After more than six years of experience, mistakes and learning in the world of freelancing, I have finally refined a method that guarantees the satisfaction and loyalty of my clients. Today I'm sharing with you the multi-step process I use in my projects, saving you the time and money it took me to get this done.
1. Lead generation
Lead generation is crucial for any agency. With us, this is mainly done in two ways: client referrals, which are the best source of new projects, and our YouTube channel, which, thanks to three years of content dedicated to web design, regularly attracts new clients. A detailed contact form on our website allows us to filter leads efficiently, ensuring the project fits our skills and budget.
2. The first meeting
Once contact is established, we organize an initial call with the client and our project managers. This exchange allows us to evaluate the feasibility of the project based on our experience and to discuss the client's needs, deadlines, contracts and budget. This transparency from the start makes the process much easier for all parties involved.
3. Validation and start of the project
After confirming that we can meet the client's expectations on time and within budget, we proceed to sign the contract and request a 50% deposit. This is a crucial step to get the project off to a good start.
4. The kick-off meeting
The project kicks off during a discovery meeting with the client and the project team. This is the moment when specific needs are defined and the action plan is established. We use Notion as our CRM to manage the project, providing both an internal view for our team and a client dashboard for transparent tracking.
5. Tools and communication
For design, we favor Figma and, depending on the scale of the project, Webflow or Framer for development. Loom is used for feedback and explanations, while communication is done via Slack, Discord, email or Teams, depending on the customer's preferences.
6. Retention Services
Once the project is completed, our goal is to convert the client into a maintenance or continuing development contract. This allows us to generate recurring revenue and build a long-term relationship with the customer.
7. Pricing
Our minimum rate is $10,000 per project. Although this may vary depending on the agency, we find it to be a good starting point for the services we offer. It is essential to remain flexible and open to changing your prices based on experience and demand.
8. Continuous growth and learning
The world of web design is changing rapidly, and it's crucial to never stop learning. We regularly organize meetings with other agency owners to exchange knowledge and strategies. This helps us stay at the forefront of our field and continue to grow.
In conclusion, running a successful web design agency in 2024 requires a combination of effective lead generation strategies, transparent communication with clients, the use of suitable tools, and a commitment to continuous learning and growth. By following these steps and remaining open to adjustments as the market evolves, you can build a successful agency that stands out in the digital landscape.
