Expanding your web design business in today’s competitive market requires strategic thinking.
It’s not just about landing new clients; it’s about building lasting relationships and creating consistent revenue streams.
I’ve been in this game for a while and adding new services is one of the most effective ways to achieve sustainable growth.
It’s like adding another powerful engine to your already-running machine boosting its efficiency and output considerably.
Content Strategy and Creation: A Powerful One-Two Punch
Let’s face it content is king.
And in 2021 (and beyond!) a robust content strategy is no longer a luxury but a necessity for any business wanting to thrive online.
Many web design agencies are recognizing this and integrating content strategy and creation as core offerings.
This isn’t just about slapping some words on a page; it’s about crafting compelling narratives that resonate with the target audience increasing engagement boosting search engine rankings and ultimately driving conversions.
This isn’t a simple “add-on” service either.
A well-executed content strategy involves a deep understanding of the client’s brand target market and business goals.
It’s about developing a comprehensive plan that outlines the type of content to be created the frequency of publication the distribution channels and the key performance indicators (KPIs) to be tracked and measured.
The content itself needs to be high-quality engaging and optimized for search engines driving organic traffic to the client’s website.
Think blog posts articles infographics videos social media updates—a multi-faceted approach.
This often involves keyword research competitor analysis and ongoing optimization to ensure the content remains effective over time.
You need to be able to show your clients how your content strategy is increasing their visibility and bottom line not just creating pretty words.
The Client Onboarding Process: Content Strategy and Beyond
The key here is integration.
Don’t just tack content strategy onto the end of a web design project.
Start the conversation early—ideally during the initial consultation.
Ask probing questions about the client’s brand identity their target audience their competition and their business objectives.
This allows you to weave content creation into the entire project lifecycle ensuring a cohesive and effective result.
For example you could use the brand identity you help them define to create initial content pillars for ongoing blog posts or social media campaigns.
From a practical perspective a phased approach works well.
You might start with a content audit to assess the client’s existing content and identify gaps and opportunities.
Then develop a content strategy document that outlines the goals target audience content calendar and key metrics.
Finally you can begin creating the content itself which can be an ongoing service or a project-based deliverable.
Remember demonstrating clear ROI with regular reporting on engagement and traffic is crucial for long-term client retention.
This level of service shows you aren’t just a web designer you are a growth partner.
SEO Optimization: Driving Organic Traffic
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is another critical area where you can add significant value.
A well-optimized website is much more likely to rank high in search results attracting more organic traffic.
This is a huge advantage especially for businesses competing in crowded online marketplaces.
Now you may already be incorporating some basic SEO principles into your web design work but offering a dedicated SEO service allows you to go deeper offering more comprehensive optimization strategies.
This extends far beyond simply selecting keywords.
Effective SEO requires a holistic approach encompassing on-page optimization (e.g.
title tags meta descriptions header tags image alt text) off-page optimization (e.g.
link building social media promotion) and technical SEO (e.g.
site speed mobile-friendliness XML sitemaps). You’ll need to stay current with Google’s algorithm updates and tools like Google Search Console and Google Analytics become your best friends.
Furthermore you need to be able to educate your client on the importance of ongoing optimization; it’s a marathon not a sprint.
Pricing and Packaging Your SEO Services
Pricing your SEO services requires a careful assessment of your skillset and the market rate.
You could offer tiered packages starting with basic on-page optimization and progressively adding more advanced services such as technical SEO audits and off-page optimization strategies.
Package pricing can be attractive to clients providing a clear overview of the services included and the overall cost.
Remember transparency is key.
Clearly outline what’s included in each package and manage client expectations regarding timelines and results.
SEO results aren’t immediate; it often takes time for a website to climb the search engine rankings.
Setting realistic expectations is vital for maintaining positive client relationships.
Consider offering monthly retainer packages for ongoing SEO maintenance.
This provides a consistent revenue stream for your business while giving your clients the reassurance of having their SEO managed continuously.
Remember SEO is an ongoing process not a one-time fix.
This means you’ll need to stay abreast of algorithmic changes and industry best practices.
You might even consider offering a free SEO audit as a lead magnet to highlight your expertise and entice potential clients.
Mobile App Development: Capitalizing on Mobile-First
The mobile-first approach is no longer a trend; it’s the standard.
Many businesses require a mobile app to enhance customer engagement provide convenient access to their services and differentiate themselves from their competition.
If you have the coding skills mobile app development is a lucrative service you can add to your offerings.
This requires proficiency in at least one mobile development platform (e.g.
iOS Android React Native Flutter).
This service doesn’t simply involve building a functional app.
It involves understanding the client’s business needs designing a user-friendly interface incorporating relevant features and ensuring seamless integration with other systems.
You’ll need to design for different screen sizes operating systems and user experiences.
