Web design is a rapidly growing branch of the global marketplace, and one that is constantly in demand. Small wonder, really: any business which aspires to success nowadays has to have a dominant online presence, and quality web design can do wonders towards that end.
This means that your web design company will never be short of clients, but never short of ambitious rivals, either. Here are a few tips from real life experience to help you outgrow all the other startups and establish your business as a successful, reliable entity. You can check out the website of this Chichester web designer for an example of good practice.
Approach your market in your own unique way.
This might sound a tad too fluffy to be applicable, but bring it down to Earth with this question: what can you do that others cannot, or are not doing well, that people will pay for? Unlike what many people think, marketing does not lose importance in tech based business, in fact, quite the opposite. With so many entrepreneurs turning their eye to the virtual world, the need to stand out is greater than ever.
So how can you accomplish that? One idea would be specializing for a new or tricky to use platform (as basically anyone can take up WordPress nowadays). You can offer services aimed at below a certain budget, or bundle them in a particular way. You can even flip the common logic around and focus on one narrow segment of the market, targeting only one or two specific, perhaps overlooked groups (e.g. focus on restaurants, schools, tattoo salons or such).
Avoid the clients from the back of the trash truck.
Yes, this is a thing, and yes, you are absolutely allowed to avoid it in a wide loop. Not all clients are good clients; in fact, some of them seem to have crawled right out of Hell. Who are the “trash truck clients”? Those who don’t pay, who add extra workload outside the agreement and in general drain your energy and resources. Check out this link for a comprehensive overview.
How can you avoid them? Look out for warning signs: disregarding your advice, not paying initial invoices, constantly “not understanding” what you communicate, trying to avoid paying the standard or reasonable price for work of corresponding quality etc. Always ask for a percentage in advance, and do your best to never release the finished site before the final invoice is paid.
Try to get at least some of your leads from real life connections, as there are all kinds of risky characters online. Establish in advance whether your client is willing to pay a reasonable price for a quality product. Finally, don’t sell yourself too cheap, as low rates attract all kinds of unrealistic and unprofessional lunatics.
Personal branding beats corporate branding!
A simple way to understand this idea is to remember this: people prefer to do business with people whenever possible. In other words, your clients want to feel a personal connection, and to have an assurance that they are dealing with a fellow human, rather than a bot or some disinterested desk employee. Aim to make them feel individually appreciated, even if you have a list of the same kind of folks to deal with.
How? Basically, personalize your communication. Have your picture on your website, sign your emails with your own name, and send them from an address that implies a person rather than a generic corporate mailbox. Don’t be afraid of letting some personal information slip into your messages – your likes, experiences, how you relate to your client’s situation.
Read more about “the people approach” at this link: https://www.zyxassociates.com/people-brand/embarce-people-approach/
Make your clients want to come back.
In other words, never really let them go. Even after the project is complete, maintain friendly relationships and find ways to turn them into recurring business.
Establish ongoing communication. Check in every once in a while. Offer monthly service packages. If there is a long-term project, keep your clients engaged with monthly, weekly, or bi-weekly progress reports.
Your list of regular clients is a very persuasive factor in the eyes of potential new ones, and selling a new product is easier if you have existing clients to offer it to.
This may seem like a lot to take in and implement all of a sudden, but it certainly is possible – and moreover, it is certainly effective. Now, obviously, these tips can be implemented in your business no matter where it is located. So, even if you are based outside Chichester, or plan to relocate and rebuild in the near future – roll up your sleeves, jot this down and get to growing your company into the amazing business you envisioned at the start!