How to Start a Web Design Business in 2024 (From Scratch)

There has never been a better time to start a web design business than now. The demand for quality web design services is growing at an unprecedented rate as more and more businesses recognize the importance of having an effective online presence.

This blog post will provide you with all the information you need to get started in this exciting and rapidly-growing industry. 

You’ll learn about the different aspects of web design, the various business models you can choose from, and how to market your new business effectively.

What do web designers do?

It would be weird to get into a business you don’t know anything about.

So, let’s look at some of the things you should expect a web designer to do:

a). they make websites

This is the most obvious one, but it’s also the most important. A web designer is responsible for creating the visual layout of a website. This includes choosing colors, fonts, and images; arranging content in a way that makes sense; and ensuring the site’s overall look is pleasing to the eye.

b). they code websites

In addition to designing websites, many web designers are also responsible for coding them. This means they take the design mockups and turn them into actual code that can be read by web browsers. Coding is a complex task, so not all designers can do it, but those who can are often in high demand.

c). they manage website projects

Another common role for web designers is project management. This involves coordinating with clients, other designers, developers, and anyone else who’s involved in creating a website. The goal is to ensure everyone is on the same page and that the project stays on track from start to finish.

d). they offer website maintenance

Once a website is up and running, it needs to be maintained. This includes things like updating content, fixing broken links, and keeping an eye on the site’s overall health. Many web designers offer this service to their clients as part of an ongoing contract.

And anything to do with a website?.

Why start a web design business?

Before I show you the steps, here are 5 solid reasons you should start a web design business.

a). The barriers to entry are low. 

You don’t need a lot of money or experience to get started. All you need is a computer, an internet connection, and basic design skills.

b). You can be your own boss. 

One of the best things about being a web designer is that you can work from anywhere in the world. You’re good to go as long as you have a laptop and an internet connection!

c). The demand for web designers is high. 

There are over 1 billion websites on the internet, which will only grow as more businesses move online. This creates a lot of opportunities for web designers who are looking to start their own businesses.

d). You can make great money doing what you love! 

As a freelance web designer, you set your own rates and make as much money as you want/need. There are no limits on how much money you can earn – it all depends on how many clients you take on and how much work you put in.

e). Get a chance to work anywhere in the world.

Like I said before, as long as you have a laptop and an internet connection, you can work from anywhere in the world! This gives you a lot of freedom to travel and work simultaneously.

What do you need to start a web design business?

Just like any other business, you need a few things to get started:

#1. Web design skills

If you want to start a web design business, your first need is…web design skills! 

You’ll need to be able to build websites from scratch using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. If you don’t have these skills yet, there are plenty of resources to help you learn (see below).

#2. A portfolio of your work

When potential clients look for a web designer, they want to see examples of your work. So, before starting your business, ensure you have a portfolio of websites you’ve designed.

#3. A process for designing websites

Once you have clients lined up, you need to have a process in place for designing their websites. This should include everything from initial consultations and site planning all the way through to designing, development, and testing.

#4. Business skills

In addition to web design skills, you’ll also need some basic business skills. This includes things like accounting, marketing, and customer service.

#5. A website for your business

Of course, you’ll also need a website for your web design business! This is where potential clients will go to learn more about you and your work. Make sure your site is professional and easy to navigate.

Read also: [Updated List] What Do I Need For Building A Website?

How to Start a Web Design Business (From Scratch)

Step 1: Polish your web design skills

If you want to start a web design business, the first step is to polish your web design skills. This is necessary because potential clients will judge your business based on the quality of your work. 

There are a few ways to do this. 

One way is to take some online courses or tutorials. Another way is to practice by designing websites for friends or family members. Either way, it is important that you take the time to improve your skills before starting your business. 

If you want to be successful, you must ensure that your work is top-notch. You can ensure that your business will be off to a great start by improving your skills. 

Step 2: Pick a web design niche

You need to pick a profitable niche to have a successful web design business. 

