20 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
20 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Choosing a city to move to: How can you determine which will give you more "Web Design" business?

by Byron2k12
17 replies
I'll ask this here instead of on yahoo answers since it's more likely someone might know. I'm living in Ireland, small country but however it does have a few large cities.

I'm moving to a particular city and after hours of checking google adwords keyword tool for demand pertaining to web design / ecommerce design and checking google search for competitors I still can not determine which city might result in more business based on demand and competition.

Is there a better way? I'm sure some freelancers here have some tips or experience they could throw to me.

Thanks a lot.
#business #choosing #city #determine #give #move #web design
  • Profile picture of the author Trev81
    Howya. Paddy here also. More population means more business opps. Where are you moving to?

    Message me mate I have a few ideas for ya. Worked in sales for years.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8059012].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author GB Solutions
    While being able to meet face to face is an extremely powerful thing, you can do just fine staying where you are and working.

    The reason I became an Internet Marketer is because I knew it was only going to get bigger, but mainly because I knew I could be literally ANYWHERE and still working. I own my own web design/ internet marketing/ promotions company and I do business with people all over the United States. My company is nothing flashy or crazy, but I find people through word of mouth, TONS find me through SEO, SEM, and some are even found on unlikely places like Craigslist. I live in St. Louis, but call on people from Chicago, Dallas, the whole east coast, etc. As long as you have compelling landing pages on ALL of your websites with lead capturing software, you don't have to move from where you are at by any means!
    Signature
    GB Solutions | Small Business Website & Marketing Solutions

    "To Strive, To Seek, To Find, and Not To Yield" -Tennyson
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8059030].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Byron2k12
      Originally Posted by GB Solutions View Post

      While being able to meet face to face is an extremely powerful thing, you can do just fine staying where you are and working.

      The reason I became an Internet Marketer is because I knew it was only going to get bigger, but mainly because I knew I could be literally ANYWHERE and still working. I own my own web design/ internet marketing/ promotions company and I do business with people all over the United States. My company is nothing flashy or crazy, but I find people through word of mouth, TONS find me through SEO, SEM, and some are even found on unlikely places like Craigslist. I live in St. Louis, but call on people from Chicago, Dallas, the whole east coast, etc. As long as you have compelling landing pages on ALL of your websites with lead capturing software, you don't have to move from where you are at by any means!

      That's a very good point! I was more focused on the one to one meet-ups. Maybe that part is overrated although personally I like the idea of meeting with the client but it's not everything.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8059114].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Enfusia
        There is no need to move whatsoever. Well, unless you can't get internet where you are.

        If your designs are REALLY good you'll lose more business thinking of only one geographical area as being your only playground.

        If you're really good, the world is your oyster, not just one city and not just your country either.

        Stay put and land clients buy giving value.

        Patrick
        Signature
        Free eBook =>
        The Secret To Success In Any Business
        Yes, Any Business!
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8059224].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author sogregory
    it kinda depends on what metric you want to use...at the end of the day it's subjective.

    First work out how many businesses in that area meet your demand target (you an get this from census reports or do a quick survey and extrapolate)

    then work find gaps in your calculation so if you are building website = how many businesses from the demand pool don't have websites or need websites..

    you can kinda use this to gauge of course it makes sense if you do a comparison with neighbouring citys/towns :-)
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8059247].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author arranrice
    Do you want to move outside or Ireland or stay in Ireland?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8059476].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author dvduval
    I personally like moving to new places. Make sure you have a little extra money saved in case there are extra expenses. Plan on it taking a couple of months to get adjusted to the new place. Beyond that, moving can do a lot for you. You'll meet new people. You'll see how people do business. You'll see the world in a different way. Main thing is hit the ground running in the new place. Make sure you have a plan to meet lots of new people, make friends, hand out cards, etc.
    Signature
    It is okay to contact me! I have been developing software since 1999, creating many popular products like phpLD.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8059488].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Charles AK
    I don't think your utilizing the internet to its full potential, why would you relocate to a different city to get more web design work?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8059889].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author dvduval
      Originally Posted by Charles AK View Post

      I don't think your utilizing the internet to its full potential, why would you relocate to a different city to get more web design work?
      I never depend solely on the internet, and meeting real people can be one of the most rewarding experiences possible.
      Signature
      It is okay to contact me! I have been developing software since 1999, creating many popular products like phpLD.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8060592].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author juicedmarketing
    I don't think this is something you need to uproot your life for. Find some people to work with in cites through CL or other methods and don't give up.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8060637].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author yukon
    Banned
    I was doing a search for the keyword landscaper on Google Maps last week, I noticed the majority of those listed didn't even have a one page site, or If they did it wasn't listed on a Google +/Place page.

    All those red dots are potential clients (landscaping niche) for one city (example: Dallas, TX US) for web design services & SEO.

    Go to Google maps & do a local search for keywords (ex: landscaper, landscaping, lawn mowing, etc...), If you don't find a website for any of those red dots on Google Maps, you'll probably still find a phone # or address, call or send a business card & tell them what you have to offer.



    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8060684].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Meharis
    Originally Posted by Byron2k12 View Post

    I'll ask this here instead of on yahoo answers since it's more likely someone might know. I'm living in Ireland, small country but however it does have a few large cities.

    I'm moving to a particular city and after hours of checking google adwords keyword tool for demand pertaining to web design / ecommerce design and checking google search for competitors I still can not determine which city might result in more business based on demand and competition.

    Is there a better way? I'm sure some freelancers here have some tips or experience they could throw to me.

    Thanks a lot.
    Byron2k12,

    After reading al the good recommendations not to move out, I believe it might be an other motive. Something deep in the back of your mind.

    Maybe "you're" the one that wants to move out and found the perfect justification...

    You've the final say but, If I was in your shoes, I would evaluate what everyone is
    mentioning to you. By the way, I agree with them.
    Cheers,

    Meharis
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8060779].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author AndrewCavanagh
      There are really too many variables to answer your question
      accurately.

      It really depends on what types of clients you're looking for,
      what lead generation method you use, a certain amount of
      luck etc etc.

      Generally speaking the higher the population the more potential
      clients there are but then you also have to figure in commuting
      time if you're going to meet clients face to face (some cities
      are a lot easier to travel around...some are a nightmare).


      As has already been mentioned you don't really need to move
      if you're getting clients remotely using email, mail, referrals,
      the telephone etc.

      Having said that if you really want to move the physical move can help you to
      take on a new mindset and really commit to getting out and
      meeting as many business owners as you can.

      Kindest regards,
      Andrew Cavanagh
      Signature
      Old School Copy Like This Is BACK & Converting Like Crazy!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8061046].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author TheEye
        It comes down to the clients you want to get.

        What level of company do you want to target?
        • Largest 100 companies in Ireland,
        • mid sized companies,
        • small companies,
        • businesses run from home

        Where can you meet the decision makers of these businesses.
        • Chamber of Commerce meetings,
        • information sessions run by councils,
        • business associations,
        • church or school meetings
        • etc.

        Which cities do you have family and friends in?

        They can recommend you to people they know.

        Decide on what you want to do and the business model you want to follow, then look to see which city is the most suitable.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8061116].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author dsouravs
    Either NYC or an African Jungle

    In NYC there are many buyers but market is too competitive... In Jungle few buyers but they have not seen a website so they will like to have one.

    Thank you
    Signature

    I can convert your Non-Responsive website to Responsive website ... How sweet is that? :)

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8061205].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author John Romaine
    This is definitely one of the most bizarre questions Ive read here.

    Just go where there's local business.
    Signature

    BS free SEO services, training and advice - SEO Point

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8061217].message }}

Trending Topics