Enquiries for website design come in several categories.
The full spec – an attachment with either an outline or spec for a website. Sometimes you can see that the spec is actually several, cobbled together.
The short descriptive email – not anywhere near enough information and requires fleshing out.
The simple ‘I’m looking for a website’ email. Completely inadequate.
Finally, the ‘Do you do websites?’ ‘Sent from my Blackberry’. Worse that useless and never replied to. If he’s considering a website whilst sitting in a coffee shop, he’s not serious.
Often the best is the initial email enquiry. The ‘full spec’ folk often get it wrong and will not change. Also there’s probably a preferred supplier but they had to put out the spec so don’t hold your breath.
I always phone back – or ask for a phone number if there is one – because the prospect can hear me (may not be a plus!) and I can hear them and get a much better idea of what they want as well as some background information.
Also forget those people who give you their email address over the phone – it’s always gonna bounce!