Client Meeting - What kind of questions do I ask?

[ilkcub]

I am working with a client (family friend) and doing their website for free for knowledge and experience. I am meeting with him to talk about design and features pertaining to the website. I know for a fact that this is a Bar and Grill web design with lodging and located on the lake.

First course of business is laying out a site map to start with. We know its going to be tableless CSS and going to be consisting of a max of 10 pages.

My question is what other questions or course of business should i be asking my client during our meeting? I don't want to leave him short and Im looking for professional opinions. After all, this is a forum where beginners get their start and that is what Im looking for, to get off my feet.

Thanks in advance.
Buck

[mchael]

What is your goal?
- build brand and generate lead for after site sale closing?
- sell directly from the site? Shopping cart...?
- generate as much traffic across the site... Content?
- provide product support information - after sales?

What is the target market?
- what is the "character profile" of the person being targetted?
- this will give you direction as to the type of style you can pursue

Who are your competitors?
- what sites do you think work and do not work? Why?

What sites do you like?
- what do you like in particular on these sites?

How often do you want to update the site?
- do you want to update it or have someone else do it?

How much internet experience do you have?

These are some very general basic questions you can find some more good info and inspiration at marketingprofs.com