User experience (UX) design plays a massive role here; a poorly designed app will lose users faster than it gains them.
Furthermore app store optimization (ASO) is also crucial for ensuring your client’s app gets discovered and downloaded.
ASO is basically the equivalent of SEO but for app stores.
App Development: Specialization and Outsourcing
You don’t necessarily need to be an expert in every aspect of app development.
You can specialize in certain areas (e.g.
front-end development back-end development database management) and outsource other aspects to freelancers or other agencies.
This allows you to leverage the skills of others and focus on the areas where you excel.
However you’ll still need to be the project manager and ensure everything runs smoothly and most importantly delivers a high-quality app to your client that meets their specifications and within budget and timeline.
Pricing your app development services requires considering several factors including the app’s complexity the number of features the development platform(s) and the estimated hours of development time.
You might offer different packages based on the app’s scope and features.
Transparency is again vital.
Keep your client informed throughout the development process providing regular updates and addressing their concerns promptly.
Remember this is a substantial investment for your clients so managing their expectations and maintaining clear communication is paramount.
Website Analytics and Reporting: Providing Data-Driven Insights
Website analytics can reveal a wealth of information about website performance user behavior and marketing effectiveness.
While many website owners have access to analytics platforms like Google Analytics they often lack the expertise to interpret the data and extract meaningful insights.
By offering website analytics and reporting services you can provide your clients with valuable data-driven insights to inform their business decisions.
This service involves setting up and configuring analytics tracking collecting and analyzing data and presenting the findings in an easy-to-understand format.
You’ll need to be proficient in using analytics platforms and have a strong understanding of key metrics such as website traffic user engagement conversion rates and bounce rates.
Your ability to translate raw data into actionable recommendations for improvement is key here.
You will need to be able to explain what the data means and even more importantly how it can help them improve their business.
Interpreting Data and Providing Actionable Advice
The challenge lies in translating complex data into actionable recommendations.
Don’t just present a bunch of numbers; explain what they mean and how the client can use this information to improve their website and marketing efforts.
Focus on the key metrics that are relevant to the client’s business goals.
For instance if their primary goal is to increase sales you should focus on conversion rates and other metrics that relate directly to sales.
Similarly if their goal is to build brand awareness you should focus on metrics such as website traffic social media engagement and reach.
Creating insightful reports is a crucial part of this service.
Don’t just provide raw data; summarize the key findings highlight important trends and offer specific recommendations for improvement.
Use visuals such as charts and graphs to make the data more engaging and easier to understand.
Regular reporting possibly monthly allows for ongoing monitoring and adjustments.
This establishes you as more than just a web designer; you become a strategic partner helping your clients achieve their business goals.
Video Production: Adding a Visual Dimension
Video content is becoming increasingly popular offering a powerful way to engage audiences and convey information effectively.
If you have the skills or can outsource video production is a valuable service to add to your portfolio.
This can involve creating explainer videos promotional videos testimonials or other types of video content to enhance the client’s website and marketing efforts.
This might include scripting filming editing and post-production.
You’ll need to understand different video styles and formats and be able to adapt your approach to meet the client’s specific needs.
Furthermore optimizing videos for different platforms (e.g.
YouTube Vimeo) is essential for maximizing their reach and impact.
Good quality video production requires a dedicated skillset or at the very least a skilled team to outsource to.
Video Production: Scope and Client Collaboration
It’s important to clearly define the scope of the video production project upfront outlining the deliverables timeline and budget.
Collaboration with the client is crucial throughout the process ensuring that the final video meets their expectations.
This means actively seeking feedback and making adjustments as needed.
Offering various video packages allows for flexibility catering to clients with different budgets and needs.
Perhaps offer a basic package that includes scripting filming and basic editing and a premium package that includes more advanced editing motion graphics and music.
Consider your own capabilities.
If you lack the technical skills outsource to freelancers or other agencies.
Clearly outline your process and the client’s role in it.
This will manage expectations and ensure a smooth workflow.
Video is a compelling medium that can significantly improve a website’s engagement and marketing efforts.
By adding this to your skillset you can offer a more complete service to your clients.
Social Media Management: Building Online Presence
Social media is an integral part of most businesses’ marketing strategies.
However managing social media accounts effectively requires significant time and expertise.
If you have a strong social media presence and understanding of different platforms you can offer social media management services.
This includes creating and scheduling content engaging with followers running ads and analyzing performance.
This service involves understanding different social media platforms their algorithms and best practices.
You need to be able to tailor your approach to each platform creating content that resonates with the target audience.
Analyzing social media performance data and reporting the results to the client is also important.
You should be able to show your client how your strategy is impacting their brand awareness and engagement.
Social Media Strategy: Platform-Specific Expertise
Developing a comprehensive social media strategy is key.
