Three Steps to Finding Your First Website Design Customers

By Sarah Clark
sarah.clark@webdesignschoolreview.com
Web Design School Review Columnist

Are you tired of working for difficult people? Or maybe you have a strong vision of how a professional web design business should be managed. Regardless of what drives you to start your own website design business, you’ll benefit from these tips for improving your chance for success.

Master the Art of Cold-calling

It’s certainly not a fun part of being independently employed, but cold calling will be a key part of your initial website design business development plan. First identify who your clients are likely to be. Who are they and what do they do? How big is their business? Second, find a good source of business listings. One is the Book of Lists, another is Reference USA. You may be able to access both through your local public library.

Next you’ll want to identify who within the company is the decision maker for professional web design services. With large companies, it may be the creative or marketing and communications director. For small companies, you may want to reach out to the president or CEO.

Finally, prepare a script for the call and follow it until you feel comfortable enough reciting your pitch without it. Make sure you deliver a friendly, concise message with confidence and clarity. Get an “elevator speech” down, a subtle sales pitch that conveys in 30 seconds or less what your professional web design services are.

Learn to Love Networking

Okay, maybe approaching complete strangers is not the most enjoyable way to spend your non-working hours. Nonetheless, it is a great way to establish new contacts and build website design leads quicker than you might otherwise. You can learn about networking opportunities from your local Chamber of Commerce. Also, check out professional organizations for marketing, communications, and public relations professionals.

Volunteer Your Professional Web Design Services

Many professional organizations welcome voluntary design services, in exchange for which they lend the expertise, resources, and experience of their members. Get involved in a meaningful way. Volunteering can be a great way to demonstrate to potential clients your goodwill and your design chops. Help a nonprofit organization improve the look of their website. You’ll feel good about what you’re doing for society, and for your business!

These tips will help you secure your first clients—follow them and you’ll be well on your way to establishing your website design client base.

About the Author

Sarah Clark is a freelance writer who specializes in postsecondary education and career development.

Posted at 10:59 AM on May 8, 2007

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