Article in Web Design

Read carefully and you can learn how to run your own successful web design firm

Thousands of designers look up to the numerous high end design firms such as 2Advanced Studios, Citrus Studios, and Blast Radius. These companies flourish not only because of their extraordinary ability to create designs that people envision in their dreams, but because these companies have the experience, the expertise, and the flat out determination to be the best of the best. There are hundreds of new “web design” companies established each year. Less than a dozen of these companies make it out of their first year of establishment. Why you ask? Well, I’m about to tell you.

Most new design companies consist of regular freelance designers and programmers who group together and seek contracts from businesses. Many of these companies have significant amounts of talent; however they don’t have the backbone to power up a successful business. The main reason is that many companies expect clients to run towards them with eager eyes, and beg for their services. Many, many fail to realize, that this is a hopeless path to walk upon. It is difficult to run a business because first, there are hundreds upon hundreds of different companies, some more experienced, some cheaper, and some that are just flat out not good. However, the amount of competition which engulfs the design market is phenomenal. With huge design firms such as 2Advanced, people feel that they have no chance to run a profitable design firm. Those people are WRONG.

Modern design companies should take heed to everything I am about to saw from here on out if they would like to run a successful and profitable business.

Avoid forum marketplace dependency. I see hundreds of design firms posting on forums to look for business. Forums and marketplaces are the areas where mainly freelance designers look for work. Sure, you may find a job or two which is worth the time, but it isn’t going to get your firm anywhere.

Do not expect business to come to you. I hear about all kinds of new firms bragging that their website is awesome, and that it will attract hundreds of clients. If you seriously believe in that, you might as well give up now. A) You have no portfolio to show any clients. B) Clients honestly don’t care about your website, what they really care about is “Can this company design me something worth my money?” With no examples of previous work, you will not get much business, matter of fact, you will not get any.

Every firm should first, build an identity locally. Go around your town or city, look for places such as small law firms, hotels/motels/resorts which are slowly growing, movie theaters, small banks, food marts, an excellent hole in the wall restaurant, all of these places may be in need of an online identity. By walking into one of these places, producing a card to the owner, and speaking to them about how their consumer base can significantly grow with the influence of an internet market, will intrigue them. If you interest them, and provide them with enough information to make them go, “Hmm, you’re probably right, this could help us reach across the internet and possibly bring in more business,” then you’re well on your way.

Be friendly and courteous to your clients. Talk to them in a respectful manner, addressing them as Sir or Ma’am, make them feel like they are in charge and that it is a win-win situation for them. Arrogant attitudes will not get you anywhere. If you’re a bad public speaker, don’t be afraid, not everyone is good talking in public. Practice what you can say to each client before approaching them, plan out your strategy. If they like your style and business manner, they’ll want to work with you.

Once establishing a local identity and growing a portfolio, your firm can maximize its experience. Now will be the time to tackle the online companies which either do not have a website, or are looking to redesign their site. Your firm now has a substantial portfolio to show to consumers on the internet. Once you reach this part of the process, your company will be well on its way.

Note: I do recommend all companies to draft up contracts for clients. Contracts ensure that you and your client will both uphold each others’ end of the deal. If you work very hard, you should be paid for the time you spent. Make sure you sit down and draft up ideas on how to guarantee a successful transaction between you and your clients, it’s a very crucial part of the game.

If you follow up on these steps, your newly founded web design company will persevere, guaranteed.