Web design/graphic design business

Skydragon,

You're asking for help from your direct competitors so they can have more competition. Don't expect a lot with that approach.

Since you said you were mainly concerned about creating a business plan, I would suggest you use the search function of the forum and search on "business plan." You should be able to get the help you need. Just modify the plan to suit your particular business model.

Good luck,

Steve

Thank you. Please be supportive and refer to personal experience in the domain.

Everything is about results.

Get a portfolio together of past work you have done for people.

If it's quality then you will get clients. I am always willing to pay more money for quality as are a lot of other people.

If you're really good you shouldn't have a hard time acquiring clients. Start off with marketplaces such as Guru.com and Freelancer.com. There are probably dozens more. You can also sell your services on Ebay. Start a website as well, but this is a very competitive market. Your website may not get that much traffic.

firstly, pardon me for my english... not the first language

Try to promote your service here first as starter...

one suggestion...

if you try to build a name for yourself and selling service... "prepare not to get paid to get your client trust" - client's satisfaction is really really important...

it's not always, but most of people will ask you an inquiry before making order (especially with new service provider :>) .. which mean there's still doubt / lack of trust with a "new" designer... i'm NOT saying "new" as lack of experience, but rather "new" as "barely know you"... i hope you get what i meant... :>

and it's really up to you how to erase that doubt...
one can use their appealing PORTFOLIOS to attract customer and gain their trust (which is of course one of the important part)

but here, i want to share something which i think it's really useful as first step to gain trust with new clients...

here's what i usually do...

If i find a new client that has doubt with my service, i give my client a design preview FIRST (watermarked or resized smaller) instead of asked for payment first... (of course if the client make payment first, then of course it's a good thing )

and if my client is satisfied, then you can asked him/her to make the payment and then continue the project...
(although, i usually ask the payment after the project is 100% done.... and yes, i fully trust my client :> even though i experienced with some of them ran away after the project is done...lol)

BUT, if your client is not really satisfied with your works, here's you have to accept reality that there's a lack of skill or design style difference with your client... don't ask for money if your client is not satisfied with your work... it's better not to get paid than your client ask for refund...

i give 2x design preview for unsatisfied client... and if those 2 preview still not working, then i will not accept his/her project now and in the future :> (and, as i said before, i don't received any money for these 2 design)

that way, it's really a win - win situation for your CLIENT. They don't have to spend any money for a design that they think not working, or they will willingly pay for design that they like... (that's why i said in the first place : prepare not to get paid to get your client trust

it's very important to gain trust from your client... and remember... client's satisfaction is priority :>

oh, one more thing, never use insulting words can be your first step to gain trust... lol

Hope this helps...

Warm regards,
Hendy August