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Starting out as a Web Design Company

by Inkfeeds
7 replies
Hello everyone,

We are a small team of web designers that have got together after some months of preparation. We're building up slowly but still don't have an important porftolio to attract customers.

What would be your advise to starting out when being a new company? Should we provide a few custom designs for free?

Thanks.
#designer #starting #web
  • Profile picture of the author sudo rank
    Have any of you got portfolios? That would be my starting point, no one will hire you without seeing some examples of your past work.
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    • Profile picture of the author Inkfeeds
      Yes we do, but since they worked under other companies, they cannot link to their designs since they are considered as their old company's work.
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  • Profile picture of the author RS3RS
    Without a portfolio, it's going to be very difficult. Also, considering word of mouth can be a killer marketing technique among small businesses, I would recommend this:

    Contact a few businesses (of various types, to diversify your portfolio) that have crappy websites. Briefly explain your situation: That you're a great designer, and need some work to fill your portfolio. Offer to do a redesign for them free of charge.

    Sure, you don't make money right away, but it will pay off in the long run. When you're done, tell them for any business they can refer your way, you'll kick 25% of the cost back to them as a referral bonus.

    It's not the easiest way, but the best way rarely is. Again, it'll pay off in the long run.
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  • Profile picture of the author JensSteyaert
    How about starting a thread here in the warriors looking to hire you section and give out a bunch of review copies?

    You're going to have to do some free work, but an impressive portfolio is necessary to make the sales.

    You could even consider launching a thread here in the classified ads section or even Wso section to kickstart your business after you've given out review copies. Just take a good look there and see how other businesses did it, i'm sure you can find some inspiration.

    Plus, there's always work for designers if you know where your potential customers are.
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  • Profile picture of the author ChantalVanderlaan
    I used to do web design and I got started on Elance - that's how I built up my portfolio. I no longer work on Elance though because it seems that clients (in general) want all the bells and whistles but they want it done for almost nothing...I found it difficult to make a decent income.

    I did a couple of freebies for local businesses and that did help to get my name out there a bit.
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  • Profile picture of the author Inkfeeds
    Thanks for the help and advice. We will be offering some free designs then to build up a good portfolio.
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    • Profile picture of the author Steve B
      Here's a thought . . .

      Find some great domain names that you can register that are very brandable. Design a logo for each one.

      Sell the logo + the domain name together. It would give a head start to someone wanting to get into that niche. And it would help pay you for creating the logo + give you some ammunition to build your portfolio.

      Steve
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