|
So you're a web designer, awesome, but how do you grow your
business? I mean, how do you get it from being a one-man operation
begging for work to a multiple employee company turning down work?
Eventually every business person reaches a point when they ask
themselves this very question. Have no fear, below are several steps
and ideas to help you grow your web design business.
Make sure your website looks good.
Regardless of what others may tell you, you NEED a website of your own. You NEED
a portfolio to show work you've done. And yes, it has to look good. Too
often people do not spend enough time on their own website, myself
included. Yet most of the time your prospects get their first
impressions within 30 seconds of viewing your website. Make an impact!
Have it look nice, appealing, and interactive, yet keep it professional.
Do you have business cards?
If not, you NEED
them. Even though you are trying to grow a web company it doesn't mean
you avoid brick-n-mortar methods. No matter what new-fangled device is
created to beam contact information from one smart object to the next,
there is just something to say about receiving a business card. The
touch, feel, design, and presentation are all important. In Japan, for
example, you are expected to exchange cards and immediately compliment
something on the other person's card, otherwise it s considered
offensive. Spend time on the design and include only the basic
information. I've seen cards that are so full you can't see any
whitespace. While keeping it professional, make sure you make your card
stand out; when someone gets 20 cards, you want to make sure they
remember yours.
Write and live your business plan.
In
the excitement of starting your business don't lose sight of a good
plan. Like any good trip, if you have no idea where you re going, you
don't likely know the best way to get there. There are many good
resources out there that help you learn what to include in, and how to
write, a business plan, all you have to do is search. Just make sure
you list some goals, how you're going to get there, and then start
doing it.
Network Effectively
This is
the biggest tip of all. I am convinced that over 90% of your business
will be a direct result of some sort of networking. It IS
extremely important to the growth of your web company. Networking can
take many forms, so it is important to know how. You can do any or all
of the following:
- Visit and participate in web
design forums. By providing valuable information for others, you can
develop a great working relationship with others.
- Exchange
business cards with everyone you meet. The more your cards are out
there, the more potential mouthpieces you have for your business.
- Start
a blog. Provide valuable information to either potential clients or
others and you begin building trust. Trust and confidence leads to
business growth.
- Initiate relationships with your
heroes. Try to contact those web designers that you look up to, no
matter who they are, and start building a relationship with them. They
can be useful assets providing invaluable information and advice along
the way.
- Make sure everyone in your family knows what
you are doing (and give them business cards). You want to make sure
that when your Grandmother is talking to her friends about her
grandchild, she mentions your web design business.
- Join
a networking group. Whether it is a free one your city provides or one
with a little investment. These groups may not bring loads of business,
but they can give you exposure and that can go a long way.
One
last important thing worth mentioning is, be patient because things
won't happen overnight. If you expect huge changes quickly you'll be
discouraged and disappointed. Enjoy steady growth, expect hiccups and
lulls, and always be ready to offer advice to others starting out.
|
iEntry 10th Anniversary
Announcements
Contact
