How to Run a Web Design Business
A web design business is a business in which you design websites for individuals and companies. Web design involves a combination of some graphic design knowledge as well as programming skills. Running a web design business also involves handling the business side of things in addition to the creative side of web design.
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Instructions
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Set up a website for your business. You will want to advertise your skills and your personal website can essentially be an online portfolio. You will want to make sure your own website is a great example of a professional site so potential clients can see just what you can do. Mention your rates and the programming languages you can work in (HTML, CSS, javascript, etc.) so that potential customers will know if you have the type of skills they are looking for. You'll also want to make sure you make the language understandable to a lay person, for example by mentioning on your potential website that your knowledge of javascript allows you to create responsive website forms that customers can fill out.
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Set your rates. Your website should contain these rates so customers won't be surprised. You can get your rates either hourly or charge a set fee per page or per site. To find out how much to charge, compare the rates of other website designers. Remember, though, if you have no experience you may need to start by charging slightly lower rates until you build up a portfolio of clients and work.
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Advertise your services. There are a number of ways to do this. You can bid on projects where people are looking for online website designers. You can attempt to drive traffic to your website by creating a lot of helpful information on website creation that a person might find when searching for a web designer. You can place targeted ads on other web pages advertising your services. You can also cold-call or email companies offering your services.
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Write up contracts for service. If someone hires you, you'll need to decide how they are going to pay you and when. You should specify whether they will send you a check or pay you via Paypal or an online method. Specify whether payments is due in installments or upon completion of the project. Specify the length of time they have to pay; for example, if they plan to pay upon approving the website, have your contract stipulate that they must approve and pay within 30 days. This contract will protect you in case someone decides not to pay after you have done the work.
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Track your income and expenses for tax purposes. If you are running your own business, you will need to declare all the income you receive on your taxes using a Schedule C form. Some clients who pay you may send you a 1099 misc, but in other cases you will simply need to report the income. You may also need to pay estimated quarterly taxes based on your projected income by April 15, June 15, September 15 and January 15 since the IRS requires you to pay taxes as you go.
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References
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