Hey everyone! I have a quick question for web designers and developers. I often find it challenging to communicate clearly with my non-technical clients. They tend to use incorrect terms, and while I understand their intent, I hesitate to correct them because I don't want to come off as overly educational or critical. When I use technical jargon like 'hero section' or 'CTA', I usually try to explain these terms in simpler language, but it seems like the message doesn't stick, and they revert to their own terminology. How do you handle this situation? Do you correct your clients, educate them gradually, or do you just match their wording? I'd love to hear different perspectives on managing this kind of communication!
5 Answers
I think some terms like 'hero' or 'CTA' are pretty common in marketing, and clients should be familiar with them if they're stakeholders. If they mislabel something often, I just keep using the right terms without directly correcting them. If it gets extreme, I might gently say, 'Do you mean the hero section? I’m just checking to ensure we’re aligned on this.' Overall, it all depends on the relationship and how much they need to understand to stay involved in the project.
In instances like this, I try to stick to their naming conventions as much as possible to avoid friction. It helps to clarify misunderstandings about development workflows. If they think of web pages as completely separate entities, I explain how a single hero section can actually streamline things. But if they call it a 'full-bleed banner,' I’m fine adopting their terms to keep things moving smoothly.
The main goal is clear communication. You want to ensure the client understands what they're asking for, but also that you truly understand them. If they use unfamiliar terms, they might also have different meanings. I sometimes gently explain terms by saying, 'You might hear marketing folks refer to it as the 'hero section'—that just means the banner at the top of the homepage.' It’s a balance between educating and making sure we’re on the same page.
It all really depends on the client. Some are more curious and willing to learn, while others might feel insulted if you correct them. I usually try to educate them on important terms subtly and avoid getting into the nitty-gritty of technical jargon unless necessary. Using terms they know while adding your own can also help bridge the gap.
I like to give context when using terms. For example, I might say, 'That bright red CTA button in the hero section...' This helps clients understand without overwhelming them. Also, I prefer using email for discussions since I can reply inline to their questions and keep everything organized. It minimizes the loss of context that happens in verbal chats.
That's a great point! Inline replies help keep everything on track. It can get messy otherwise.
Absolutely! I think keeping it simple and using their words can avoid any contention. It really does depend on the client’s engagement level.