I am starting a new Web Design Business - Defining the Focus

In this first episode I am telling you about my process of finding my new focus, based on research and insights from books, videos and painful experiences. I hope you guys find it interesting!

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[rinodeboer]

In this first episode I am telling you about my process of finding a new focus for my Web Design Business, based on research and insights from books, videos and painful experiences. I hope you guys find it interesting!

[LordJHouse]

Rino, you suffered the exact same problems as I did over the years...until I decided to niche down. This calculated change made a colossal difference not only in my workload (I now have more free time), but also in my revenue (my income is consistent and predictable now).

While still doing web design, I'm only providing this service to a very specific market. What's really upping my earnings though is the monthly digital marketing services I offer (PPC, SEO, CRO). It's not nearly as fun as web design, but it's certainly more profitable, and again, predictable. Plus, it's great to see the incremental advances I make for my clients. I'm also jotting down notes for each digital marketing service I provide in efforts of systematizing them. All in all, it's great having very specific goals for a very specific market...it's makes you an expert in that industry.

PS - Good books to read: The Win Without Pitching Manifesto by Blair Enns and Oversubscribed by Daniel Priestly. Both of these books completely changed how I approach business. Thanks for the great video!

[NeptuneDesign]

As a web designer who ditched web design 5 years ago to become a Google ads marketing consultant, I can promise you this you will have more peace, profit and prosperity with this direction. Sometimes the best thing you can do in business is say no to everything and yes to only 1 thing. It's the best way to declutter your mind. All the best.

[tapelongwenya]

I figured out that on December last year, that web development is not enough.

Small business need more of Marketing, and tools to help them reach potential customers. Thus now I offer more consulting services and give the client options to get a service provider for what they need or I invoice them🎉

The position of a digital designer in a nut shell is VISUAL MARKETING

[akhileshyadav]

You are the one because of whom I started doing freelancing, and now I own a 5 team agency after 3 years. Thank you so much! Just one random video of yours and now my life changed

[henstradesign]

Some good points Rino. Being a graphic designer my entire career, I have to concur that 95% of clients have no idea what they want in an initial conversation...so, yes, charge them for your time. ..Time is money! The challenge with today is that everyone is a designer because they have a computer and Canva! So, our society is a DIY society. I'm certain that when a prospective client approaches you, the first thing they ask you is..."How much for a website?" I usually reply with, that's like me asking a home renovator, "how much will it cost me to renovate my basement?" Vagueness gets you a vague cost estimate. For you, I'd start out with a free 15-minute "discovery" call; but if they want more of your consulting services, you charge them $X for the next 90-minute session (for example). I could go on and on, but if you decide to be a marketing consultant, just remember you have other commitments, like people taking your online courses...some have paid quite a lot of money to learn from you, so be sensitive to that as well. I wish you the best with your new venture Rino.

[PicSta]

Sometimes we have to look back, question ourselves, re-consider about decision we've made when we have a growing business. Encountering problems or reaching out to our limitations or worse having health issues, is a sign for the last call of having a change. The worst scenario is like what Rino said, when we think our business controls you, instead you control your businesses.

What helped me a lot is breaking down a bigger problem as a whole problem which looks like almost impossible to change or defeat can be broken down into smaller parts, each port for itself is easier to fix. Make plans for things you want to change and check them after they have been gone.

[danplumadore]

My eyes lit up when I saw you bring up the book, "Company of One."

I read it many years ago and it was an eye opener for me in may own journey.

Great video, Rino.

[happywebsites]

Rino,
thank you for sharing your experiences so openly and honest with us. I can see myself in many of the things you described - and seeing you progress and building your business further and further - until it suits you and your clients - is just so heartwarming to wacht. Thank you for sharing with us, this is a great inspiration and motivation :)

[ybrakib]

I’ve been grappling with similar challenges, and this video has completely transformed my perspective. I’m certainly going to be a regular follower and plan to overhaul my business strategy accordingly.

[RomiD]

“I work on my terms now” ❤ love that for you. More power to the people

[florianschutzbach]

Holy shit Rino. You nailed down the pain that I have since years. 90% of my clients have zero idea how to market themselves and I spent weeks of discovering for free what they need to eventually raise an offer for a website.

[karim_yahia]

Crazy! Working on the same, going from Webdesigner for everyone to a systemized and productized process that will safe me and my clients time.

Looking forward to your journey

[IbukunOluwaShotubo]

Thanks and well done, Rino. This was helpful. I am currently rethinking things with my brand strategy also and seeing this was inspiring enough.

[ForesiteTT]

I absolutely love this episode...keep up the good work man, you're an inspiration. Sending love from the Caribbean.

[heinvanvlastuin]

Thank you for sharing your thought process with us. I believe you are on the right track, because reflection is key. My gut feeling is that you would do very well in a larger team of skilled professionals, so that you don't have to do everything by yourself. I believe any team should be happy to have you on board.

[ziiludus]

Thanks a lot for the video! I find myself in kind of the same situation. Chuckled a bit when You talked about not specializing and trying to do every project despite not knowing if You can pull it off..totally same here.
Just thought about it and realized I have over 8 years of experience in real estate marketing so going to focus on providing businesses help with that.
Good luck and looking forward to the next video ;)

[formerlycringe]

I'm currently new in the world of Design (in general)

This video is SUPER helpful. I'm a bit scatterbrained, keeping myself small is something I'll definitely take to heart.

[milanmilicev]

Great video Rino. Looking forward more similar content from you.

[ferdinandfriedl]

Lesson learned! I am at the same point as you have been! Thank you so much. Big step forward!