Getting Back into Website Design

Well, it really depends on what you want to say, versus what you want to show.

In my experience, clients look for a number of different qualities in a website designer. It ranges from professionalism, diversity (ability to showcase different design styles); hosting options (resell through a company), graphic design (logos, banners, etc); the ability to implement various types of software (e-commerce, slideshows, directories, video galleries, etc).

Really, though, what most clients look for is stability. They want a dependable, reliable web designer who answers emails daily. One who is very up front, articulate and honest. One who not only takes their ideas and crafts a product, but one who can also give input into different options which they may be able to benefit from. You should put your best effort into your website and try to come off as a legitimate company, instead of a freelancer. I find this works out best in the end when you can prove to your clients that this is your fulltime job, instead of some side-gig between classes.

There are other factors to consider such as your target audience. Are you marketing to business, bloggers or a combination of both? If so, you should articulate that you are capable of scaling your work to large, and small projects alike. You also must decide on what type of work you plan on doing. Are you willing to drop your own personal web design company (if you purchase a DBA) and work for a company if they hire you? Always have a contact which lays out your milestones, payment structure, legal responsibilities and other aspects which will cover you.

You should either go into this full-swing and do it official (if you want to work for yourself); or seek employment as a web designer for a company. The whole "freelance" thing is filled with sketchy boundaries, and often times ends up being more work than you had planned on it. A few years ago when I was just freelancing and taking on any job that came my way, I had no rules. I didn't consider it a "full time" thing, so I didn't treat it as a "full time" thing. This lead to some clients who would try to take advantage of me, or re-write the rules on me mid-way through a project. I quickly learned that I needed to be very professional about conducting business (contracts, invoicing, taxes, rules and boundaries, etc).

You will run into many different types of people out there. I've had some amazing, nice, generous clients ever since I've become more legitimate in my practice, and I say that it was well worth it for me, because no longer am I jumping through hoops due to "grey" areas. Some other pieces of advice would be to always lay out a payment structure via milestones. Week # 1 - This happens/Payment | Week# 2 - This happens | Payment. That way, you aren't waiting until the end to take payment, but you also aren't taking it all up front and getting yourself in a bind. If something happens or changes at one of the milestones, you've accepted payment for that milestone before work starts and you won't be in a bind.

The best rule is to control the flow of productivity, and always let your clients know exactly how your process of development works - before you ever sign anything. Put your milestones and payment requirements in your contract. Getting back on track to some aspects that clients may look for, these days, in web designers; I'll go back to diversity. I've had many clients who want me to do some extra design work for them (business cards, fylers) and some who've even asked for technical support with computers. You should let it be known, either through your vocabulary or work, that you are a Jack of All Trades. Because, as you know in this business, we really do have be Jack of All Trades.

I know that I've written a quite lengthy response to your question, but just know that you need to take this seriously. I have a partner who I share work with, and we take turns advertising, marketing, designing and coding. It's nice to have a helping hand, so always be on the look out to network. Use all the tools at your disposal (skype, drop-box, craigslist, reseller server accounts, etc). The more options that you can offer a client, the more appealing your services will be to them; and in the end you will build their trust. Because, honestly - if there's one thing that this field (web design) lacks, is customer support and customer loyalty/trust. Almost every client of mine has been burned by one of these "$199 Template Modification" dudes from India, named Bob. You need to be able to understand the needs of your client and be able to have an honest discussion with them. If you don't think one of their ideas works, then give them an alternative that's better. Always try to be their "go-to" guy.

Another tip of advice is to go the extra-mile. The customer is always right. Remember that. Unless... they are trying to re-write the rules of your contract. But, if you can throw in a little something extra to show that you value their business, then do it. Never make a client feel dumb for not understanding something - and always be polite. One reason why I'm successful against my competition is because I will take the time to talk with my clients, either over the phone or via email. Don't be one of those "cookie-cutter" pre-package type of guys. Go the extra mile. If you have any specific questions feel free to PM me, or you can find my contact info at my site (in my footer).

Best luck! And sorry for the long winded response.

Edit: Also! Never, ever, stop learning. Just because you know some coding, don't stop practicing. Continue to look at websites for inspiration - go back over your HTML/CSS literature. Dabble in other forms of coding. Stay on top of your game. Make it your main focus and you can't fail.

Edit 2: One thing I forgot to mention was SEO! Oh man. SEO is probably one of the top most requested skills you'll need to know. I suggest you touch up on HTML5's semantic markup for better seo.

I think the comments above already cover almost all aspects...