“It takes an army to build something great.” If you know me personally, chances are that you’ve heard me say this expression more times than you can probably tolerate. (oops!) In fact, if I had a dollar for every time I said “it takes an army to build something great,” Surmount wouldn’t need to worry about a funding round. But since that isn’t the case, our seed round is starting in January 2022 for those interested! (wink) All jokes aside, it’s 100% true. If you can show me a company that’s genuinely great & run by a one man show, I can show you a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. It’s a nice idea, but it just probably doesn’t exist. If it “does,” chances are it’s not sustainable and is likely either backed by a nonexistent sleep schedule and infinite amounts of caffeine (been there — it works for a few months until you end up in the ER with heart issues) or a hidden layer of freelancers who are the true backbone behind the mirage. In order for something truly great to come into fruition, it takes a network of both direct contributors like engineers, marketing wizards, sales people, etc as well as an equally-important network of sub-direct contributors like experienced mentors, coaches, advisors, connectors, and underlying support group that roots for your team to give you that extra sense of motivation to keep pushing through the tough times that no one acknowledges on social media, but every startup has. In short — no one person is solely responsible for the success of something great (or failure of something that could have been)
Build a Strong Online Presence
Establishing a strong online presence is essential for attracting new clients in today's digital landscape. Start by creating a professional website that showcases your portfolio, expertise, and services. Optimize your website for search engines (SEO) to improve visibility and attract organic traffic. Additionally, maintain active profiles on relevant social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram, where you can showcase your work, engage with potential clients, and participate in industry conversations.
Leverage Freelance Platforms and Job Boards
Freelance platforms and job boards can be valuable resources for connecting with clients seeking web design services. Sign up for popular platforms such as Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr, where you can create a profile, bid on projects, and showcase your skills. Be sure to optimize your profile with relevant keywords, a compelling portfolio, and positive reviews from past clients. Additionally, explore niche job boards and forums specific to web design and digital marketing, where you can find opportunities tailored to your expertise.
Network and Collaborate
Networking is a powerful tool for expanding your client base and establishing credibility in the industry. Attend networking events, conferences, and meetups related to web design, digital marketing, and entrepreneurship, where you can connect with potential clients and collaborators. Join online communities and forums such as Reddit's r/web_design and Designer Hangout, where you can share insights, seek advice, and network with fellow designers and industry professionals. Remember to approach networking with a genuine interest in building relationships and adding value to others, rather than just seeking self-promotion.
Offer Free Resources and Content
Providing valuable resources and content can help position you as an authority in your field and attract potential clients to your services. Create and share blog posts, tutorials, case studies, and whitepapers on topics relevant to web design, user experience (UX), and digital marketing. Offer freebies such as templates, design assets, and e-books that demonstrate your expertise and provide value to your audience. By sharing your knowledge and expertise generously, you'll build trust with potential clients and establish yourself as a go-to resource in the industry.
Reach Out to Your Network
Don't underestimate the power of personal connections when it comes to finding new clients. Reach out to your existing network of friends, family, colleagues, and past clients to let them know about your web design services. Ask for referrals and recommendations, and offer incentives for clients who refer new business to you. Additionally, consider partnering with complementary businesses and professionals – such as marketing agencies, copywriters, and developers – who can refer clients to you in exchange for a commission or reciprocal referrals.
Showcase Your Expertise Through Speaking Engagements
Speaking engagements can be a powerful way to showcase your expertise, build credibility, and attract new clients. Look for opportunities to speak at industry conferences, workshops, and webinars, where you can share insights, best practices, and case studies related to web design and digital marketing. Reach out to event organizers and pitch yourself as a speaker, highlighting your expertise and the value you can provide to their audience. Additionally, consider hosting your own webinars or online workshops, where you can educate potential clients and demonstrate your skills in real-time.
Expanding your client base as a web designer requires a proactive approach and a combination of online and offline strategies. By building a strong online presence, leveraging freelance platforms and job boards, networking and collaborating with industry peers, offering free resources and content, reaching out to your network for referrals, and showcasing your expertise through speaking engagements, you'll attract new clients and grow your business in the competitive field of web design.