Keep tuned! There's light at the end of the t̶u̶n̶n̶e̶l̶ post.
Oh, the challenges of working with clients and their expectations
If you’ve ever worked in web development, you’ve probably heard things like, “But I’ve seen this done on that site!” or, “Why can’t it just work like that?”
My favorite:
"I want to base it off of the airbnb.com menu bar. It needs to be mobile-friendly and responsive just like the airbnb one. I also need it done in a DAY." (based on a real job request)
Managing client expectations isn't a piece of cake.
"But It’s So Simple!"
"I JUST need someone with experience to help me take this raw code and turn it into a working app with a SIMPLE UI to customize the settings."
Clients often look at a polished website and assume the features just appear. Wipe transitions between pages? Sure, let’s just add it in… no problem, right? Developers know better. Building something late in the process that wasn’t planned for is like trying to add a room to a house after it’s already built. It’s not simple.
The Never-Ending “Little Tweaks”
"Looking for someone that is reliable that can make quick changes[...] as well as to make ALL PAGES look sharp, load faster and function better than they are presently."
“Could we just add this tiny feature?” Tiny? Maybe in words, but each “little” request adds layers of complexity. “Sure, we can do it, but it’ll take time and budget,” you explain. Cue the client’s wide-eyed surprise: “Wait, it’s not free?” Oh, sweet summer child…
Fixed Price? Fixed Headache.
"This update includes a UI overhaul, an [...] API being implemented to replace our current voiceover, and a new character being rigged in the app. We are looking for a full stack developer to come on board and give a FIXED price for this job."
Let’s talk about the mythical “fixed-price” project. On paper, it sounds tidy: deliver X for Y dollars. But in reality? Every project evolves. Every. Single. Time. Trying to define everything upfront is like catching water in your hands. Developers must navigate assumptions, uncertainties, and “oh, I thought that was included” moments… all while staying sane.
Budget? What Budget?
(Intentionally left blank)
Ah, the heartbreak of the “champagne dream on a beer budget” client. They imagine custom solutions but balk at the price tag. “Why can’t this cost $10K instead of $100K?” Because building a site isn’t assembling IKEA furniture. (Spoiler: even IKEA furniture takes more effort than expected.)
The “We Need This Yesterday” Syndrome
"I also need it done in a DAY."
Unrealistic deadlines? Developers know them well. Whether it’s launching a site before Q4 or meeting a marketing campaign’s arbitrary date, clients often push timelines without realizing the corners that’ll need cutting. Hello, broken 404 pages and sleepless nights.
Communication Chaos
"Work closely with the COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING coordinator to GUIDE THE DEVELOPMENT TEAM in creating intuitive and user-friendly interfaces."
Let’s face it: not all developers are wordsmiths, and not all clients are tech-savvy. Miscommunication is inevitable. “I didn’t realize you needed all the images before starting…” or “Why can’t you read my mind?” It’s a classic case of two sides misunderstanding each other.
The Art of “Cheap and Fast”
"This should take you less than 20 minutes to complete."
Fast, cheap, high-quality – pick two. Yet clients often want all three. Developers are left navigating this impossible trifecta, balancing quality with the reality of timelines and budgets. Who’s ready for some creative compromises?
Freelance Frenzy
"I need someone who[...] has a lot of free time... If you can meet with me today or over the weekend that improves your chances of getting hired."
Freelancers, this one’s for you: juggling demanding clients, impossible deadlines, and tax season all while undercharging because imposter syndrome is real. Oh, and the cherry on top? Clients who think you’re available 24/7.
The “Invisible Value” Dilemma
"I'd like to be able to watch you via screen share as this work is done so I can learn."
For every hour spent debugging or optimizing, there’s a client thinking you’re watching Netflix. The behind-the-scenes magic of development often goes unnoticed, leaving developers feeling undervalued and underappreciated.
Scope Creep Strikes Again
"We have developed a CRM platform in a niche market and need to add SOME additional options and features for our customers."
Ah, scope creep – the silent killer of projects. Without firm boundaries, those “little additions” snowball into massive changes. One day you’re building a simple site, and the next, you’re managing a Frankenstein’s monster of features.
In the world of web development, managing client expectations is the mountain developers must continually climb. It’s exhausting, exasperating, and, at times, utterly baffling. Yet, we keep going because, somewhere beyond the frustration, there’s a sense of accomplishment that makes it all worth it.
Now, where did we put that coffee?
Artifact: Wireframes to Win the Day
Alright, here’s a little dev trick to deal with those vague client requests. When they’re talking in riddles, show, don’t tell.
Say there's a client with this request:
"Think of this website as a 'template' in that it will be used for many different kinds of restaurants, so the page should be content-independent (though the 'categories' of content will always be the same)."
👨💻 Step 1: Work smart, not hard
Head to Frontend AI, click "Ask AI" and paste the client's request in their own words.
It will immediately generate a screen for you like this:
⚠️ But wait! Don’t scare them off.
We don't wanna loose the job because the client doesn't like a color or a picture. And if it looks too finished, they might think “Job’s done, right?” Nope, not today.
🖤 Step 2: Strip it down
So ask for a low fidelity black and write wireframe:
Generate a low fidelity wireframe. Remove details. Replace texts with placeholders. Remove background and add black borders. Remove the "image-" in the image-placeholder urls. Use only black text and transparent backgrounds.
Now you’ve got this clean slate to play with:
🤝 Step 3: Let them tinker
Feeling bold? Share a link and let the client tweak it. You’ll finally know what’s rattling around in their head.
Why This Works?
- Clarity: Clients stop being cryptic and start being helpful.
- Control: You steer the conversation and set the boundaries.
- Confidence: You look like the pro who has it all figured out.
The most important part is that now you have something more concrete to start grasping what the client really wants and can better put a price and timeline on it.
The client will also feel you're proactive and ahead of the competition for having delivered something upfront.
And just like that, you’ve got a game plan. Let the others wing it—you’ve got wireframes.
Time to show them who’s boss. 💪
Top comments (3)
This problem will multiply if you working a multiple client on same project, which is a legacy project written in 7 - 3 years ago. So I am relaxing and found myself as main communication channel between dev groups and partners. But when I have coding? Great question.
This is cause I (&AI crew) work on my hobby project at least there I cannot need to make a daily fight with outer expectation.
This post nails the chaos of client expectations, hilarious and painfully accurate. The wireframe idea is genius: clear, simple, and a total game changer for managing the 'But it’s so simple!' requests.
Well, bookmarking this one!!
Amazing pictures! :)