5 Things You Should NEVER DO as a Web Design Agency Founder

You down with best practices? Yeah, you know me!

Alright, let’s dive into some invaluable advice that can transform how you manage your web design agency. These tips have been life-savers for me, and I’m excited to share them with you.

No more guesswork or scrambling at the last minute. These insights will help you streamline your processes and avoid common pitfalls.

You just need to remember these five key principles.

1. Overpromising and Under-Delivering

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is overpromising and under-delivering. It’s tempting to promise the world to win a client, but this often leads to unmet expectations and disappointment. Instead:

• Set Clear Boundaries: Be transparent about deliverability, timelines, outcomes, and costs.
• Include Buffers: If a project typically takes 60-75 days, add a 2-4 week buffer to cover any unexpected delays. This way, you can exceed expectations rather than fall short.

2. Mismanaging Your Money

Financial mismanagement can sink your business faster than anything else. Here’s how to stay on top of your finances:

• Save for Taxes: For every dollar you earn, set aside 25 cents in a separate account for taxes.
• Use Financial Tools: Track your finances using tools like FreshBooks or QuickBooks. This helps you navigate slower months and forecast earnings more accurately.

3. Over Generalizing Services

Focusing on too many services can dilute your brand and overwhelm your team. Instead, find your unique selling proposition (USP) and specialize. For us:

• Specialize in Core Services: We focus on branding, web design, and development. This allows us to deliver exceptional value and charge a premium for our expertise.

4. Ignoring Your Branding and Online Presence

Your online presence is crucial for attracting and retaining clients. Here’s what to do:

• Show Your Work: Regularly share your projects on social media. This builds brand advocacy and keeps you top-of-mind for potential clients.
• Be Transparent: Showcase all your work, even spec projects. Transparency builds trust and establishes you as a thought leader.

5. Undervaluing Your Services

Never sell yourself short. Here’s a lesson from my own experience:

• Know Your Worth: Understand what clients are willing to pay and price your services accordingly. If your quote is too low, clients might think you can’t handle the workload.
• Educate Yourself: Read “The Win Without Pitching Manifesto” by Blair Enns. It’s a game-changer for understanding pricing and client engagement.

These principles can help you avoid common pitfalls and set your agency up for success. If you found these tips helpful, let me know!