12 replies
Hey Guys,

I just wanted some advice from those of you run or have run a web design/development business.

I have have just finished my site for my new web design business and am am targeting small businesses and sole traders in my local area who need professional looking static sites. I'll be using squarespace for this.

I was wondering what you guys thought of website packages and whether you have had any success selling them to clients?

I know a lot of web designers don't do this and prefer to discuss a clients requirements first and then quote them.

As I am building fairly basic websites I think I can get the majority of info I need from a form so was thinking of selling packages which prompts you to fill the requirements needed for the site and then agreeing to a contract before paying at checkout. I ask them to pay half upfront and the remaining half upon completion. The price I have put for the packages suit the time frames I know i can complete the sites in.

I have seen a few top web agency's use this model for smaller sites.

Have any of you used this model and was it successful for smaller businesses?

Any advice would be really appreciated!

Thanks in advance for anyone who replies.
#good #idea
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  • Profile picture of the author ChrisBa
    It's best to try it and see how it does for you.

    Unfortunately this space is very saturated but doesn't mean it can't work for you.
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  • Profile picture of the author ChrisBa
    I do kind of like the idea of packages. I personally hate when people won't give a quote without a full interview on everything.
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  • Profile picture of the author Steve B
    Just a thought.

    I think your best chance of success in a very crowded space is to offer the prospect a very personal and customized solution to his web site needs. Remember that business is not necessarily about what you want for your clients - it's about what they want and what you can do for them.

    Structured packages are sold by all kinds of web development businesses. It will be difficult to wrestle market share from those already established in that space. There is far less competition from developers who strictly cater to businesses that are seeking unique and personally tailored solutions. Getting in this space will allow you to work with higher-end clients and tap into your creativity and design talents and get paid more for you customer engineered solutions.

    The best to you,

    Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
    Another option is to set yourself up as a hosting reseller, design a site for them for free, and make your money off the hosting fees and site updates. You may not make as much money at first, but you'd have recurring income and probably make more in the long run, assuming they'd be pleased with your service.
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    • Profile picture of the author melpa64
      Also a good idea, not sure if squarespace would allow you to host your own sites as they host them all. Thanks for the reply Dennis. Much appreciated.
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      • Profile picture of the author Frank Donovan
        Originally Posted by melpa64 View Post

        Also a good idea, not sure if squarespace would allow you to host your own sites as they host them all.
        So would your clients have to renew their hosting with Squarespace each year? If so, would you receive any recurring commission? What about ongoing site maintenance?

        Also, it doesn't seem a very flexible arrangement for a business or sole trader - unless they just wanted a temporary web presence.

        I agree with Steve and Dennis. Either offer a more personal, bespoke service, or set up a package deal to include hosting, web design and maintenance.
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        • Profile picture of the author melpa64
          It is a one off payment for the site plus hosting which needs to be renewed every year. Unfortunately I don't get money from this as you say. Once the website is complete I charge hourly for any updates needed. am i allowed to post a link to my website on here?
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  • Profile picture of the author st0nec0ld
    Yes I agree with Chris. If you think some developers/designers don't do this kind of stuff then be the first to do it. Stand out, don't be afraid to try things on your own. It is actually good to self experiment. Just make sure to think about the pros and cons.
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  • Profile picture of the author emmajames1124
    Sounds good that you are going to try. Please go ahead and definitely it will work.
    All the best
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