Thinking of Starting a Web Design Business?

I started a web design business back in 2002. Even though I live in a very small town with only 1200 people, my business thrived for five years until I shut it down so I could do something else with my time. Most of my business was local.

Now I've transformed my web design site into a blog that tells people what they need to know to start a web design business. I tell people the tricks of the trade that took me many months to learn.

Start With a Marketing Plan...

this will help you focus your business efforts.

Before you write your business plan, you should write a marketing plan. This will help you decide who you will serve, how you will serve them, and what strategies you will use to meet your goals. Writing a preliminary marketing plan isn't all that hard. I've given a brief sample here: How to Write a Small Business Marketing Plan - especially intended for those of us who intend to conduct our businesses entirely online.

Create Your Web Design Site...

I had to do it three times before I got one I was truly comfortable with!

You will definitely want to create your marketing plan before designing your website, because what you decide your specialties will be will be part of what goes into the web design.

I buy all my domains at GoDaddy.Com ... the customer service is great (via telephone) and I've never had any trouble with the company. The domains are reasonably priced. Definitely check it out if you're going to buy a domain name!

I've had a reseller hosting account at Kualo.Com for years now. The customer service is great 24/7. Seriously! If you have a problem in the middle of the night, submit a support ticket and they'll get back to you in just minutes. Always friendly too, no matter how many stupid questions I've asked, no matter how egregious my problems were! I'm ever so grateful and recommend them highly.

Another thing I love about Kualo is that the servers are safely tucked away in a special building in Tampa... if you go to the site you should be able to find photos of the facility. It is great knowing I'm dealing with a well-situated and professional company with offices in Canada, the UK, and the USA.

My reseller account costs about $55 per month, but I have more then thirty sites hosted there. Definitely a good deal for me and for my friends and clients I've hosted sites for.

Your Web Design Business Plan...

writing a business plan helps organize your efforts.

Next, write a business plan. This will force you to think about how you would like it to work out. While writing, you're likely to be hit by lots of amazing inspirations. Get wild with it. Write your heart out - you will be amazed at what you end up with.

Here's a simple outline of a business plan:

Business Description
1. Location
2. Legal Structure
3. Nature of Business
4. Owner's Resumé
5. Business History
6. Goals

Products and Services
1. Products
2. Services
3. Advertising
4. Suppliers
5. Production
6. Quality
8. Costs

Market Information
1. Market Areas
2. Market Trends
3. Target Markets
4. Competition
5. Niches

Marketing Strategy
1. Mission Statements
2. 1 to 3 Year Marketing Goals
3. Marketing Strategies
4. Marketing Timeline
5. Marketing Budget

Pricing
1. Direct Expenses Per Unit
2. Monthly Overhead
3. Pricing Strategies

Facilities
1. Location, Size, and Zoning
2. Age and Condition
3. Expansion Opportunities

Management and Personnel
1. Management Expertise
2. Key Personnel
3. Organization Chart
4. Staffing Plan
5. Sub-Contracting Plan

Benefits to Community
1. Jobs Created
2. Building Rehabilitation
3. Meeting Community Needs
4. Increased Community Tax Base

Financial Management
1. Record Keeping
2. Bookkeeping
3. Start-Up Costs
4. Financing Plan
5. One Year Cash Flow Projection

Conclusion
1. Statement of Commitment
2. Restatement of Goals & Objectives