Tag Archive for: starting an web design business

Website Mistakes That Entrepreneurs Should Avoid

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Several businesses just create their websites without thinking thoroughly. Numerous information are just dump into the website. So, if you are business owner, allocate a budget in building a website for your business. Yes, there are free and ease to use website builders today. But if you are not knowledgeable about the concepts of web design, you will surely make serious mistakes. Instead of helping your business, the website will not attract any potential clients.

You should avoid these website mistakes:

  • THE WEBSITE’S PURPOSE IS NOT CLEAR
    Having a website will not magically conjure customers. You have to plan carefully and you have to know the goal. Are you making a site to expand your physical store? Are you creating one to gain online exposure? Build a website according to your desired purpose.
  • THINKING ANY WEBSITE DESIGN WILL DO
    Nope. As stated above, you need to know the website’s purpose. Do you want to sell your products online? If not, then, focus on having an active online presence first. Do not waste money on something you will not utilize. Set up a simple and neat website that has the essential business information like store address, email address, links to different social media accounts, phone numbers, and more.
  • WHEN YOU STRIVE TO BE DIFFERENT
    All great websites have a common ground. They all have a straightforward navigation. Clicking the Contact Us will redirect you to contact numbers and email addresses. The About page will indicate the company information. Do not try to deviate from this standard structure because most people will choose comfort than style. Adding your own flair won’t do any harm, but make sure you do not compromise the quality of your content.
  • STRUGGLING TO MAKE IT EXTREMELY PRETTY
    Use Yahoo! as an example. Their website only uses the color violet. The most visited websites are not too flashy and they just maintain a neat and simple homepage. Striking colors are compulsory. A neat and professional looking website is enough. Besides, clients will not dwell on the design. They care about the information on your website more.
  • WHEN NAVIGATION IS NOT A  MAIN PRIORITY
    When you make a website,  navigation should be number one on the list. Make sure visitors can navigate with ease. When potential clients browse your website, they won’t have time to figure out everything out. If they can’t find what they need, they will leave and find another website.
  • ATTACHING .PDF FILES
    If you plan to include brochures on your website, please do not include .PDF or any other file that requires an independent file viewer. Use a file that is universal. Perhaps, you can attach a document or an image. Surely, every device can view image files. Not everyone has the patience to download a specific file viewer.
  • ANNOYING ADVERTISEMENTS
    Yes, you earn through ads, but, limit them to a few. It is very distracting when visitors try to read and an ad shows up in the middle of the screen. Furthermore, banner ads on the sides cover some of the text. Make sure ads do not compromise your content.
  • THINKING IT’S AN ONLINE NOTEPAD
    Your website is not a place for you to indicate everything from A to Z. Do not place a gigantic block of text on your website. Surely, your clients will hurriedly leave your site.
  • WHEN YOU DESIGN A WEBSITE THAT’S ONLY FOR COMPUTERS
    Mobile users are growing at an exceptional rate. Not considering the huge number of people using their mobile everyday is a fatal mistake. Consider all users, whether they using a desktop, tablet, or a mobile. Make sure all devices can connect to your website with ease.

 

How To Be A Successful Web Designer

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Web designing can be an exciting career. You start out with a blank slate and turn texts and images into an awesome website. The project starts small and slowly, it will grow into this enormous web of connected information glued together. Though it is more on designing and creating art, there are other things to consider in web designing. Success doesn’t come overnight. The list below will help you get closer to becoming an accomplished web designer.

Follow these 10 helpful tips to reach your goal in becoming a web designer:

  1. Communication skills are crucial.

    You need to get your points crossed to your client and your art director. You should be able to justify your design choices. If problems occur along the way,  good communication can surely fix that.

  2. Learn to effectively sell your skills.

    You need to learn how to survive in the competitive world of web design.  Yes, things may get tough, but you should know your value. Stick on promoting your strengths and pointing out your unique skill sets. Use social media to your advantage and show the world your talent.

  3. Plan first, design later.

    When you plan, you get ideas and it can spark new concepts. Plan how to go about a particular project. Research about your client’s company and know what is desired from you as the designer. In order to come up with a good design, look into the company’s competitors to know more about the latest industry trends.

