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What makes you more than just a good website designer?

I’m sure you’ve been asked that question by potential clients in the past and, without a doubt, proven in more ways than one that you really are the designer of their dreams. But I want you to ask yourself that question: what makes you more than just a good website designer?

Every web designer has a different style and a unique trademark that makes them stand out as a reliable designer, but there is one thing that every designer needs to be outstanding.

You need to be more than just a website designer.

In order to scale your business and grow your web design brand, you need to become a friend.

The reason why you’re more than a web designer

Design clients love it when you nail their vision and help them construct the face of their brand. They will leave great testimonials and rave about you on Facebook for a few days, but what’s the thing that keeps them talking about you for months, if not, years?

Their relationship with you!

That’s why you are so much more than just a website designer - you are their friend. You don’t just sell your services, send an invoice and then shake hands goodbye. You build a reputable relationship with them, helping them plan their business blueprint while taking them forward each and every step of the way.

From the get-go, your goal is to get to know them as a business owner. You learn their story and their background and you share your dreams and goals too - just like a real friendship! This way, they feel you are personally interested in them and their brand, helping them to realize that:

• You are a sincere business owner

• You care about them and the outcome

•  You are easy-going and fun to work with

But how can you do that when you have so many clients and - let’s be honest - so little time?

How to be a friend and not just a designer

Being more than just a designer means giving FULL support to your clients individually. Now I know you are thinking that this is much easier said than done. It can sometimes feel like clients are taking up too much of your time already.

But if you are serious about scaling your design business, becoming their friend is a vital part of the process. Here are a few steps that will help you become more than just a designer, helping you upscale your business.

STEP ONE > FULL LAUNCH SUPPORT

From the very first client consultation to way past the brand or website launch, your job as a designer and friend is to be there for your client. They will have questions throughout their journey with you and you being there for them will mean the world!

Some clients may have never worked with a brand or website designer before. They will most likely be anxious about what’s going on behind the scenes. This may cause them to ask questions on the daily, which can cause a strain on your work schedule. To stop that from happening, try your best to answer any questions they may have from the very beginning and give them the low down on each phase of the design process. An awesome way to do this is through an FAQ section either in your welcome packet, proposal, or website. This way, they will feel well supported and will have many of their fears minimized because of your efforts to keep them in the loop.

Stay connected with your clients throughout the journey and they will sing your praises years after their collaboration with you. This will help you gain a solid reputation which, in turn, will help you scale your awesome business! 

However, giving each client full support throughout their launch is not easy, especially becaus you’re a busy woman! I get you!

That’s why I highly recommend this next step.

STEP TWO > FOCUS ON ONE CLIENT AT A TIME

To give your client the best service and to dedicate to them the time they deserve, it is helpful to focus on one design client at a time.

Instead of juggling multiple projects and running around your office like a madwoman, try booking one client at a time. This will not only help you give your undivided attention to that client but it will also help you filter out the madness from your to do list.

Scheduling one client at a time will help you show personal interest in that client, helping them feel your sincerity in helping them and, in turn, encouraging them to spread the word about you for months to come. So even if it feels like you’re working less, you’re setting yourself up for success and strategizing for your future. 

It can be scary to start thinking about only working with one client at a time, I mean, what happens if something falls through or you can’t land another client? The thing is, you only have to do something once to convince yourself that it’s going to work. Therefore, I encourage you to give it a shot and then move forwards from there. Another option is to invest in a business coach to help you. There are some awesome coaches out there specifically for designers, and I’m happy to give you recommendations! 

When you work with one client at a time, you can focus on smoothing out any bumps in the road and elevating your client process, which means that you can raise your prices and make more money while working less! We’re here for a sustainable female business owner!

STEP THREE > OFFER INCLUSIVE PACKAGES FOR YOUR CLIENTS

One of the best ways to be more than a website designer and to upgrade your business? Offer tailored, all-inclusive packages for your clients.

We go all out for our friends by spending time with them, buying them gifts and doing all they can to make them comfortable. So it’s time to do the same for your clients.

A great way to do this is to create packages that include the following:

• Brand strategy & identity design

• Package design

• Launch support

• Systems set up

• Project management

• Photography (branded photoshoots and organizing it all)

• Copywriting 

• Marketing 

Getting on board with offering inclusive packages in your services will ignite your client onboarding process and will be the start of a great friendship.

And that friendship will without a doubt scale your business, positioning your brand as one that stands out from the rest.

WHAT MAKES YOU MORE THAN JUST A GOOD WEB DESIGNER?

Swinging back to the question I asked from the outset, what really makes a good designer?

Yep!

Doing more than just designing for your clients.

It’s about building a lasting relationship with them, helping them build trust in your brand which will move them to share that trust with others.

That way, you will upgrade your brand and continue to scale your business.

If this is something you’re struggling with, then let’s talk about how we can add in copywriting and a marketing launch package to your brand and website design business so you can take your online business to the next level!