Thinking about making a graphic design website (service)

[RESmonkey]

I do freelance graphics stuff, and want to expand a bit. Still in high school, so I can't do much, but here's what I'm thinking:

1. Register an LLC.
2. Make website
3. ????
4. Profit

Step 3 is where I need ATOT help. How would I go about advertising the website? I'm guessing google adwords? Any help on that? How much should I pay, etc?

EDIT = Also, what's the cheapest/recommended webhost I can get?

 

[QurazyQuisp]

There is virtually no money in website design/graphic design when targeting business/people through the internet. The problem is that the market is very, very saturated. I tried it for a while during mid highschool (4-5 years ago) and had a hard time finding much business, at least to make a decent amount of money.

I quickly found out that finding clients locally is where it is at. Not only can you charge more than on the internet but also you are able to more easily communicate with them and handle the money involved. I made good money doing website design/development during the later years in highschool and into my early years of college. I even got to the point where there was so much work to be done that I could not handle it, I had about 2 other people working for me. Then last year I decided to get out of the business, I hated it for the most part. Unfortunately the service isn't concrete in what you'll be providing for your client, unlike changing oils, mowing lawns and so on. I got tired of dealing with clients who had no idea what they wanted and continued to change their mind. While it was great for my pocket it got very very boring.

My advice is this: Setup a business plan (hourly rate, how you plan to grow, the services you'll be providing, and so on) -> Go to businesses around your home and ask to talk with the owners. Tell them what you can offer and provide examples. -> Get Clients. -> Profit.

 

[RESmonkey]

How about flyers? Can I make flyers and go around posting them, or is that somehow illegal now?

 

[QurazyQuisp]

Originally posted by: RESmonkey
How about flyers? Can I make flyers and go around posting them, or is that somehow illegal now?

It's not illegal, but I found it very effective to go and talk to the business owner.

At first it was a little tough to muster up enough courage to do it but after the first 3-5 it wasn't so bad.

Do some research before going to the businesses. Check out if they have a website already. If so is it frontpage-ish or decently professional. I usually targeted the ones without a website or with a frontpage-ish website. I also got business from companies that had nice websites but it tended to be more updating and such. (which I would charge a monthly fee for)

 

[RESmonkey]

How effective is calling vs going to a business? Over here, most local business are a good quarter mile apart or more.

 

[Safeway]

Originally posted by: RESmonkey
How effective is calling vs going to a business? Over here, most local business are a good quarter mile apart or more.

In person >>>> Calling.

 

[QurazyQuisp]

Originally posted by: RESmonkey
How effective is calling vs going to a business? Over here, most local business are a good quarter mile apart or more.

I've never called. I've had businesses call me, but that was after I had a decent client base. I'd see it just the same as a telemarketer; how much do you want to talk to them?

Remember, you're going to have to spend money to make money. If that means driving a quarter mile for each business, do it. It'll be much better. And as safeway said, In Person >>> phone.

 

[RESmonkey]

I see, I might join up with a buddy of mine and go around this Friday. What should I bring along, besides samples of work?

 

[Auryg]

Dress nicely, but not over the top - and just be casual about it. Business owners are people too, and if they say no, accept it.

Something to leave behind is a must to - such as a business card. They may not need your services now, but later on they may.

 

[Epic Fail]

Let's show us some of your samples.

 

[RESmonkey]

Hmm...should I really use my client's work as examples? I have some old stuff I did for free I can use.

 

[QurazyQuisp]

Originally posted by: Auryg
Dress nicely, but not over the top - and just be casual about it. Business owners are people too, and if they say no, accept it.

Something to leave behind is a must to - such as a business card. They may not need your services now, but later on they may.

Definitely. The biggest problem I had when I started out was getting them to trust me. I dressed nice clothes. Not to the extent of business casual but a nice pair of jeans, a button down long sleeved shirt and leather shoes.

Make sure to get a decent hair cut, if you don't have one already.

I usually brought a few samples of my work. I would also bring a sheet that had the services I can provide, the hourly rate I charge as well as the rates of other companies in the area.

Most of the companies around me charged around $125/hour.

I started at $25/hour, last year when I got out of the business I was charging about $75. I payed the other two guys about 15-20/hour (both college students) and was saving/pocketing about $55/hour.

 

[RESmonkey]

I think I'll print some flyers out, and take them with me. Leave them at some places, hand them to some local businesses.

Should I just ask to speak to the guy in charge or something when entering a local business (after a good greeting, of course), or how do I get their attention?

 

[Engraver]

Post samples of your work here first.