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Home » The Famous Blog » How to Start a Web Design Business

How to Start a Web Design Business

February 2, 2012 - Last Modified: March 28, 2013 by Rob Cubbon 3,804

Start Design Business

There are many more web pages in the internet as there are humans on planet earth. Each one of those web pages needed a designer or a developer to make it look good and work correctly. Quite clearly there is huge demand for web design businesses.

Starting your own web design business can be exciting and rewarding. In a stagnent economy, entrepreneurial activity tends to increase. There is nothing better to use your talents and passions in order to create a lasting source of revenue. But starting a business takes effort, and careful planning. So, once you have established the talent and the idea, what is the next step?

Create a business plan

A business plan or model defines the core activities of the business and some basic strategies for deploying them. Businesses that can maximize their online practices and business dealings have much less overheads than traditional retail locations. Less overheads equals higher profit margins. Web design services can begin with some home office space, software, and online promotion.

As you develop your business model, you will want to define your ideal customer and develop a company slogan to be used in conjunction with your marketing efforts. Think about how you can reach potential clients in the most effective manner. Part of developing your business model should include research on potential competitors.

An important mantra in business is not to reinvent the wheel!

Take the opportunity to learn from the mistakes of another business, and to alternatively, piggyback on successful strategies.

A word of advice here (that comes after years of making mistakes): try to compete in terms of quality of service; don’t try to compete in terms of price.

Develop an online presence

Once you have your business plan, you need to open up shop. If you are going to be developing websites, you should be able to refer customers to your own website. Remember that your website serves two functions – promoting your business and presenting your product. Your website will show potential customers what type of product they can expect.

The overall look of your website is important as it showcases your abilities as a web designer.

The actual content of the website is important in order to maximize web searches. It is highly recommended that you research SEO (search engine optimization) as well as social media promotion as you design and build your website.

You should be working on your website every single day! Not only should it be constantly improved in terms of design, speed and usability, you also should be constantly writing quality articles for your blog and promoting them as the best way to attract clients is with content marketing and SEO.

Establish referral relationships

Simply putting up the “open” sign on your shop does not guarantee business. It is also a good idea to partner with existing businesses who have established customer bases. This can be accomplished with some creative negotiating and leveraging. Think about strategic business relationships, and move forward from there.

There are a lot of designers hanging around on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Google+. Spend a bit of time engaging with other people in your field in social media. If you build enough trust you will win referrals this way.

Once you build a website for a client, they will need that website hosted. Partner with an established web hosting company, and use that partnership to generate referrals back and forth. If done properly, these types of relationships can become mutually beneficial, and they can help a new business establish a customer pipeline. Remember that as you establish a customer base; add a page to your website highlighting testimonials, and links to completed websites.

It’s a good idea to ask past clients to write glowing testimonials and to recommend you to their friends and associates.

Sell, sell, sell

Now, it’s go time. Often in a business, the first few sales will have a snowball effect on operations. Think about promotions for the first 50 customers. Offer reductions for up-front payments. The goal is to get a small base of satisfied customers as quickly as possible. Remember that both good and bad products and services generate word of mouth advertising. Solicit referrals by offering discounts, and refer customers to your business partners as often as you can.

What do you think?

Are you running a design business or thinking about starting one? Was this advice useful to you? What barriers are there in your life or the marketplace that are stopping your success in this field? I would love to hear what you think in the comments below

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Filed Under: Design, Marketing

About Rob Cubbon

Follow @RobCubbon

I am a web designer and marketer from London, England. I write and blog at RobCubbon.com. I also have another blog called Genuine Hypnosis about personal development.

