Keeping Clients Motivated

In my experience, it's not often that graphic designers feel their clients are moving too slow, in terms of project pace. Clients are typically very excited about seeing design revisions and send routine emails to keep the designer informed of thoughts and opinions. The client is very enthusiastic and almost always wants the work to be finished yesterday. But what happens when this pattern isn't taking place - when the client seems to be moving too slowly and appears almost uninterested in the project?

Everyone is busy and our days are filled with tasks and random events that we can't escape from. But how does one keep a client motivated enough to finish a project, if need be? I feel that it's the designer's job to keep a client excited about the design - afterall, we're the ones that love it enough to do it everyday. So if the client becomes disinterested, is the designer to blame?

I've been doing a little research on this topic lately and most other designers seem to make it an issue of money. For example, instead of using a down payment system, charge for every two weeks of work. That way, only two weeks of work can turn into 4 months - thus the proportionate charge is not a huge remaining balance. But I can't help to feel as though this creates a negative process. No one likes making payments - let alone six of them. Doesn't that just create more billing time? Futhermore, doesn't it make the designer appear to be a little money-hungry? Getting paid at every opportunity possible.... maybe it's just a from of protection for the designer that most feel is the right move.

Slow projects take much more time (obviously) and more effort. More emails are sent checking in, more phone calls are made to ask for updates and more time is available for the client to change their mind about the project's direction. All in all, a slow project is a dangerous one.

My suggestion is to simply be a pest - but a good one. Weekly emails and check-ups can turn into twice-a-week reminders. Stating things like, "This is coming along very nicely. I've gotten a lot of positive feedback and am really excited to get this finished up." Creating a positive tone may likely inpsire the client to keep going. If a designer comes across an article or a point of interest that pertains to the client, forward it on with a little note: "Hey, I saw this and thought we could apply this to another project. What do you think?" The biggest motivator is excitement and if the client's not feeling it, make them.