Explaining Technical Concepts to Clients
Clear communication about technical topics helps your clients make better decisions and keeps projects moving smoothly. When clients understand what you're doing and why, they trust your recommendations and feel more confident throughout the process.
TL;DR:
- Replace technical jargon with everyday language
- Use analogies that relate to your client's world
- Create simple visual aids to show complex processes
- Check for understanding before moving forward
- Good explanations build trust and speed up approvals
Why This Matters for Client Relationships
Clients who understand your work become better collaborators. They ask better questions, give more useful feedback, and make decisions faster. When you explain things clearly, you're not just sharing information – you're building confidence in your expertise.
Technical confusion creates unnecessary friction. Clients might delay decisions, ask for multiple revisions, or second-guess your recommendations simply because they don't understand the implications.
Breaking Down Complex Language
Start by identifying the technical terms you use most often. Write them down and create simple explanations for each one. Keep this list handy during client calls.
Replace "optimise your site's performance" with "make your website load faster". Instead of "implement responsive design", say "make sure your site looks good on phones and tablets".
When you must use technical terms, explain them immediately. Don't assume clients will ask if they're confused – many won't want to appear uninformed.
Using Effective Analogies
Good analogies connect new concepts to things your client already understands. A website's hosting is like renting office space. SEO is like making your shop easier to find on a busy street. A content management system is like having a filing cabinet where you can easily update your business documents.
Choose analogies that fit your client's background. A restaurant owner will understand kitchen workflow comparisons. A retail client will connect with shop floor examples.
Keep analogies simple and don't stretch them too far. They should clarify, not create new confusion.
Creating Visual Explanations
Simple diagrams often work better than detailed explanations. Show the flow of a user journey with boxes and arrows. Use before-and-after screenshots to demonstrate improvements.
Charts work well for data-heavy topics. Show website traffic trends with a simple line graph rather than reading out numbers. Use bar charts to compare different options you're recommending.
Create templates for common explanations. Having a standard diagram for how websites work or how design revisions flow saves time and ensures consistency.
Checking Understanding
Don't just ask "Does that make sense?" – most clients will say yes regardless. Instead, ask them to explain the concept back to you in their own words.
Watch for non-verbal cues during video calls. Confused expressions, long pauses, or sudden topic changes often signal that you've lost them.
Build check-ins into your explanations. After covering each main point, pause and ask if they have questions about that specific topic.
Common Explanation Mistakes
Avoid explaining everything at once. Break complex topics into smaller chunks and tackle them one at a time. Too much information overwhelms clients and nothing sticks.
Don't assume previous knowledge. What seems basic to you might be completely new to your client. Start with fundamentals and build up.
Resist the urge to impress with technical knowledge. Your goal is understanding, not demonstrating expertise. Save the detailed technical discussions for your team.
FAQs
How do I know if my explanation is too technical?
If you're using more than one specialised term per sentence, you're probably being too technical. Read your explanation aloud – if it sounds like something you'd say to a friend, you're on the right track.
What if the client asks for more technical detail?
Some clients want deeper explanations. Start simple and then add layers of detail based on their questions. Let them guide how deep you go.
How can I prepare better explanations in advance?
Keep a document of common client questions and your best explanations for each. Update it when you find analogies or phrasings that work particularly well.
Jargon Buster
Analogy: A comparison between two things that helps explain a new concept by relating it to something familiar.
Visual aids: Simple graphics, charts, or diagrams that help illustrate complex information.
Technical jargon: Specialist terms used within the web design industry that may not be familiar to clients.
Wrap-up
Clear explanations are a core client management skill. When you help clients understand technical concepts, you're building trust and making their decision-making process easier. This leads to smoother projects, faster approvals, and stronger working relationships.
Practice explaining your most common technical topics in simple terms. The more comfortable you become with these explanations, the more confident your clients will feel working with you.
Ready to improve your client communication skills? Join Pixelhaze Academy for more practical client management strategies.