Jeffrey Zeldman had an interesting post recently entitled Content preceeds design.

“Content precedes design. Design in the absence of content is not design, it’s decoration.”

I`ve been involved with a number of projects where the design was created in the absense of content.  Inevitably, when content starts getting added, it breaks the design.

My tag line says, “Bringing Together Function and Form”.  Which is really saying the same thing that Jeffrey says.

Form without function is decoration.

I have met and talked with a lot of people over the years about developing a web site for their business. Remembering back, I can`t think of one potential client that had given any thought to their budget for the project. More often than not, that leads to “sticker shock” when the discussion turns to numbers.

Having a budget is extremely important. Knowing and being honest about it will enable you to get the best possible web site solution. In my questionnaire I give all new clients, I ask about their budget and open with this statement.

“This information won`t be used to charge as much as possible, it will be used to ensure that you`re getting the best possible solution for the money you have to spend. In some cases, you may have more to spend than is necessary to meet your needs. On other cases, what you envision for your site may not be possible with your budget. The great thing about the web is that your site can grow with your success. What may not be possible starting out can be added later.”

I know potential clients want to protect that information, but honestly, I expect them to talk to multiple developers, so knowing that information doesn`t allow me to over bid the project.

Determining a budget is just good business. How can you get the best solution for your money if you don`t have any idea how much you want/can spend?