  4. Ask for feedback.

    Evaluate your work first and then, ask help from trusted and respected people. Accept and implement their criticism to improve your work. They may be able to spot your mistakes easily and this will help you save time. You can dedicate more time on other aspects of the project.

  5. You are a Web Designer, and not a Graphic Designer.

    Graphic designers are NOT web designers and vice versa. The two are completely different and each has its own field of expertise. For you to be successful in web design, you should dedicate your time to it and hire a part-time graphics artist for a specific task.

  6. Stay informed.

    Technology evolves fast. What may be trendy today might become obsolete tomorrow. Like fashion, the web design changes over time. Find time to learn new things and follow the latest news.

  7. Be organized.

    Like in any other field of profession, being organized is important to effectively get the job done. Begin with organizing your computer by properly labeling files and folders.

  8. Update your portfolio.

    Always keep your portfolio current. It should show potential clients that you have more recent, active, and relevant projects. Web design projects years ago may not be what is trendy now. This will justify project costs if you charge a relatively hefty web design fee.

  9. Learn to be a team player.

    Two heads are better than one. Know how to work with others and see how your teamwork will greatly improve the end product.

  10. Be business minded.

    Apart from being a web designer, you must also know learn to balance costs, and make significant assessments. Then, you can earn more and lessen expenses.

Once you have grasped the basics of web design, do not stop there. Learn new tricks and slowly apply it your design process. Aside from web design skills, you may want to dig deeper into HTML/CSS, Java, SQL, and other coding techniques to acquire more skill sets to add to your growing portfolio.

Tips When Starting Your Own Home Base Web Design Business

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Businesses can now easily create their own website through website builders. However, many still opt to hire a web design team not just to build but also manage the website. This means that the web design jobs will continue to be a growing trend.

You may ask yourself, “Do I have what it takes to be a web designer?” You need to be a bit of a computer geek and an  artist at the same time. The good thing about it is that web designers don’t need a specific training or certification as long as you have the skills.

These are the qualities will give you a huge advantage:

  • Number 1 is the eye for design. This includes both color and layout. Web design should be appealing and everything needs to be precise. You just don’t include it because it looks good. It should have a purpose.
  • Knowing the uses of colors and fonts will also help you in choosing the appropriate details for a particular website.
  • The skill to organize isn’t just helpful in real life. It will also greatly aid making navigation easier.
  • Be familiar with coding languages like Ruby, SQL, HTML/CSS, ASP. These can help in increasing marketability.

What are the advantages of starting a web design business?

  • Web design is very in demand.
  • This job can be done anywhere for as long as there is an internet access.
  • You can venture to other related services like content writing, copywriting, SEO, and so on.
  • Most importantly, this field pays well.

Of course, there are downsides to every business. In website design, these are the cons:

  • You need to stay on the loop regarding the latest on software and coding.
  • The constant change may encourage clients to create their own web design team.
  • Because it offers a hefty salary, the competition is tough.
  • Say goodbye to night outs because most of the time, it’s just you and your computer. Not an ideal job for social beings!

When starting your Web Design Business, it is implied that you already have the knowledge and experience.

You also need these things to kickstart your business:

  • Choose a part of your house where you can freely work.
  • A computer that is strictly for work and can handle heavy editing programs. You may also a good quality monitor, scanner, a camera and a printer.
  • Invest in editing softwares. These may cost you hundreds of dollars, but it can enhance photo and video quality.
  • A high speed internet connection is important. Uploading large photos and videos may take time if your connection is slow.
  • Have a business plan that includes your short-term and long-term goals.
  • Create a marketing plan that indicates ways to reach your target market.
  • Your own website that includes all your work.
  • You should also list of all your products and services.
  • Give details on your design process and how you work.
  • Material for marketing like brochures and business cards. You should include your official social  media accounts in your various print ads.
  • Connect with other people that may lead to more possible clients and referrals. You refer businesses to your clients and the businesses will in turn refer you their clients.

Getting your first client may be a real challenge for you. Use this time to expand your network. Interact with people by joining conventions or be active on social media. Post your work online and reach people from different parts of the globe. Constantly get your content out there and you will surely attract your market.