How To Start A Web Design Business?

I started a web design business back in 2002. Even though I live in a very small town with only 1200 people, my business thrived for five years until I shut it down so I could do something else with my time. Most of my business was local.

Now I've transformed my web design site into a blog that tells people what they need to know to start a web design business. I tell people the tricks of the trade that took me many months to learn.

Start with a Marketing Plan

Before you write your business plan, you should write a marketing plan.

This will help you decide who you will serve, how you will serve them, and what strategies you will use to meet your goals.

Writing a preliminary marketing plan isn't all that hard.

You will definitely want to create your marketing plan before designing your website, because what you decide your specialties will be will be part of what goes into the web design.

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Your Web Design Business Plan

Next, write a business plan. This will force you to think about how you would like it to work out. While writing, you're likely to be hit by lots of amazing inspirations. Get wild with it. Write your heart out - you will be amazed at what you end up with.

Here's a simple outline of a business plan:

Business Description

1. Location

2. Legal Structure

3. Nature of Business

4. Owner's Resume

5. Business History

6. Goals

Products and Services

1. Products

2. Services

3. Advertising

4. Suppliers

5. Production

6. Quality

8. Costs

Market Information

1. Market Areas

2. Market Trends

3. Target Markets

4. Competition

5. Niches

Marketing Strategy

1. Mission Statements - see How to Write a Mission Statement.

2. 1 to 3 Year Marketing Goals

3. Marketing Strategies

4. Marketing Timeline

5. Marketing Budget

Pricing

1. Direct Expenses Per Unit

2. Monthly Overhead

3. Pricing Strategies

Facilities

1. Location, Size, and Zoning

2. Age and Condition

3. Expansion Opportunities

Management and Personnel

1. Management Expertise

2. Key Personnel

3. Organization Chart

4. Staffing Plan

5. Sub-Contracting Plan

Benefits to Community

1. Jobs Created

2. Building Rehabilitation

3. Meeting Community Needs

4. Increased Community Tax Base

Financial Management

1. Record Keeping

2. Bookkeeping

3. Start-Up Costs

4. Financing Plan

5. One Year Cash Flow Projection

Conclusion

1. Statement of Commitment

2. Restatement of Goals & Objectives

Get Legal

If you're serious about owning a web design business, you must do it legally.

That means getting a business license if your county or state regulations require it.

Every state and locality varies on how a business license is obtained, and the costs involved.

It is honorable to help support your county by paying for a business license.

Do so, and you'll be on the road to having a real business and feeling better about yourself.