When getting started in the web design business you should know the following:

• That you are motivated and committed enough to web design to stay with it for the long run
• Experience will give you a much better advantage, so learn all that you can
• If you can't do the work yourself, hire others who can assist you
• Make sure to ask for and use references as a key to acquiring new clients
• Have the right hardware and software to work efficiently

Customer service in the web design business is much like it is with any other business.

• Make sure you understand the importance of customer care
• Try to be as accessible as possible for your clients to reach you
• Take care of your clients the way you would expect to be treated

This script can help you when cold calling or contacting a potential client via a referral

Be prepared when meeting a potential client. This worksheet will provide you with a good basis for indicating how well prepared and professional you are in the web design business.

This document will help you to find out what your client needs help with even if they do not know themeselves.

Having a company profile and policy program shows your client that your business is professional and well prepared to represent them.

Project pricing can be tricky and a bit of give and take.

• Don't provide quick price quotes over the phone, if at all possible.
• Try to get a rough idea of the potential clients budget range. If their budget is far too low, you may suggest alternatives to assist them rather than just refusing to quote any further. Oftentimes, suggesting a place where they can get work done for less cost, will have them calling you back when they can afford to do more.
• Try to encourage a meeting in person or at least via phone to discuss all facets of the web project before providing a quote.

A cost estimate worksheet for web design features and modules.

This is an example of a preliminary web project proposal, prior to an actual work agreement or contract.

The importance of protecting your web design business from a legal standpoint

• Do not underestimate the value of work agreements/contracts
• Discover why an LLC or other corporation can help protect your assets

This is an EXAMPLE of a Work Agreement or Contract. It contains many of the important aspects that you need to protect your business. I would highly recommend that you contact an attorney to prepare your own version of this Agreement/Contract, according to your local laws, and not copy or use it as is.

A copyright statement can be extremely helpful for both you and your clients

This Freelance Agreement is something you can use personally or perhaps if you need to outsource some of a web design project that you are working on

How to encourage the growth of your web design business

• Finding new clients. A few tried and true methods that many web professionals use.
• Establishing your web design business as an authority
• Getting referrals and where to find them

Standing out as an authority in your business will help you gain credibility, resulting in a better, stronger client base.

Scheduling

• Why you need to schedule some time for "client prospecting"
• Always have a project waiting in the wings and not scrambling at the last minute to find work

A portfolio is a vitally important piece to any web design business

• Learn to add your best work examples to your portfolio
• Do not add every web project you have ever built to your portfolio
• Do it yourself websites you have built for your clients CAN come back to haunt you.

Some tips for pricing your web design services. Think about the size and demographics of your business. Do you want to work in niche areas or take on all interested parties?

An ideal way to keep your clients by your side is via an email list

• Send them timely updates about important web technology changes that could impact their business
• Provide helpful tips and advice
• By sending regular email newsletters, you make your client aware of any new features, etc. that they might be able to use.

Any business has it's share of mistakes and things that they "wish never happened"

• The customer is NOT always right and how taking on the wrong clients can hurt your business
• Use and stick to the terms of your contracts to avoid any misunderstandings
• Educate your clients and don't let old web myths influence their thinking

There is always the danger of taking on too much yourself and becoming overwhelmed. Also, the possibilities of making mistakes increases when you try to do too much or have not spent enough time learning what you NEED to know.

Can I really derive a passive income for my web design business? Yes, you certainly can! Web hosting is an excellent passive income but there are many other ways you can leverage your web design business to also provide you with a passive (or semi passive) income.

Thank you so much for participating in this course. We wish you tremendous success in your new web design business!

It can often be confusing when a client wishes to sell online and does not know what type of e-commerce system to implement. This guide will help you to point out the pros and cons, along with the features of the various e-commerce shopping cart platforms.

Here is a an ever evolving list of "must have" resources for web professionals. We will be adding to this list regularly.