A niche determines how much you will be paid and your workload. That said, here are some examples of profitable niches in the web design industry: 

• Corporate web design: This involves creating websites for businesses. It’s a lucrative niche because businesses always need websites and are willing to pay good money for high-quality ones.
• Ecommerce web design: This involves designing websites for online stores. It’s a profitable niche because there is much money to make in eCommerce.
• WordPress web design: This involves creating WordPress themes and plugins. It’s a popular and profitable niche because WordPress is the world’s most popular content management system.
• Blogging web design: This involves creating websites for bloggers. It’s a popular and profitable niche because there are many bloggers who need help with their web design.
• Portfolio web design involves creating websites for creative professionals such as designers, photographers, and artists. It’s a popular niche because these professionals need an online portfolio to showcase their work.

How to pick the right niche for your web design business

As you can guess, choosing a niche can be quite a handful. To help you out, here are some tips used by the pros:

1. Do your research

The first step is to do some research and find out which niches are profitable. You can do this by searching for “web design niche” on Google and reading articles about the different options.

2. Consider your skills

Once you’ve done your research, it’s time to consider which of these niches you’re actually skilled at. If you have a corporate web design background, that would be a good option for you. 

However, if you don’t have any experience in that area, starting off with that niche might not be the best idea. Choosing a niche, you feel confident in is important because this will increase your chances of success.

3. Are there clients spending money?

Another important factor to consider is whether or not there are actually clients spending money in that particular niche. 

For example, if you want to get into eCommerce web design but there aren’t many online stores in your area, starting a business in that industry might not be the best idea.

To determine whether clients are willing to spend money, look at the entire industry valuation. Though it might be a perfect indicator, it can give some good pointers.

4. Consider your interests

It’s also important to choose a niche that you’re actually interested in. This is because you’ll be spending a lot of time working on websites in that area, so it might as well be something you enjoy.

5. Narrow down your options

Once you’ve considered all these factors, it’s time to narrow down your options and choose the best niche for your web design business.

Once you’ve decided on a market, ensure you know everything about them. Understand their goals, pain points, age, and anything that can help you better serve them.

Step 3: Decide which design services you’ll offer

As a web designer, you have a lot of options when it comes to the services you offer. 

You could be a generalist, offering everything from simple websites to complex e-commerce solutions. You could also focus on a specific niche, like designing for small businesses or creating beautiful portfolios.

The best way to decide which design services to offer is to look at existing solutions and see what’s missing. What pain points do potential clients have that other designers are not solving? 

By solving your niche’s pain points, you’ll be able to differentiate yourself from the competition and attract more clients.

Some design services you may want to consider offering are: 

• Custom website design: This is the bread and butter of most web designers. You’ll work with clients to create custom websites tailored to their specific needs.
• E-commerce design: If you’re familiar with eCommerce platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce, you can offer your services to help businesses set up online stores.
• Landing page design: Landing pages are a key element in many digital marketing campaigns. As a web designer, you can help businesses create effective landing pages that convert visitors into leads or customers.
• Email template design: Many businesses use email newsletters as a marketing strategy. As a web designer, you can create beautiful email templates to make these newsletters more effective.
• SEO and SEM: If you’re familiar with search engine optimization (SEO) and search engine marketing (SEM), you can offer your services to help businesses improve online visibility.
• WordPress support: Many businesses use WordPress to power their website. As a web designer, you can offer your services to help these businesses with anything from theme customization to plugin troubleshooting.

These are just a few of the many design services you could offer as a web designer. 

When deciding which ones to offer, consider your skillset and experience level, as well as the needs of your potential clients.

Read also: 10 eCommerce Website Design Best Practices To Boost Your Sales.

Step 4: Build a portfolio

A portfolio is necessary for any web designer to showcase their work and attract new clients. 

But what makes a great portfolio? And how can you go about creating one?

