You have the aspiration of being the owner of your own business, you are an expert in Web Development, you have some clients, a lot of ideas, but you are not sure how to start?
Here are some ideas to help you get off the ground:
- It offers services that are not covered by the software for sale for the client to build their own sites and that do not require programming. It offers sites with a database, or with exclusive designs for the client, or with complex forms. The important thing is that you stay away from offering services that sites like Word Press, for example, offer for free, or that people with few skills offer at very low cost.
- Focus on customers who are aware of the importance of their website in the process of getting customers. It is more productive to work with these types of clients who already know that their website has a decisive role in the business, to start by convincing the client of the value of their page.
- Try to find clients who have enough budget to cover the cost of a quality page. Usually, businesses that already have a certain level of development are more attractive to grow your own business.
- Make yourself known, create your business network in the area where you want to get clients. Research the pages of your network members and offer them your services. Be careful not to offend them with negative comments on your current page. It is possible that on some occasion they have designed it themselves or a family member or friend who did not charge for the services. Only offer them your services if they want to improve the functionality or update the “look & feel”.
- Ask your satisfied customers for referrals. As you build your brand, you have to shore up your reputation with positive references and concrete projects.
- Connect with other Developers, because they can give you references to cover services that they cannot provide, and vice versa. If you generate business for others, they will generate business for you. Agree to be outsourced and outsource yourself at the same time.
- If you do not have your own projects to publish on your website, offer to work “pro bono” for some clients or non-profit institutions, so that you can show a good (and diverse) portfolio to potential clients.
- Offer your freelancer services to other Web Development companies, to generate a working capital in your beginnings, in addition to accumulating professional references for your clients.
In short, be flexible and take advantage of the opportunities that arise. Building a business takes time and dedication, but it brings unparalleled satisfaction.