The best source of new clients for your digital/interactive agency, or any business, is positive word of mouth from your current clients. One sure way to make sure you don’t get good word of mouth from those clients is to approach your project budgeting and estimates without care.

Too many web design and digital marketing firms don’t take the time to really estimate their costs and the scope of the project, so they consistently underbid on jobs. Sure, this might get you the initial nod from a client, if they’re only purchasing services based on price, but it always- every time!- leads to serious problems down the line.

It’s a very dangerous game, you’re playing, when you underestimate things.You see, clients don’t like finding out that they’ll be liable for massive price overages as the project progresses, or that you didn’t include important items in your budget such as content development, project management, and so forth. Yes, at times overages are not avoidable- scope and feature creep need to be accounted for, after all. But when you don’t do your best to create an initial, firm estimate, shocking overages become inevitable.

“Why should I make a precise bid on a job?” you may be thinking. “After all, sometimes you will indeed lose a client unless you play the game- everyone knows things cost more than the estimate.”

Wake up, man. The title of this series means you’re interested in becoming a Superhero to your clients. It’s no surprise that up to 90% of all projects in the interactive/web design space fail. It’s also no shocker that by adhering to our Superhero code that you’ll be in the other 10%, stand out like a shining beacon, and attract the best clients and jobs.

The bottom line is, nobody likes expensive surprises. They’re a huge turn-off! That’s why people hate going to the auto shop or the dentist- you’re never exactly sure what’ll be found and need to be fixed. You, however, have the tools and experience to do better. Don’t you?

Do your part to make the world a better place, and nail down your actual expected costs when you make a bid. You’ll find that your clients sing your praises to the heavens, opening the door to tons of great new clients and future business, because you’ll be doing something very few creative services companies care enough to do.

Be precise!