How to Start a Home-Based Web Design Business

With most people stuck at home due to the coronavirus pandemic, starting a home-based web design business has never been a better idea. 

But just like starting anything new is not easy, building a web design business from home takes a lot of persistence, commitment and skill.

In this post, we share some of the things you need to set yourself up for success with your new venture. 

Attracting good clients

For your web design business to have a meaningful shot at success, you need good clients. Not every client that comes your way will be a good fit for your business.

But first, to attract and maintain good clients, you need to offer exceptional services, talk, act and look professional. You can start by designing a unique logo, getting creative with content, buying a domain and opening a business bank account.

Skills 

Designing a website requires both creative and technical skills. Aside from that, you need to have other fundamental skills including;

Mastering client relationships 

It is vital that you not only listen but understand your clients by putting yourself in their position. Focus on delivering what the client wants instead of what you think is best.

Creativity

Work towards developing your unique style in terms of relationships, marketing and all other business areas by continually challenging yourself.

Understanding UI and the web

When designing, the client and the end user should be your first priority.

Technical skills

This includes mastering CSS, graphic programs such as Fireworks or Photoshop and HTML. The idea is to keep improving by learning new tricks about designing mobile sites, emails and apps.

Tools

This goes without saying. You cannot start a home-based web design business without the necessary tools.

For starters, you need a good computer, quality scanner, digital camera and printer. This comprises the hardware.

When it comes to software, you need programs to help with graphics and videos (Photoshop), a text editor (Dreamweaver) and a site mapper to map out your website content, structure and page organization.

It’s also advisable to have a backup app such as Dropbox or an external drive.

Self-motivation.

Getting the actual task done from home can be challenging, at least for most people. Whether it’s the Netflix show that everyone is buzzing about or the pile of dirty dishes or clothes that seems more appealing than the actual work, remaining and staying focused requires self-motivation and discipline.

Staying organized, time management, implementing goal setting and dedicating a work space are some tips that you can implement to achieve better results when working from home.

Collaboration

Collaborating with experts and professional is an essential part of networking. Seize every opportunity to meet up with other web designers. This give you a chance to seek help if you’re stuck or facing a bug and widen your scope by exchanging jobs. 

Payment

Just like any business, your goal is to get money. Depending on your form of payment, ensure that the charges are two or more times the amount you would make to complete the job normally.

Make sure you record the extent and nature of the web design tasks and their charges properly.

Identify and develop the right niche

It’s highly advisable to focus on one kind of web work or client. Specialize on something that you’re passionate about or what comes easy to you. The key is to look out for new opportunities and development within your niche.

Outsource and diversify

Diversifying your design business can take many forms such as social media packaging, SEO services, email marketing, client hosting, copywriting, or web maintenance. Partnering with companies like Libra Web and marketing can be a very effective way to get your skills honed and building your client base.

How are you planning to set up your web design company? Share your feedback in the comments below.