If you’re a freelance web designer who doesn’t niche down, chances are you’ll eventually cross paths with a client whose worldview feels a little out there for you personally. Think crystal healing, aura photography, quantum manifestation coaching, or past life regression therapy. In other words, what some would call “woo-woo.”
There’s an obvious and large market for these types of services, and they, like other businesses, need assistance with websites. Some web designers, in fact, specialise exclusively in building sites for alternative practitioners. However, for many of us in the web world, especially those who lean toward data-driven thinking, this can raise some uncomfortable questions. Can we really do our best work if we don’t fully believe in the product or service we’re helping to promote?
Firstly, what is “Woo-Woo”?
“Woo-woo” is informal slang used to describe beliefs that fall outside of conventional science. This encompasses a diverse range of ideas, including astrology, energy healing, spiritual channelling, light language, and alternative medicine.
Many clients in these fields are kind, purpose-driven individuals who genuinely believe they are making a positive impact on their communities (and their clients think so too). The issue arises when your worldview and theirs are so different that it becomes uncomfortable or there’s a cringe factor. Plus, you may also have very different communication styles, which can put a strain on the web design project.
So…Should You Work with Woo-Woo Clients?
Here are a few things to ask yourself:
- Can You Stay Respectful and Professional?
You don’t necessarily need to fully believe in your client’s work to be a great service provider. But you do need to treat it with respect. If you find yourself mocking their ideas (even privately), that’s a red flag, not necessarily about them, but about your ability to serve them well. - Does It Conflict With Your Values?
If you believe a client is misleading people or making health claims that could be harmful or unethical, you’ll likely feel conflicted. In that case, it may be best to politely decline the project. - Will You Be Able to Work Productively Together?
Some clients, particularly those in spiritual spaces, may communicate in non-linear ways. They might prioritize intuition over deadlines, or change direction based on a “feeling.” This can be challenging if you rely on structure and clarity to accomplish tasks.
Red Flags and Realities
Over the years, I’ve worked with clients across a wide range of belief systems. Here are a few common traits I’ve noticed in clients who lean heavily toward the woo:
- They want to know your star sign — and may make assumptions based on it. If you’re a Scorpio like me, maybe keep that to yourself 🙂
- Communication is often intuitive, emotional, and stream-of-consciousness.
- They can be very empathetic people, so they can get a little overly familiar, and you may experience the commercial version of love bombing.
- They may follow (or be) a guru figure, whose teachings influence their entire business model.
- You’ll rarely see bullet points. Prepare for lengthy emails filled with emotions and vibes.
These clients can be delightful, loyal, and purpose-driven and great to work with, but only if you’re genuinely comfortable navigating their worldview.
How to Handle Woo-Woo Clients Gracefully
If you decide to move forward with a woo-aligned client, here are some tips:
- Set Clear Expectations
Create a clear project scope, timeline, and revision process. Use contracts. - Stay Curious, Not Condescending
Even if you don’t believe in their methods, you can still show curiosity and empathy. - Set your boundaries – and don’t overshare back
- Have a Graceful Exit Strategy
If things go awry, ensure your contract includes an exit clause. If a client senses that you’re skeptical or dismissive, they’re unlikely to stay anyway — and that’s OK.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to niche down to work with great clients, but if you’re a rationalist at heart, working with clients who follow intuition and spiritual guidance can be a challenge.
If you feel uneasy, it’s okay to pass. You don’t need to align with your client’s belief systems, but you do need to align on expectations, timelines, and respect.
Because in the end, being a great web designer isn’t just about pushing pixels — it’s about dealing with people that might be quite different from us. So the better you understand your clients perspectives, the smoother your projects will be.
