Web Pro Savvy Podcast
A podcast for freelance web designers
A podcast for freelance web designers
Practices, Strategies, and Advice to run a successful freelance web design/ development business.
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It's Time To Up Your Game!
Freelance web designers, grow your business!
Whether you're thinking about starting your own freelance web design business, have recently started one, or you've been at it for years, the Web Pro Savvy podcast will trigger new ideas and creativity. Not just on how you approach your work, but how you RUN your business.
If you're like me, you want to work for yourself because you have the web design, UI/UX skills, and/or developer skills, along with the tenacity to go out on your own - be your own boss! And since COVID, there are many more people doing just that.
When I first set out on my own, I knew there would be businessy things to do in addition to the web work like billing, accounting, getting clients, managing projects, etc., but over time I came to realize how much I didn't know. I sort of skated by, handling the business pretty loosely.
When I talked with other professional freelance web designers, I found that there was a big gap between my business knowledge and theirs. They sounded like, well, the CEOs of their operations. I felt unprofessional. So I went on to spend years in professional networking groups, classes and webinars to learn how to run the business.
I had to face the fact that either I was going to run my business or it was going to run me!
And that's what this podcast is all about!
Listen to successful freelance web designers share their own journey. You benefit from their experience!
If you feel like you need more control over your freelance business, I am here to help. I want to share my knowledge and experience with you so you don't have to go through the pain I experienced. I also talk with guests who are successful freelancers. They pull the curtain back so we can see how they do it!
And that's what this podcast is all about!
What is a freelance web designer?
A freelance web designer is someone who is self-employed, either as a sole proprietor, or has incorporated as an S-corp or LLC. They take on website projects from various businesses as they see fit. They would be considered a 1099 service by their clients. This means the client cannot tell them HOW to do their work - only that they receive their finished website as agreed to by both parties by the agreed deadline.
The term "web designer" can cover a spectrum of website services. It refers to someone who graphically designs websites in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator or XD, and/or works within WordPress or other website development platforms, and may even do coding.
The key for us is the "freelance" part. You may work in any combination of website creation elements, but you are working for yourself. You get to choose who you work with and what services you want to (or don't want to) offer. You make all the decisions of how you run your business. This is the dream!
In this podcast, I talk about...
- Niching
This word, "niche" gets bandied about quite a bit. But it is a key to success for many web pros. It could be you work with a specific type of client or specific industry. Or perhaps you specialize in a type of service like eCommerce.
- Project Tools
Since we all work in tech, we know that it is in constant flux. Some tools we love today will be on the outs tomorrow. And new tools are being developed all the time. It's really helpful to hear what others use.
- Business Tools
Integrating digital tools into your business management for Customer Relationship Management (CRM), bookkeeping, time management, secure contract delivery and more, makes your business run more smoothly and makes you look good to your clients!
- Clients
Getting good clients can take a bit of time when you're first starting out. Whether your brand new in your business or have changed direction, your working on getting new clients. Everyone has to work at it. BUT... you can get to the point where you no longer have to seek them out. They come to you!
- Project Management
If you are like me, you didn't go to college for business. I always welcome any ideas from others about what procedures they find most helpful and when they decided they might need to hire a professional to help.
- Working With Contractors
Part of your desire to work for yourself is probably having more control over your work/play time. As your business grows, you may find it too difficult to work on all aspects of all client projects yourself. It's easy to burn out. Sometimes a contract is just the right answer.
- Client Contracts
We're not lawyers. So how do we create a contract that holds clients accountable for paying and us for delivering? Learn how others have done it.
...and so much more!