Every web designer knows that reaching out to new clients can be tough. It gets even trickier when these clients already have a website or don't have one at all. If you own a web design agency or are thinking about becoming a SiteSwan Website Reseller, this can sound all too familiar.

In the web design business, our job can feel like a balancing act. On one hand, we try to convince businesses with existing websites that we can make theirs better. On the other hand, we're telling companies without a website that they need one. This is one of the big challenges in growing our client list.

That's what this post is all about. We want to share an approach that's worked for us and could work for you, too. It's all about putting the client first. That means understanding their needs and wants and showing them how a new or improved website can help their business.

We'll go over the important things to think about when you're reaching out to businesses. We'll also share strategies on how to do it right. We'll talk about how to communicate your value, when to approach potential clients, and how to build a strong relationship with them.
With these strategies in hand, you'll be ready to reach out to businesses in a confident, effective way. And that's a big step towards growing your web design business.


Understanding the Potential

If you're running a web design agency or a similar business, it's a good idea to start with the clients you already have. You've worked with them before and built a relationship. That's a great foundation for talking about more ways you can help, like making their website better.

Think of your existing clients as a goldmine of opportunities. Before you look for new clients, explore the potential in the ones you have. You can do this by reaching out and starting a conversation about their website and online presence.
Here's a simple way to start that conversation:

"Hi, this is Nancy/Sam from [Your Web Design Agency Name]. We've worked together on some great projects. Now, I'd love to talk about how we can make your website and online presence even better."

This kind of introduction does two things. First, it opens up the conversation in a friendly, non-pushy way. Second, it makes room to talk about the state of their current website. This gives you a chance to listen, understand their needs, and offer your expertise.

And remember, even if you're just getting your web design business off the ground, there's no need to worry. The world is brimming with potential clients who need your skills. Businesses of all sizes and from all industries can benefit from a well-crafted website. Whether they're looking for a brand new website or a revamp of their existing one, you have the knowledge and tools to provide the solutions they need. It's all about reaching out, building relationships, and demonstrating the value you can bring to their business.

One way to find potential clients is to use SiteSwan’s Local Prospecting Tool. With just a few clicks you can scan your area for local businesses, and determine if they currently have a website or not. You can even check to see if their current website is mobile friendly or secure. It’s the fastest way to generate website leads for your business.


Start with Some Research

Before you start a conversation with a business, do a little homework. Check out if they already have a website. This will help you get a sense of what they might need and how you can help.
You can tailor your pitch based on what you find. For instance, if they don't have a website, you can talk about the benefits of getting one. If they do, you can discuss ways to make it even better.

Another good tip is to check their website's ranking in search results. Try searching for the business name. If the website doesn't appear near the top of the results, it's a clear sign they could use some help boosting their online presence. This could be your chance to step in and show them how a well-designed, optimized website can make a real difference.

Approaching Businesses That Already Have a Website:

Just because a business has a website doesn't mean they don't need your help. In fact, they might be your perfect clients. They already know that a website is important. They just might need a better one. Here's how to approach them:

• Design: Take a good look at their website. Does it look a little old or clunky? Could it be more attractive or modern? Remember, a website is like a storefront. It needs to make a great first impression.

• Mobile-Friendly: More and more people are browsing the web on their phones. So, a website that works well on mobile devices is a must. If their website doesn't, that's something you can help with.

• Simplicity and Usability: A website should be easy to use. Can you find the contact information quickly? Is the menu clear and simple to navigate? If not, those are things you can improve.

• Speed: If a website takes ages to load, visitors will give up and go elsewhere. Fast loading times are crucial for a good user experience.

• Content: The more valuable content a website has, the better it does in search results. If their site looks a bit empty, they could benefit from more content.
Outdated Information: If a website looks neglected or has old information, it's a sign that the business could use your help.

• Price: They might be spending too much on their current website. You could offer to recreate it for a better price, without compromising on design and functionality.

Remember, there's always room for improvement. Don't be afraid to offer a free demo to show what you can do. It's a great way to show potential clients the value you can bring to their business.

Reaching Out to Businesses Without a Website:

When it comes to businesses that don't have a website, you're looking at a ripe opportunity. These businesses often know they need a website but may struggle with finding the time, the right skills, or the funds to make one.

In these situations, it's important to address their concerns head-on and then explain the advantages a website can bring to their business. Here's how you might go about it:

• Visibility: Start by telling them that having a website can greatly increase their visibility. Considering that 97% of customers use the internet to find local products and services, a website is an absolute must for reaching more customers.

• Professionalism: A website also makes a business look more professional. It shows that they're serious about what they do and that they're committed to serving their customers in the best possible way.

• Credibility and Trust: It's also worth pointing out that a lot of customers view businesses without websites with suspicion. They might think they're not legitimate or that they're not serious about their business. A website helps build credibility and trust.

• Time and Cost Efficiency: Having a website can also save businesses a lot of time and money. They can use it to answer frequently asked questions, which means less time spent on the phone and more time to focus on their core business.

• Lead Generation: And of course, a well-designed website is an excellent tool for generating leads. It's like a salesperson that works 24/7, encouraging customers to call, email, or visit the business.

In conclusion, approaching businesses without a website offers an excellent opportunity for web designers. By understanding their concerns and clearly demonstrating the benefits a website can bring, you'll be well on your way to winning new clients.


Your Path Forward

Regardless of whether a business already has a website or not, your main aim should be to engage them with the offer of a free design demo. This is a win-win proposition – there's no obligation for them, and if they don't love what they see, it won't cost them a penny. But don't forget to emphasize the potential benefits and the value that a polished, professional website can bring to their business.

Embarking on this journey will inevitably open new doors and opportunities, helping you grow your web design portfolio. And remember, every successful venture begins with that first step. As you implement these strategies, keep track of your progress, learn from your experiences, and continually refine your approach based on what works best.

If you've been contemplating launching a web design business, now is the perfect time. And here's a tip – consider using SiteSwan. Our powerful tool allows you to create stunning designs quickly, without any heavy costs, and with a host of themes to choose from.

So why wait? Give it a shot, embrace the challenges, and turn your passion for web design into a profitable endeavor. Your successful journey in web design starts today!