5 MUST HAVES Before Starting Your Web Design Business

1. Make sure you have a professional website 

Ask yourself. If I brought 1 million people to your website tomorrow, what would their reaction be by creating a professional website? You can drastically increase the number of clients, get more referrals, compare yourself with your competitors and see how you can improve your design. Remember image is everything!

2. Create a pricing model that people can't refuse

There are many different ways to price your web design services. Personally, I like 50% down, 25% when almost done and then 25% upon completion to protect you from slow paying clients. With 50% down, the client has committed and will be more likely to stay with you. Never asked for all the money up front because they don't trust you and never ask for too little because then they might leave. If the client can't afford the services then perhaps you have the wrong client. 

3. Create an online contract

An online contract can protect you from future disputes with your clients. This gives the client protection as much as yourself to help both parties. I also find that contracts will help you protect yourself against chargebacks so you can have some sort of documentation to show merchants if that ever happens. So protect yourself, make a contract.

4. Create an amazing proposal 

Proposals give the client representation of yourself and your business. I can't stress how important it is to have a rockstar proposal. This is your only chance to convince the clients that they are safe with you and you know what you're doing. Many leads are lost due to poor proposals and just not including enough information. Personally, I make my proposals, so professional that, I want the client to feel dumb if they don't take my service. So before you spend a dollar on marketing, make sure you have something to show your clients. That would make them feel lucky that they got your service. 

5. Managing your clients

Your clients are busy people and don't always have time for phone calls. They don't want to deal with their website all the time. This is good for you. A service like Manage WP can send detailed reports of what's going on with your clients website, without the hassle of calling them. You can send a detailed reports of their website and progress that will make the client feel more secure and happy that they went with your services. Keep in mind that your clients have jobs to, but you also need to keep them informed. At the same time, remember the less they call you the better? So remember, don't nag your clients but just keep them in the loop of what's going on and when they can expect their website to be completed.

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