We've all been there, things are going along swimmingly and then suddenly we hit a lull in business. It's scary financially, and if you're like me, after about 48 hours you're thinking no one will ever hire you again and you should just give up and WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU EVEN THINKING?! Then you drink half a hard cider, pass on the couch while watching CSI:NY, and wake up the next morning feeling like a hungover loser. It's cool though, because after you repeat this process a few times … [Read more...] about What to do when business is slow
Blog – Articles for web designers
3 Things you do that drive your clients nuts
It's popular opinion in the freelance industry that clients are always the ones at fault. This idea is popularized by sites like Clients From Hell, and a lot of "gurus" who run around and advise others to fire clients at the slightest hint of trouble. I'm not saying that every single person you work with will be amazing, and that there aren't any jerks out there. But can you really afford to place the blame on everyone who hires you and give them the boot? Not if you want a good reputation … [Read more...] about 3 Things you do that drive your clients nuts
3 Things you HAVE to do to keep your clients from getting antsy
Having been a web designer and a client, I've seen this scenario from both sides. As a designer, you're plugging away at a client's project, oblivious to the fact that your client is starting to freak out and believe you've run off with their money. As a client, you're waiting, and waiting, and waaaaaaaaaaaiting to hear back from the person you paid to get a job done. And you're hearing nothing. This happens FAR too often. And the result? You get a nightmare client (or if you are the … [Read more...] about 3 Things you HAVE to do to keep your clients from getting antsy
3 Resources for killer contracts!
One of the things I'm asked most often is, "Do I really need a contract?" And the answer: YES. 100% YES. Do not make a website without one! I don't care if you're working with a stranger, your best friend, or your grandma. You NEED a contract to protect yourself, and them, and keep your relationship from heading south. So it might be no surprise that the next question I hear all the time is, "Where do I find a contract I can use to sell my web design services?" Well, you're in … [Read more...] about 3 Resources for killer contracts!
How to help clients with tiny budgets
“But my clients can’t afford a $10,000 website. They can’t even afford a $3,000 one!” Does that sound like you? It sounds like a lot of web designers I know. And while I could (and often do) tell them to target clients with more money, sometimes the people you want as your clients don't have money, but you WANT to help them, and choosing a new audience just is NOT what you want to do. I get it. Sometimes those low-paying clients are non-profits you’re passionate about helping, or small … [Read more...] about How to help clients with tiny budgets
Why I don’t believe in competition
As entrepreneurs, we're often pitted against each other in some sort of weird business-death match to be the first to reach six-figures. We're told to either watch our competition and outdo them, or ignore them completely, and focus on ourselves. I don't believe either option is a good one. Mainly, because I don't believe in competition. There's more than enough work out there for everyone. (Yes, really!) I'm asked often about why I share my competition's articles and products. … [Read more...] about Why I don’t believe in competition
