Stand Out With Web Solutions
There are so many tools out there to enable you to create a website. There are tools like Simbla, Webydo, Wix, and dozens others that allow you to create a website from scratch, or using a pre-made template. So how do you stand out as a Knoxville web designer among all of the stiff competition? You learn to create custom web solutions for your clients that solve problems.
Let’s Face it: Anyone can build a website
There, I said it. Now, I didn’t say they could build it well, I just said they can build it. However, if you can edit pre-existing content from a template, you can build a cookie-cutter website. That can get you by for a while, but what clients don’t understand is that there is so much more that goes into a professional business website.
Branding
A website should reflect the essence of the brand. When you go to Coca Cola’s website, there is no question where you are. You know, without a shadow of a doubt, that you are looking at the genuine website for Coca Cola. Your clients’ websites should be the same way. In my opinion, there’s nothing worse than an ambiguous brand website.
Message/Strategy
A business website should reflect the overall message of the company. This is the place to build trust and tell your audience who you are and what you stand for. Your clients’ websites should boldly state their purpose, what they are selling and why they are selling it. How can people get behind your company, it’s products and services, and be confident in who you are and what you do, if you don’t even know? A lot of businesses miss this. Company culture is becoming a big part of marketing and promotion. Think about Mailchimp and how quirky, but unique they are.
Functionality/Usability
If the budget allows, maybe you can develop a custom feature or element on their website that no one else has. Imagine if your client’s website could do something that the competition was envious of. Customers would flock in droves to their site, making you an instant hero.
When it comes down to it, solve their biggest problems
Where you can set yourself apart as a web designer is to solve your clients’ problems in a way that do one else can. Maybe you will focus on a unique message that positions their company just right in their particular market. You might add a custom feature that brings new users in droves, giving that company massive exposure. Maybe you help their company to take a different approach to their marketing and services that sets them apart from the competition.
Businesses Learn, Eventually
A lot of web designers get nervous when you mention these free and cheap website builders. I don’t! Do you know how much business I’ve scooped up, because a business owner tried one of those website builders, and realized it’s not so easy? They weren’t happy with the outcome and decided to hire a professional. That’s where you step in. Here are some tips for scooping up a new client after a Wix or Weebly debacle.
- Never ever discredit or bash their work. They will take it personally.
- Focus on how you can improve their website overall, with your own custom web solutions.
- Involve them in the process as much as possible. They obvious want to feel like they are in control.
- Praise them and encourage them for taking the initiative.
- Focus on value, and how your work will benefit their business.
Custom Web Solutions Beat Plain Old Websites Any day
It’s true. When you provide custom web solutions to your clients, you won’t have any problem closing the sale of your services and signing that ever-important contract. My goal is always to provide so much value and longevity in my web design services that people would be crazy not to hire me. Their reaction to your services should be close to the photo above. If you focus on providing value, you won’t have any trouble landing new web design clients.