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{ 48 Responses }

  1. John Romaine says:
    "try to compete in terms of quality of service; don’t try to compete in terms of price.." This is the best piece of advice here. So many freelancers undercharge (most due to inexperience or a lack of confidence)
    • Rob Cubbon says:
      Hey John, thanks for the comments, both here and on my blog! Yes, many freelancers undercharge, especially when they're just starting out. It's important to start charging properly for a proper service as soon as possible.
  2. Victor says:
    Excellent post, Rob! From my experience, I want to add that you must not limit yourself by making partnership with designers and hosting owners only. You can build up partnership with tutorials, plugins, etc. authors: sooner or later you will benefit from these relations.
    • Rob Cubbon says:
      I absolutely agree, Victor, obviously concentrate on partnerships within your own niche but, by all means, branch out to have partnerships with all sorts of people – both in real life and online.
  3. Neil Pearce says:
    I agree with Mellissa about establishing a working relationship with bigger web agencies who wouldn't be interested in the smaller projects and would rather outsource them to freelancers. That's how I started six months ago and it's still going strong. There is one other way I use to gain work and that is by writing tutorials on web design/development for industry blogs and magazines. I have been writing for the 'web designer' magazine now for over two years and just started writing for other blogs as well as starting my own tutorial blog called dodtuts.co.uk. If done right, you will get noticed more and couple that with a decent portfolio, no matter how saturated this industry is, you will always find work :o)
    • Rob Cubbon says:
      I've personally found that working for agencies puts a barrier between yourself and the client and reduces the money available. Guest posting and starting a different blog are great ideas but, again personally, I would also concentrate on the blog on your own site that advertises your services as that's the site that will get you the best clients. Thanks for your comment, Neil.
  4. Don says:
    I almost did a web design business, but opted for computer repair and SEO instead. With web design you are working with customers who many times don't know what they want themselves, or want something that is unrealistic, or want it at an unrealistic price.
    • Rob Cubbon says:
      The trick is, Don, to get clients that do know what they want and charge premium prices. Ignore the noobs and tire-kickers as potential clients.
      • Jupiter Jim says:
        Rob, You are so right on. I DO NOT include my phone number on my website. (I design only WordPress Websites and Blogs). I have a message on my contact page that says that the best way to contact me is through email. 98% of all their questions are already answered on my website. If they email me, I answer their question or referr them to my website. That way I am not constantly interrupted during the day AND being drained of precious energy trying to convince someone to work with me. So by the time, I finally pick up the phone and call the prospect, we already know that we are probably gonna work together and what the project is going to be on. So, luckily, this system has allowed me to screen my prospects and only talk with winners. I even disabled my voicemail so I don't have to listen to long ridiculous messages and then feel obligated to reply to them. Clients know that they can text me and I'll get back with them ASAP. Or they can email me and I'll get back to them within minutes or hours. So my clients are taken care of and "tire-kicking" prospects are filtered out of the loop! ~ Jupiter Jim
        • Rob Cubbon says:
          Absolutely, Jim, I always try to do as little as possible by phone and as much by email as I can. People tend to only concentrate on the most important points on email which helps. Email has a structure whereas phone conversations can go all over the place. There is a record of email whereas phone conversations are never recorded so you can't refer back to them. Plus insisting on email only gets rid of the time wasters. It's win-win – although, as with everything, there are exceptions.
  5. neojit says:
    Nice post, having a design company is a great money machine in this internet era. I'm looking forward to read more posts from you.
    • Rob Cubbon says:
      Thanks, neojit
  6. Dedy Elfika says:
    Having a webdesign company (even a little one) is one of my dream, since it is a potential market in all the world.
    • Rob Cubbon says:
      You can do it, Dedy!
    • Jupiter Jim says:
      Dedy, It's not so easy, but YOU CAN DO IT! A journey of 1,000 miles starts with a single step. The key is to never give up. I am self-taught 99%, so you can teach yourself too with good books, videos and websites! Never give up on your dream.
      • Rob Cubbon says:
        Absolutely, Jim. Anything is possible! :)
  7. Brian Hourigan says:
