business cards, mailings, advertisements, etc.)

I'm guessing that you'll be designing a site with pictures, text, and links since this is for college. Just make sure that you have enough information to say 'this is who we are, this is what we do, and this is how you find us.' You probably want to incorporate a Yahoo map in the contact us section.

Answer 2

Try to have them rough sketch what they are after. The more complete the sketch the better.
Colors they like and don't want
links to external sites
links to internal sites
do they already have the pics they want to use. when will you receive any missing ones?
any other sites they really like?

Remember, to completely spec the web site. If they say they're not sure, YOU WILL NEVER FINISH as they will change their minds as they learn.

Answer 3

Get them to write a file with the text they want to avoid misunderstandings, when you get it do a spell check and send them a copy of the corrected file.
Make sure they have any graphics/photos ready for you when you see them.
Set a final edit date, or they will go on for ever.
What colour scheme do they have in mind.
What is the name of the typeface used in their logo
What email address do they want to use.