This involves identifying the client’s target audience setting goals and determining the best platforms to use.
Each platform has its own unique characteristics and nuances.
You should ideally have a good understanding of each platform’s capabilities and its audience.
For example Instagram is highly visual so you might focus on creating high-quality images and videos.
LinkedIn is more professional so you might focus on sharing industry insights and thought leadership content.
Pricing social media management services can be based on various factors such as the number of platforms managed the frequency of posting and the level of engagement required.
You could offer different packages based on the client’s needs and budget.
Transparency is again vital.
Regular reporting on social media performance keeps your client informed of the results.
This shows your value and ensures they are receiving a strong return on their investment.
Web Design Consulting: Sharing Your Expertise
Consultancy is a great way to leverage your expertise without committing to extensive project work.
You can provide advice on website design development and marketing strategies.
This might include reviewing existing websites identifying areas for improvement and recommending solutions.
Consultancy can be project-based or ongoing providing a flexible approach to client service.
You can specialize in specific areas of web design or marketing and offer your consulting services to a wider range of clients.
For instance you could focus on SEO UX design or content strategy.
This is also a great way to establish your expertise in a particular niche strengthening your brand positioning within the market.
It’s a relatively low-commitment approach that can help you generate consistent income and build your reputation.
Consulting Services: Niche Expertise and Packaging
Packaging your consulting services is important.
You could offer tiered packages providing different levels of consultation based on the client’s needs and budget.
A basic package might involve a one-hour consultation while a premium package might include ongoing support and regular check-ins.
Clearly defining the scope of each package prevents misunderstandings and ensures a smooth client experience.
Focus on your niche.
If you have expertise in a particular area such as e-commerce website design or WordPress development you can market your consulting services to clients in that niche.
This allows you to target a specific audience and showcase your expertise in a particular field.
Use case studies and testimonials to demonstrate your success and build trust with potential clients.
Remember your reputation is everything.
Web Hosting Reselling: Adding a Recurring Revenue Stream
Reselling web hosting is a fantastic way to add a consistent revenue stream to your business.
Many web designers already recommend hosting providers to their clients; by becoming a reseller you can earn a commission on each hosting plan sold.
This is an extremely passive way to generate income.
This involves partnering with a hosting provider such as WP Engine (among others) and reselling their services to your clients.
This requires little to no extra work on your part and many hosting companies provide the tools and resources you need to manage your reseller account.
This creates recurring revenue for your business establishing a more predictable income stream.
You can integrate this into your existing web design services or offer it as a standalone product.
Reselling Hosting: Bundling and Value-Added Services
Bundling hosting with other services such as website maintenance or SEO can create attractive packages for clients.
This creates a more comprehensive solution and enhances the overall value proposition.
Consider offering managed hosting which includes setup technical support and security updates.
This offers a value-added service that many clients find appealing and increases your revenue stream per client.
Many hosting companies have specific reseller programs that provide the tools and support you need.
These programs often include access to training materials marketing resources and technical support.
Be sure to research the various hosting providers and their programs before choosing one.
The commission structure the level of support and the quality of their services are all important factors to consider.
WordPress Maintenance Plans: Providing Ongoing Support
Offering WordPress maintenance plans is another great way to generate recurring revenue.
These plans typically include regular backups security updates performance optimization and technical support.
This provides ongoing support to your clients reducing their workload and ensuring their websites remain healthy and secure.
Maintenance plans are also a valuable addition to your service catalog.
This requires a solid understanding of WordPress and its core functionalities.
It also involves establishing a system for managing client websites tracking maintenance tasks and providing timely support.
You can use tools and plugins to automate certain tasks such as backups and security updates increasing efficiency.
WordPress Maintenance: Creating Tiered Plans and Value-Adds
Create different tiered maintenance plans providing various levels of support based on the client’s needs and budget.
A basic plan might include backups and security updates while a premium plan might include performance optimization plugin management and technical support.
Offering a monthly retainer provides a steady income stream and ensures clients receive ongoing support.
You can integrate this seamlessly with your other services increasing the overall value proposition.
Consider offering additional value-added services such as content updates SEO optimization or social media management.
This creates more comprehensive solutions and enhances the value you provide to your clients.
WordPress maintenance is a recurring revenue service that can significantly contribute to the long-term growth of your web design business.
In conclusion growing your web design business in 2021 and beyond is less about chasing the next client and more about building lasting relationships and offering a diverse range of services.
By strategically adding services such as content strategy and creation SEO optimization mobile app development website analytics video production social media management web design consultancy web hosting reselling and WordPress maintenance you can create a robust and resilient business model that provides consistent income and strengthens your relationships with existing clients.
Remember it’s about offering comprehensive solutions that drive client success establishing yourself as a valued partner in their growth.