    Great article. I started my own web design company a month or so ago, and I'm just starting to get off the ground. I partnered up early with a photographer and logo design company that my friends started so we can share clients. So far I only have one, but it's a start! The big step now is to just get my name out there. I'm experimenting with a few methods, including Google AdWords, and I'm toying with the idea of running a newspaper ad. Just need to get my first few clients so I can get the ball rolling! I couldn't agree more about your site needing to be perfect. I don't want to even think about how many hours have gone into mine, but that's what you're judged on! Any specific advice on how to get your first few clients so the referrals can start pouring in? Again, great article, thanks for the info.
    • Rob Cubbon says:
      Hey, Brian, I'm glad you found the article useful. In terms of getting clients I would continue to concentrate on your site, start a blog (essential) and promote your latest posts and do everything you can to get links and social votes to your site. This is the most important thing. Continue to try to meet business people in your area. Personally, I wouldn't bother with Adwords or newspaper ads. There's more info on my site. Get in touch if you would like any more advice.
  8. Jamie Northrup says:
    If you're passionate about design than it's a great and fun way to make money, I used to do it, but now make more money being a web consultant and outsourcing the design process.
    • Rob Cubbon says:
      Using outsourcing is a great way to scale the business, Jamie.
  9. geetha says:
    Thanks a lot for this article.I have my plans to start an online bussiness soon.And will take these points as suggestions. Anyway iam not in a hurry to start it today.Iam presently trying to learn all the strategies,so once i start my bussiness i should not repent.
    • Rob Cubbon says:
      Thank you, Geetha. Fair enough that you want some things in place before you start. Although I have to say my one regret is that I didn't start sooner. Remember you can start in your spare time. :)
  10. Saikrishna says:
    Thanks for the post Rob, this could help me in some cases. As am a Computer Science student am planning to launch a Software based company or IT Infrastructure Company. Well some of the points dragged me to read this post :) .
    • Rob Cubbon says:
      Thanks, Saikrishna, I hope some of these points can help you with your software/IT company. I think many of the ideas I wrote about concern business in general. Best of luck!
      • Saikrishna says:
        Yeah i agree when coming to the topic on "Creating a business plan" and "Developing an online presence" is required for anyone, which is a good point to begin something.
  11. Devesh says:
    Great stuff, Rob. Building relationship with other people in your industry is the first step and that's how i did it. I think if you have strong relationship with your customers or people in your niche, you can easily drive tens of hundreds of leads. Thanks for sharing this great post, Rob. Have a great weekend. -Dev
    • Rob Cubbon says:
      Thank Dev. Relationships are so important. If you have authority in your niche and are known as a good person to do business with you'll go far. Have a great weekend yourself.
  12. Abhi Balani says:
    hmm. It's true, for starting a web design business, most importantly, his/her website should be attractive, fast and perfect. So that, the customers can believe the web designing skills of the owner. Isn't it? I'm not running any business, right now. But hopefully, will start soon.
    • Rob Cubbon says:
      What's stopping you, Abhi? Time? Let me know and I'll see if I can help. :)
      • Abhi Balani says:
        Not exactly, but yes it's time. Actually, I'm pursuing my bachelors of technology in computer science. But I'm really interested to start something like, designing graphics, buttons, logos etc with the help of my Photoshop skills and etc, with my studies. And I'm not so familiar with these, like where and how to start. So understanding, learning.
        • Rob Cubbon says:
          I see. You could always start a stie and try to rank it for "web designer [your-city]" or something like that. This way you could maybe get some work to do in your spare time while you're still studying. Just an idea.
          • Abhi Balani says:
            Honestly, it really sounds good. I already have some blogs: oddblogger . com . And currently I've participated in a blogging contest. I'd be grateful if you read my entry (linked below) and give your worthy thoughts on that. Of course share it, I really want to win. And a BIG thanks for your informative and helpful reply. I'll stay in touch with you for sure..
            • Rob Cubbon says:
              Yes, I had a look at your blogs. In fact, you could put a "Hire me" link on those blogs and not only offer your design services but writing and SEO as well? That certainly was a great guest post success – and good article too – I'll share it!
            • Abhi Balani says:
