6 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
6 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Getting Web Design Business off the ground!-?

by nikeman070
5 replies
I have been working with a few non profit organizations, Making them websites that is and I have a few personal websites so my list of sites made for my portfolio is a decent amount, all I need to do is build the portfolio.

I finally got my first client, I charged 300$ which is cheap just because he was my first one, I am also charging 50$ monthly for hosting and maintanince. My goal is to get 20 clients by december.

1. Is that goal to high? why did I choose 20 thats because I can make a living working with these same clients, I would be making near 1000 a month which can help me grow in other areas of IM and help get a place of my own.

2. What are some suggestions to getting the clients, My opinion was to pass out business cards to local business and people who might need a website, now as this sounds like the way to go can anyone add to it or give me forewarnings and ways to boost my method i guess you can say
#business #design #ground #web
  • Profile picture of the author Starfusion
    if i was personally in that game "web design" I'm from the United Kingdom and everyone receives a huge book with advertisements from businesses called the "yellow pages".

    I'm not sure if you receive something similar over there but here's an idea...

    If you can get your hands on this sort of stuff, Grab a cup of coffee and the "yellow pages" ringing up every business in the book from A to Z offering them huge discount and a designed website.

    Make your sales pitch like you are saving them thousands if they was to go elsewhere, a business without a website will snap your hands of at prices of $500+ $50 a month.

    You'll be surprised at how many will give you a go.

    Come to think of it, i think you have something similar called "White pages" I'm not sure, but you get the idea.

    Hope that helps.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4631330].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ColinChia
    Hey,

    It's definitely achievable...

    Now, I agree with #Innow you could approach businesses from (US) directories like:
    - YellowPages.com
    - SuperPages.com
    - Jigsaw.com (this one is secretly - my favourite)

    Next step, you could approach them by COLD CALLING, Email, Flyers, going to the actual premises, ect - totally upto you.

    Here is my only concern though... with the new found business, how are you going to cope with the sudden influx of activity and endless to do list? Outsource?

    Make sure you plan for it, especially if this is going to be a longterm business plan for you.

    Last but not least... I see you've already added in an upsell with hosting and maintenance - have you ever thought about SEO, Email Campaigns and other marketing strategies that could be of benefit to these offline organizations?

    Well... that's my 2 cents in - I've been there, still here doing it - so I know what your going through.

    Hope this helps,

    Colin
    Signature
    IT'S UNDISPUTED! :D You Make More Money Working With A Professional Copywriter.
    KAPOOOOOW! IT'S PANDAMONIUM BABY! <<< check out my page for more info!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4631548].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author richrajeevkistoo
    I think you cannot rely on 20 clients as in the web design business, recurrent income is not very stable.

    You can easily make usd 1000 by doing one new site for an offline client per month - Aim higher and go in with a business growth mind not a technical mind like you have.

    Fix a goal to work ON your business rather than in your business - E.g You easily target to get 2- new big projects a month and outsource any of the maintenance work. With the right positioning, you will be easily making at least 2-3 times your goal without working too hard.

    I have been doing web business for the past 5 years and I know exactly what i am talking about.

    If you need more insight, please skype me and i will give you some pointers.

    Thanks
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4631580].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author weblink29
    I used this in the past. Contact your town clerk. I live by a major city. I contacted the town clerk and bought lists from them of all the new dba's submitted. I then sent the new dba owners a snail mail trifold mailer offer. It takes some work and some postage but it's a simple way to reach people just starting their business.

    Good luck.
    Signature

    Nothing to see here folks.....move along.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4631668].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author DustonMcGroarty
    I think everyone above answered your questions... if I had any advice it would be to MAKE THEM AN OFFER.

    This is the biggest mistake businesses make in their advertising. Creating a website from scratch is overwhelming to local businesses. If you give them a laundry list of what you do, you will only confuse them.

    Make them ONE offer for a project that you can easily handle an abundance of and run with it.
    Signature
    ==> Free: Affiliate Marketing Case Studies & Tutorials
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4635884].message }}

Trending Topics