Q&A on Client Questionnaires (+Plus my exact questions I give clients)
FREEBIE INCLUDED!
I’ve been getting a LOT of questions about...well questions lately. Specifically, questions like…
“What kinds of questions do you ask your clients?”
“When do you send your questionnaires to clients?”
When is the best time to ask about budget?
Well, today my friend, I’m going to break it all down for you.
The truth is, I want you to create questionnaires that you are comfortable with. Below I’ve included a free download of my exact questionnaires. Use them as a starting point but sprinkle in that special thing that only YOU have.
You ready to get started?
Q. Do I really need a questionnaire? If so...why? Can’t I interview my client at the consultation?
A. Yes, 100% you need a questionnaire. Why? Well, to be honest, they are a huge time saver. You want to get to know your clients - and I encourage you to do so in-person as well - but there is so much practical information you need to know that is best collected through a thoughtful and succinct questionnaire.
Q. What kind of information do I need to ask?
A. My advice...keep it practical. Your questionnaire(s) should be focused on gathering information that helps you show up to your call/meeting armed with information that will give you a jumpstart to your conversation. The result is you will provide them with more value and you’re better positioned as the expert that you are.
Q. When do I send the questionnaires and what should I be asking?
A. In my business, I send two questionnaires, the “Project Questionnaire” and the “Lifestyle Questionnaire”.
“Project Questionnaire” - This is a very brief questionnaire on your website presented when a client wants to book an initial phone call with you. There is a delicate balance between having your prospect put in a little effort to speak with you (showing they are serious) and also keeping it simple. Keep the questions focused on information about the project itself such as scope, budget, and timeline. (4-7 questions max after essential contact information)
Pro Tip - If a client provides you with a budget number at this stage, doesn’t mean you are beholden to it. There is still a lot of conversation, fact-finding, educating and inspiring your client to be done. It’s merely a number at this point but worth asking.
“Lifestyle Questionnaire” - This is a more in-depth questionnaire provided to the client once we’ve decided to have an initial in-home consultation. They return it to me BEFORE our consultation so I have some background information on them going into it.
You really want to walk in the door having a good idea of your clients lifestyle and project goals so you are prepared to hit the ground running making the most of your time together.
This questionnaire should focus on information in a few categories:
About the Client - details like who lives in the house, ages, contact info, etc.
About the Project - More detailed information about the project including design goals, budget, aesthetics, existing partners (contractors, architects, etc.)
Lifestyle - Here is where you get into specifics about travel, entertaining, hobbies and more. THIS is where the magic happens.
Pro Tip - Limit the number of “Required” responses. If your client is busy and wants to complete the questionnaire, but may not have time to elaborate in-depth, don’t punish them for it. Make it easy.
Remember, you are walking a fine line between making them “work for it” to show they are serious and also making it easy for them, demonstrating how you are going to make their lives easier.
I hope you’ve found this helpful. Below I’ve provided a free download of the 30 exact questions I ask my clients. It’s yours to take and tweak them however you see fit for your business!
Download the Client Questionnaire
30 exact questions I ask my clients during a consultation.
