Thinking Of Starting A Wordpress Web Design Business – Here Are 7 Things You Must Do
Do you want to start your own WordPress web design company in Dallas, Texas? One of the most common questions we get at Click4Corp is about how to establish a web design business. So what’s our answer then? In addition to the hard work, patience, and commitment required to launch your Dallas WordPress web design company, here are the top seven things you must do.
Starting a WordPress Web Design Business
1. Set up your accounting.
Trying to keep track of all your financial transactions is critical to the success of your Dallas WordPress web design company. That being said, you do not want to waste any time maintaining excel spreadsheets and balancing accounts because you need to focus on growing your business.
Thankfully, there are a number of online tools available to assist you in streamlining your accounting and saving time and money.
We recommend using an invoice software program like Freshbooks. Freshbooks is a great accounting solution for beginners because it is so simple to use. You can make and send invoices, accept online payments, link your bank account, and log every transaction effortlessly. Freshbooks also allows you to track how much time you spend on a project and bill customers for the number of hours you worked.
This feature comes in handy if a customer wishes to hire you on an hourly basis. Any paid feature comes with a free 30-day trial, and there is even a plan that is 100% free. Signing up is a breeze, and you don’t even have to enter your credit card information to start your trial.
You can also use the WP-Invoice plugin to handle your invoices.
2. Choose your theme framework.
Selecting a theme framework (the core functions of a theme, but not styling) to work with will help you cut down on work and accelerate your overall development process. There are many WordPress theme frameworks to choose from, but our top recommendations are Genesis Theme Framework, Divi, Themify, Beaver Builder, and Astra.
It is also a good idea to install and keep a set of WordPress plugins as part of your blueprint. Finding plugins for specific purposes (SEO, social media, or site performance) will also expedite your development process.
3. Implement a backup system.
Data loss is expensive, and it is exponentially worse when the data belongs to a client. Therefore, investing in a reliable backup system should be a priority for your Dallas WordPress web design business. Backups can save your business if your website is hacked or you inadvertently lock yourself out.
There are many free and paid WordPress backup plugins to choose from. We recommend using UpdraftPlus, VaultPress (Jetpack Backup), BackupBuddy, BlogVault, or BoldGrid Backup.
If you plan to host your clients’ websites, you must invest in periodic client data backups. Remember to back up your development environment as well, which includes all of your code editing tools. Using a version control system such as Git can save you a lot of time and hassle in the long run.
4. Choose the best hosting.
Your clients will seek your assistance in choosing the best hosting solution for their WordPress website. As a smaller web design business, you can host your client websites on your own and save some money, but it comes with its own set of complications.
It is a good idea to partner up with a reputable hosting provider like Bluehost, SiteGround, DreamHost, HostGator, and Hostinger. Partnering with a reputable hosting provider allows you to delegate challenging responsibilities such as server management while still making extra money.
You will thank us for this advice as the number of your clients grows.
5. Build a great team.
You may initially believe that you can handle the bulk of the work independently, and you most likely can. However, as your Dallas WordPress web design business grows, you will need more hands and brains at work. You have the option of hiring someone full-time or working with freelancers.
Running a web design business requires knowledge of more than web design — you also need to know about SEO, content writing, social media, among others. You cannot be a master of everything, therefore attempting to accomplish everything on your own will derail your web design business before it ever begins. Find persons with the abilities and knowledge that you lack and delegate tasks to them.
It is worth noting that running a web design business also requires you to be familiar with SEO, content writing, and social media, among other things. You cannot be an expert in everything — find people with the talents and knowledge in these specific areas. It may take some time and effort to find people you can trust, but it will be well worth it in the end.
6. Build relationships with your clients.
Develop more personal relationships with your clients. Take an interest in their company and their long-term business goals, and go out of your way to find out how you can help them achieve those objectives.
You should always handle your business in an ethical, generous, courteous, polite, and graceful manner. Don’t become a stranger after the job is done and you are paid. You should check in with your clients regularly to see how things are going for them. These simple acts will only take a few minutes of your time each day, but they will bring you more business than you could ever imagine.
7. Create an email list.
Email marketing — while often neglected — is one of the most effective and cost-efficient marketing tools.
The fact is that most of your site visitors will never return, which means you only have a few seconds to convince them to hire you.
A site visitor may be interested in your web design services even if they are not ready to make a decision. You can encourage them to join your exclusive email list and regularly provide them with valuable insights and resources. This will ensure they choose you whenever they need web design services.
Final Thoughts
Thinking Of Starting A Wordpress Web Design Business – Here Are 7 Things You Must Do
We hope that this blog will provide you with the necessary tools and a positive approach as you launch your WordPress site design business. Call our Dallas web design experts at (469) 441-4678 or fill out an online form to get in touch with us today and learn more!