Especially when you’re working as much as it takes for a startup to go from zero to one, it’s extremely important — crucial — to genuinely enjoy what you’re doing and who you’re doing it with. It sounds super cliche, but if you don’t have a ton of genuine passion for what you’re building, not only will you ultimately build something that probably doesn’t actually create value for users, but even if it does, more often than not, they’ll see right through the bullshit and go running to the competitor that truly loves what they’re doing. What’s equally (if not more) important is that you consciously build a team that truly enjoys working with one another. Someone can be a phenomenal developer, but if they’re a pain to work with and constantly complaining/negative, how much value are they really adding to your startup? I mean, part of the whole reason we’re working in the startup space, more specifically the same company, is because we want to work with people who share the same beliefs as we do, right? It’s so important that not only can every addition to the team add a ton of their own unique individual value, but also shares the same passion for what you’re working towards and can mesh well with the rest of the team. You never want a fox in the henhouse — most especially when you’re a small team. And some of you might be (understandably) thinking “Logan, you’re writing so much about passion, but how the hell are you and your team genuinely that passionate about investing algorithms?” Well — you’re either kind of missing the point, or I haven’t done a good enough job at articulating why we do what we do. Let me clarify! Sure, we do find ourselves in the minority of people that actually do enjoy building automated investing systems (otherwise we would just go do something else, right?) but that’s not why we’re doing this. It’d be hard to wake up excited every morning if that was the only underlying motivation. We wake up genuinely excited every day because we all share the same huge belief that in 5 years, automated investing will have completely revolutionized how people approach markets, and we have an unrelenting passion for (even duty to) providing any individual, regardless of experience or account size, with the same opportunities that have been exclusive to hedge funds for decades. Up to this point, the only people that could create & monetize their own automated investing systems were either quants or coders — now anybody can! We’re not only providing people with the opportunity to make more profit in the markets with a fraction of the stress and change their quality of life in that sense, but we’re also providing an opportunity to make a secondary (or even replacement) income when other people use their investing system. And that’s something that everyone on our team is genuinely passionate about and motivates us to not only wake up in the morning, but gives us the energy to often-times work extra hours to bring the idea into reality — not only for ourselves to use, but hopefully for people just like us to enjoy and find value from.
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.