In a nutshell, a web design portfolio showcases your work that potential clients can browse through to get an idea of your style and skills. 

This is by far the only thing standing between you and your dream client. And that is why your portfolio should be easy to navigate, well-designed, and contain examples of your best work.

There are a few different ways you can go about building a portfolio. 

You can create a website from scratch using HTML and CSS or use a drag-and-drop web builder like Wix or OLITT. Or you could create an online portfolio using a service like Behance or Carbonmade. 

If you want maximum control over the design and layout of your site, then creating it yourself is the way to go. But if you are not comfortable coding (or don’t have the time), then using an off-the-shelf solution will save you a lot of headaches. 

Whichever route you choose, ensure that your portfolio is responsive (i.e., looks good on mobile devices), fast loading, and contains high-quality images/video footage of your work—after all, first impressions count!

Either way, here are a few tips on how to build a web design portfolio that will help you stand out from the competition:

• Curate your best work. When it comes to your portfolio, quality trumps quantity every time. So, only include your very best work, and make sure it’s recent. If you have any old projects that you’re not proud of, leave them out.
• Showcase your process. Potential clients want to see how you work, so don’t be afraid to give them a behind-the-scenes look at your process. Include things like sketches, wireframes, and mockups to give them a better idea of how you work.
• Write compelling case studies. A great way to show off your skills is to write case studies for each project you include in your portfolio. Not only will this help potential clients learn more about your process, but it will also show them that you’re knowledgeable and passionate about web design.
• Use high-quality visuals. Ensure that all the images and videos in your portfolio are high quality—after all, first impressions count! If you have any old projects that don’t meet this standard, leave them out or replace them with newer ones.

And above all, keep it simple. When it comes to portfolios, less is definitely more. 

Potential clients should be able to easily browse through your work without feeling overwhelmed by too much information. 

So, keep the design clean and clutter-free, and focus on showcasing your best work.

Step 5: Set your business goals

As a web design business, setting your goals early on is important. Doing so can ensure that you are always working towards something and have a clear direction for your business. Below are some tips on how to set your business goals:

• Define what success looks like for your web design business. This will differ from person to person, but it is important to understand what you want to achieve clearly.
• Write down your goals. Once you know what success looks like for your web design business, it is time to put it into writing. Doing so will make it easier to track your progress and stay on track.
• Set realistic goals. It is important to set goals that are achievable and realistic. If you set too high goals, you may become discouraged when you don’t reach them.
• Set a timeframe for your goals. Giving yourself a timeline for your goals will help you stay on track and ensure you don’t become too sidetracked.
• Make sure your goals are measurable. Having measurable goals will allow you to track your progress and see how close you are to achieving them.

Keep your goals in mind and review them regularly. Doing so will help you stay focused and motivated to achieve them.

Your goals will determine what you do with the next steps on how to start a web design business with no experience.

Step 6: Set your rates

From day 1, set your rates in a competitive and profitable way. 

To do this, start by researching the going rate for similar services in your area. Once you know what the competition is charging, consider the value your clients will get from your services. 

You can charge a higher rate if you offer a higher quality product or service. However, if you’re just starting out, it’s best to charge a competitive rate to attract clients. 

Remember, you can always raise your rates later as your business grows and becomes more established. 

Again, your niche will play a role in setting your rates. For example, if you’re targeting high-end clients, you’ll need to charge accordingly. 

At the same time, consider what kind of value your clients get from your services. You can charge a higher rate if you offer a higher quality product or service. 

However, if you’re just starting out, it’s best to charge a competitive rate to attract clients. You can always raise your rates later as your business grows and becomes more established. 

After all, there is no right way to set your rates, so do what makes sense for your business. Just make sure you’re being fair to both yourself and your clients.

Step 7: Get the legal stuff ready

If you’re serious about starting a web design business, there are some legal considerations you need to take care of. 

