Webforumz Newsletter - October 2007

Articles

Growing Your Web Design Business

So you're a web designer, awesome, but how do you grow your business? I mean, how do you get it from being a one-man operation begging for work to a multiple employee company turning down work? Eventually every business person reaches a point when they ask themselves this very question. Have no fear, below are several steps and ideas to help you grow your web design business.

Make sure your website looks good.

Regardless of what others may tell you, you NEED a website of your own. You NEED a portfolio to show work you've done. And yes, it has to look good. Too often people do not spend enough time on their own website, myself included. Yet most of the time your prospects get their first impressions within 30 seconds of viewing your website. Make an impact! Have it look nice, appealing, and interactive, yet keep it professional.

Do you have business cards?

If not, you NEED them. Even though you are trying to grow a web company it doesn't mean you avoid brick-n-mortar methods. No matter what new-fangled device is created to beam contact information from one smart object to the next, there is just something to say about receiving a business card. The touch, feel, design, and presentation are all important. In Japan, for example, you are expected to exchange cards and immediately compliment something on the other person's card, otherwise it s considered offensive. Spend time on the design and include only the basic information. I've seen cards that are so full you can't see any whitespace. While keeping it professional, make sure you make your card stand out; when someone gets 20 cards, you want to make sure they remember yours.

Write and live your business plan.

In the excitement of starting your business don't lose sight of a good plan. Like any good trip, if you have no idea where you re going, you don't likely know the best way to get there. There are many good resources out there that help you learn what to include in, and how to write, a business plan, all you have to do is search. Just make sure you list some goals, how you're going to get there, and then start doing it.

Network Effectively

This is the biggest tip of all. I am convinced that over 90% of your business will be a direct result of some sort of networking. It IS extremely important to the growth of your web company. Networking can take many forms, so it is important to know how. You can do any or all of the following:

  • Visit and participate in web design forums. By providing valuable information for others, you can develop a great working relationship with others.
  • Exchange business cards with everyone you meet. The more your cards are out there, the more potential mouthpieces you have for your business.
  • Start a blog. Provide valuable information to either potential clients or others and you begin building trust. Trust and confidence leads to business growth.
  • Initiate relationships with your heroes. Try to contact those web designers that you look up to, no matter who they are, and start building a relationship with them. They can be useful assets providing invaluable information and advice along the way.
  • Make sure everyone in your family knows what you are doing (and give them business cards). You want to make sure that when your Grandmother is talking to her friends about her grandchild, she mentions your web design business.
  • Join a networking group. Whether it is a free one your city provides or one with a little investment. These groups may not bring loads of business, but they can give you exposure and that can go a long way.

One last important thing worth mentioning is, be patient because things won't happen overnight. If you expect huge changes quickly you'll be discouraged and disappointed. Enjoy steady growth, expect hiccups and lulls, and always be ready to offer advice to others starting out.