Many people might see user experience design only from the lens of product development.
Whether it’s software or a physical product.
But limiting yourself to that frame, can mean overlooking a ton of opportunities.
One big realization I had after spending 2 years watching usability testing videos and helping a startup get off the ground, was that UX design is everywhere.
It’s in every interaction.
It only made sense to me to apply what I learned to the way I manage my service business.
Here are 3 lessons I baked into it…
1. Do the work for people, don’t expect them to do it for you
One of the biggest lessons from UX.
People don’t want to do work, especially when they’re in a rush, or on their phones.
They want a clear path to reaching their goal. Doesn’t matter if that is buying a product or signing up for an account.
The responsibility for removing any and all obstacles from that path is yours. You should do the work upfront to make sure they have a great time.
I brought this into my business and have it in mind anytime I’m emailing a client, or sending them my deliverables.
Could they misunderstand or misinterpret something? If it happens it’s my fault.
Reason why I go above and beyond to make sure they have all the context and information they need to get the full value out of our interactions.
2. Give them a single entry point
It can happen on your site with a thousand different and confusing calls to action. Or it can happen in your app when your navigation is messed up.
But it can also happen with a physical product. What about returns? Or support in case something is not clear?
Do customers have a single entry point to get in touch and clarify their doubts?
To fix this, I researched and tested a ton of platforms until I figured out what my clients needed.
One single client portal and only what they need to see to get the job done.
That’s why I’m using Clickup and my clients only get access to a timeline of our activities and to a way to chat about each (and avoid confusing email chains).
This is also a great way for me to protect my time and focus on what matters.
3. Keeping my clients’ interests in mind – all the times
Even after our project is done.
It’s important for me to follow up and help them out through the design process.
Sometimes even speaking with their designer directly.
Other times they don’t have a designer. Happens often.
And unfortunately, my experiences with freelance designers haven’t been great.
Unreliable, not communicative, slow etc. They can be great at what they do, but the business side of things is important, too.
So what did I do?
I partnered up with a designer, investing my time to qualify and filter them.
Because I know my clients would value a seamless service, from research to copy and final design (or even development).
Hence why soon I’ll be starting to offer design services as well with my copywriting projects.
But wait there’s more….
In every feedback survey I send my clients after closing a project, I ask them if they would benefit from additional services.
The most frequent responses are:
- A/B testing the new copy with variants to further optimize
- Running usability testing regularly to test UX/app changes
- Working on email campaigns and automations regularly
I’m already doing this kind of consulting work on a monthly recurring basis with a startup. It’s going very well.
They have someone they can count on to always ask questions, improve and avoid costly mistakes.
If you’re interested, just reply to this email with a “Yes” and I’ll reach out with the plan.