First, you’ll need to register your business with the government. This will give you a legal entity to operate under and help you avoid personal liability for your business’s debts and liabilities. 

Second, you’ll need to get licenses and permits from the government in order to operate your business. 

Finally, you’ll need to put together contract templates you can use with your clients. This will help ensure that you and your clients are protected legally and financially.

Aim to do everything by the book from the very beginning. It might take a bit more time and effort upfront, but it will save you a lot of headaches down the road.

Step 8: Establish your business operations

First, you’ll need to get the right equipment. A laptop with design software is the bare minimum, but if you can afford it, investing in a good external monitor and mouse will make your life much easier. 

You may also want to consider investing in a standing desk, as sitting for long periods can harm your health.

Next, you’ll need to set up a system to track your ongoing projects. This could be as simple as using a spreadsheet or Trello board or could be something more robust like Basecamp or Asana. 

Having a system in place will help ensure you meet deadlines and don’t drop any balls.

Last but not least, if the budget allows, get a team in place to help with the day-to-day operations of your business. This could be anything from a virtual assistant to a social media manager to an accountant. 

Having someone else handle some of the grunt work will free up your time so that you can focus on more important things, like bringing in new clients and working on design projects.

Step 9: Onboard your first client

Up to this point, everything should be in place to start a website design business. 

Now, it is time to start seeking out clients. You may be wondering how to go about finding your first paying customer. Here are a few suggestions:

• Start by offering your services to friends and family. This can be a great way to get some initial experience and build your portfolio.
• Once you have a few projects under your belt, start reaching out to local businesses that may need your services. Attend networking events or offer free consultations to get your name out there.
• Utilize online job boards or freelancing platforms like Upwork to find potential clients from all over the world. Be sure to create a strong profile and submit proposals for projects that align with your skillset.
• Use social media to promote your business and showcase your work. Platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook can be great ways to connect with potential clients.

Whichever method you choose, be sure to put your best foot forward and market yourself as a professional website designer. 

When executed correctly, these ideas get you your first client and every client after that.

So, with some hard work and dedication, you should have no problem landing your first client in no time!

Step 10: Scale your business

Now that you have your first client, you need to think of ways to get your 10th, 1000th, or even 10000th client?.

So, as your web design business grows, you’ll need to start thinking about scaling. 

Scaling simply means making changes to your business to accommodate growth. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Hire additional staff. This is probably the most obvious way to scale your business. As you take on more clients, you’ll need more designers, developers, and project managers to handle the workload.
• Create standardized processes. When you’re starting out, it’s easy to wing it and make things up as you go along. But as your business grows, you’ll need to start standardizing your processes so everyone is on the same page and things run smoothly.
• Use technology to your advantage. Several software solutions can help you automate your business processes and make your life easier. For example, project management tools like Basecamp or Trello can help you keep track of projects and deadlines.
• Expand your services. As your business grows, you may want to consider expanding the types of services you offer. This could include anything from SEO to social media marketing to web app development.
• Focus on quality over quantity. It’s tempting to try and take on as many clients as possible when you’re starting out. But as your business grows, it’s important to focus on quality over quantity. This means being selective about your clients and ensuring that each project succeeds.

Your business is your sole responsibility. If you don’t put in the work, no one else will.

You need to be passionate about your business and have a clear vision of where it will go.

Don’t try to do everything yourself—build a team of experts to help you grow your business.

Read also: 14 Tips For Growing Your Web Design Business.

Final thoughts

As a web design business owner, you can change people’s lives by helping them achieve their dreams online. 

You can make a real difference in the world, and we encourage you to take action now.

Now is the time to remind yourself why you got into the web design business in the first place. Was it to make a difference? To help others achieve their dreams? Whatever your reason, remember that you have the power to make a real impact on the world.

So we encourage you to take action now and make a difference in the world. We know you can do it! 

Read also: The Best Way To Sell Website Builder To A Skeptic.

Web design business FAQs