              Ohh really? You visited my blogs, too. Hope you liked them. I'm really glad for this. Thanks for your kind help. Thanks for sharing. And yes, I can call it guest post success. It was my very first guest post. Thank you very much, Rob.
  13. Ricardus says:
    I think it will be great as well if you can create a community by using social media approach.
    • Rob Cubbon says:
      Yes Ricardus, social media can be used to build relationships.
  14. Siddarth Rajsekar says:
    Super post. Definitely a bright future for start up web development companies..!
    • Rob Cubbon says:
      Thank you, Siddarth, there's certainly a lot of work out there for us!
      • Darryl says:
        Do you guys honestly believe starting up a web design company is such a good idea? It seems like a saturated market to me. Competition is fierce. Not only do you have to worry about outsourcing but everyone and their dog seem to be in the business. Now lets beak down the market and see how that plays out. Mom and pop customers are very hard to acquire. First, there are plenty do-it-yourself solutions that include very attractive templates and hosting. Second, you will always face competition from "the nephew" or some other relative/friend. Third, many people favor blogs / social media over having their own website. Small and medium size businesses. Now the problem is the status quo. You are going up against the current service provider. If they are big enough I can guarantee you they will have their own dedicated staff, if not a full-fledged IT department. Large companies. Fugetaboutit! They ain't buying from no start-up shop and they have their own IT/marketing departments. Now, if you are friends with some head honcho at a large company who can help you get started, that changes things, especially that gets you referrals at other large companies. Connections, connections, connections. If you are well connected, build a team and go for it. Otherwise... fugetaboutit! Disclaimer: I'm a pessimist.
        • Rob Cubbon says:
          Darryl, there are a lot of designers out there, but there's a huge amount of work. So there's no need to worry about saturation. The social media market was saturated when Facebook went into it, the MP3 player market was saturated when Apple launched the iPod. If you don't go for anything because other people are doing it you'll end up doing nothing. Who says mom and pop customers always have a nephew? Some do and you'll be better than him. Some of my best clients are small and medium sized business with their IT departments who don't have a particular expertise. Also, I have clients who are Fortune 500 companies for who I do just little jobs – PDFs and microsites – the work's out there if you have a good site to attract clients. Believe me, I've been doing this for 6 or 7 years – no help from my friends, just work from my website. Please, people, believe me. This can be done!
          • Darryl says:
            Thank you for the reply, Rob. I do agree the statement "If you don’t go for anything because other people are doing it you’ll end up doing nothing." I can put together a very good website. It does sound interesting...
            • Rob Cubbon says:
              Best of luck if you decide to go for it!
  15. doug_eike says:
    Doing quality work on every project will carry the day. Of course, optimizing your own webpage so that you get your share of Internet traffic will help, too, but the key is to have your former clients out there talking about what a great job you did for them. Thanks for the insights!
    • Rob Cubbon says:
      Definitely so much better to compete on quality rather than price, Doug! Yes, I did a survey of a small sample of designers and found as many as two thirds of work comes from existing clients or from referrals from existing clients. Your current clients are your best new clients! Thanks for the comment.
  16. Rob Cubbon says:
    Hi Melissa, thanks for your comment. Yes, relationships are great for getting referrals (as well as great for other things, advice, info, etc.) Well done for teaming up with large agencies – not always an easy thing to do.
  17. Arelthia says:
    Rob, Thanks for the post Rob. I have learned that having a marketing plan is important. My biggest mistake was/is not setting side enough time to work on my business. Local events can also be a great source of clients.
    • Rob Cubbon says:
      Thank you, Arelthia. You're absolutely right about events, I forgot to mention those. There is no substitute for meeting someone face to face – I get a lot of clients this way too.
  18. Melissa Agnes says:
    Hi Rob, I have a boutique interactive agency, and I'd have to say that, in the beginning (and even today considering we're still a small group of people), your point on establishing referral relationships is one of the most strategic and beneficial. The best way I've accomplished this is by creating relationships and a good reputation with bigger agencies who have clients with major budgets. Whenever a prospective client comes their way, whose budget is lower than what they accept, they refer my smaller, but very capable and results oriented agency. Great advice!

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