What are the skills you need?

Websites should be easy to navigate, clearly presented, to the point and visually pleasing. Can you achieve this? It’s also important to know some tidbits, like avoiding the color black for the background of the site because uploading will be slow.. Little facts like this can make you a cut above the rest. Web designers are intelligent people who understand their client’s needs. Even though you are doing a creative task, your creativity may be limited by the client’s requirement. You need to show your clients some versatility or you work will be typecast.

In a nutshell, here are some of the basic skills a web designer needs: 1) Knowledge of HTML/PHP and dynamic scripts, 2) Marketing skills, 3) Copywriting skills, 4) Graphics skills and 5) Knowing how search engines work.

How can you provide value added service?

According to some web designers, your responsibility is to simply design the website and hand it over to the clients. If you are working for a big company, this may be the case. But many small business owners and individual clients may not know to proceed any further. They will pay, expecting you to go the whole distance with their site. Enhance your credibility among customers by going the extra mile, even if they may not expect you to. After all, working at home gives you time to do more. Maybe you can recruit a skilled family member to share the work. It gives a push to the best home based business ideas.

Marketing your business online

As you are working exclusively online, your marketing strategy should weigh in that direction. Try to add a logo or a small phrase to indicate that it’s you who designed the website people are talking about. Put your personal stamp on everything you do (unless it’s not permitted) so that your presence lingers on the internet long after you’ve finished a website.

By specializing, you can build a loyal customer base and also make a name for yourself. Don’t send out hundreds of e-mails advertising your services-it may be mistaken for spam. With the level of spam protection nowadays, you’ll find yourself blocked by servers in no time. Instead, register yourself for mailing groups or online business message boards, so that you can offer advice and assistance, need be.

Prepare an attractive e-brochure highlighting the good work you’ve accomplished. This can include websites you’ve designed for friends and family. Try to get some reviews from non-related persons, for good measure.

You need to show that you’re not just a web designer who comes up with eye catching websites. Market your business as one that provides complete web solutions to clients. You can even try to get together with other home based web designers and share your expertise. More work will come your way as a result. As with everything, networking pays dividends here.


Bizymoms.com (http://www.bizymoms.com) has been dedicated to helping moms work at home for over 10 years. Visit today to enjoy free resources which include, interactive message boards, informative articles, career kits and of course help and advice from the Bizymoms’ Home Business Support Team!