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Things We Wish Clients Knew Before Emailing Us

Not a complaint list. These are the things that make projects go better for everyone, and we figured explaining them once publicly was more efficient.

Str8shift Digital · June 26, 2026

Every agency has a version of this post they're too polished to publish. We're not that polished yet. These are the things that consistently make projects go well or sideways, and you deserve to know them before we start.

"I'll know it when I see it" is a starting point, not a brief

We can work with vague. 'I want something clean and professional' is enough to start a conversation. The problem comes when vague expectations turn into unlimited revision cycles. Two rounds are built into every project. Come to each one with specific feedback, not a general feeling.

Content comes from you

We design and build the site. The copy, photos, logo, pricing, and list of services: that's your job. The most common reason a project runs long is waiting on client materials. Show up with a draft of your content and your timeline cuts in half.

Your cousin's opinion doesn't count as a revision

Family feedback on your website is almost always conflicting, unfiltered, and disconnected from whether the site will actually perform. You hired us because you wanted a professional result. We want to hear what you think, not what someone who hasn't seen the brief thinks.

Fast feedback gets you a faster site

Our turnaround on revision requests is 24 to 48 hours. Clients who respond the same day consistently launch faster than clients who sit on feedback for a week. We're not going anywhere, but momentum matters.

The deposit is non-negotiable

50% up front, every time. Not because we don't trust you. Because it filters out people who aren't serious, and we've never had a client who paid the deposit ghost the project. It's a good filter for both sides.

If this sounds reasonable, we'll probably get along fine. Free quote.

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