319 - Coaching Session with Josh - Solving 5 Common Struggles when Starting a Web Design Business in 2024
Apr 1, 2024
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Josh, a web design expert, teams up with Alexia, an early-stage designer eager to kickstart her biz. They tackle common hurdles like choosing the right services and website platforms. The conversation dives into breaking free from the consuming content cycle and emphasizes moving to actionable steps. They also discuss effective pricing models and confront the ever-present imposter syndrome. With practical insights, this session is a goldmine for anyone looking to navigate the challenges of starting a web design business!
Focusing on a limited range of services, such as combining web design with branding, enhances expertise and builds a solid foundation.
Choosing a suitable web design platform like WordPress can streamline operations while providing community support, crucial for new designers.
Deep dives
Narrowing Your Focus
One major challenge faced by early-stage web designers is the tendency to want to offer a wide range of services, such as branding, SEO, copywriting, and digital marketing. This overwhelming desire can lead to a lack of focus and diluted expertise, ultimately hindering the development of a solid foundation in web design. It's essential to concentrate on a few key services that align with personal strengths and interests, such as branding alongside web design. By starting with a more streamlined service offering, designers can build their skills more effectively and expand their capabilities over time.
Choosing the Right Platform
Selecting the right web design platform is a common struggle for new designers, especially with the plethora of options available today, including WordPress, Webflow, and Squarespace. It's crucial to evaluate tools based on personal comfort and enjoyment, the support of a vibrant community, and the reputation of the company behind the platform. WordPress, for instance, is not only popular among users but also boasts a strong community that provides invaluable resources and support. Choosing a preferred platform early on can streamline the workflow and help establish a smoother operational process.
Transitioning from Learning to Action
Many web designers find themselves caught in the cycle of consuming content without taking meaningful action. To break this pattern, it's important to set specific challenges, such as dedicating a set period for implementation instead of passive learning. Utilizing structured coursework that guides designers through hands-on projects can ensure that knowledge is applied effectively. Balancing learning with practical application is key to becoming proficient and feeling confident in the services provided to clients.
Overcoming Pricing Challenges and Imposter Syndrome
When beginning a web design business, many individuals grapple with pricing their services appropriately and feelings of imposter syndrome. While subscription models can provide stable recurring income, starting with fixed pricing projects typically leads to quicker financial stability. It's essential to build confidence in pricing based on skill and the value offered, which can be cultivated through completing training courses. Besides improving pricing strategies, focusing on personal progress rather than comparisons with more experienced peers can effectively shift the mindset and help designers overcome feelings of inadequacy.
If you're a web designer who's serious about starting or building your web design biz, I'm guessing there are some glaring challenges and struggles you're going through.
And if you feel alone in those struggles...you're not.
There are so many common challenges I hear from web designers who are serious about starting, building and growing their web design business which we're going to solve here in this special coaching Q&A session.
Alexia, an early-stage web designer who has been stuck starting her web design business while combating analytics paralysis, finally took the leap to join my community Web Designer Pro™ and she graciously allowed me to repurpose a recent coaching chat for you!
We cover:
✅ How to decide what services to offer ✅ How to decide what website platform to use ✅ How break out of the content consuming cycle and actually get stuff done ✅ What pricing model and rates to start off with ✅ How to overcome the dreaded imposter syndrome and more
Again, a big thanks to Alexia for sending in these questions and allowing us to take this publicly because I know she's not alone. I hope this helped you out as well!
If you'd like some more help with getting your web design business off the ground, more free resources are ready for you at:
00:00 - Introduction & what we're going to cover 01:23 - What services to offer 07:43 - Which website platform to use 14:43 - How to go from content to action 21:33 - Pricing and pricing model 28:15 - Overcoming imposter syndrome
Get my entire suite of courses in the Courses Tier = $49/mo Get courses + all community features in the Community Tier = $99/mo Get everything + direct coaching with me in the Coaching Tier = $199/mo