Not Every Client is the Right Fit—And That’s Okay
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned as an entrepreneur is that choosing my clients is just as important as them choosing me. In the early days of building Vibrandt Websites, I took every project that came my way, convinced that any work was good work. Because, after all, I had bills to pay.
But experience has a way of teaching you that not every client is a good fit. Recognizing that early can save countless hours of frustration and protect your business from toxic working relationships.
The Reality of Web Development: More Complex Than It Seems
One of the biggest challenges in web development is that clients often underestimate how much work goes into building a great website. Some assume a “simple” request should take minutes when it actually requires hours of coding and troubleshooting. Others get stuck in an endless revision loop, rejecting design after design because they “haven’t seen what they want” yet. No direction, no specifics—just more rounds of revisions until they feel it.
And I’ll be honest. When the pipeline isn’t as full as I’d like, I sometimes catch myself slipping back into old habits, willing to take on whoever comes my way just to make the sale. Every single time, I regret it. It never works out. So even when it’s tempting, I remind myself that saying no to the wrong client makes room for the right ones.
Over the years, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with some fantastic long-term clients. The ones who appreciate expertise, trust the process, and see the value in what we do. But I’ve also learned to spot the red flags of a potentially bad client relationship early on.
Red Flags to Watch For
If you’re running a web development business—or any service-based business—here are a few warning signs to look for before saying yes to a project.
🚩 Rude or Hostile from the Start
If a prospect talks down to you, treats you like an order-taker, or seems combative in early conversations, believe them. If they don’t treat you well before you start working together, they won’t suddenly become easier to work with once money is involved.
🚩 Demanding Without Consideration
We offer emergency support and understand that sometimes things are truly urgent. But there’s a big difference between someone needing help and someone constantly expecting you to drop everything at a moment’s notice. A client who disregards timelines, ignores boundaries, and treats every request like an emergency will burn you out fast.
🚩 Price-Driven, Not Quality-Driven
Budgets matter—we get that. But if a prospect is haggling over every dollar, comparing your expertise to DIY solutions, or questioning why professional work costs money, it’s a red flag. They’re likely looking for the cheapest option, not the best one.
🚩 “Can We Just…?”
This phrase is a subtle but dangerous one. It starts with, “Can we just tweak this?” or “Can we just add that?” Before you know it, the scope has doubled, but the budget hasn’t. More than that, it signals they don’t understand (or appreciate) the complexity of the work.
🚩 Lack of Trust in the Process
Questions and collaboration are welcome. But if a client second-guesses every decision, resists professional guidance, or insists they know best at every turn, the project will become an uphill battle. If someone hires an expert but won’t let them do their job, it’s a recipe for frustration.
🚩 Too Many Red Flags, Too Soon
The early days of any working relationship are as good as they’re going to be. If you’re already seeing warning signs before work even begins, imagine what things will look like six months in. (Spoiler: not good.)
The Right Clients Make All the Difference
One of the most valuable lessons in business is that great work comes from great partnerships. The strongest client relationships are built on trust, clear communication, and a shared understanding of goals.
At Vibrandt Websites, we don’t just take on projects—we build long-term partnerships with businesses that value collaboration and strategic growth. If you’re looking for a web partner who is invested in your success and committed to delivering lasting results, let’s connect.
Contact us here to explore how we can work together.
