As more startups emerge, so too, does the need for more website development. Whether you have an existing web development business or plan to join the startup ranks, growing a business is never easy. The website development industry is pretty crowded and there are no signs that it’s going to ease up. Why? The availability of website development online courses makes basic web development skills available to anyone interested in being a web developer. But it takes much more than that to actually build a career, let alone, a successful web development business.
Breaking In: The Web Development Basics
Is the web development industry over-saturated? Yes. But your business can still stand out and be successful. The web development industry is constantly growing and evolving. That means successful web developers stay ahead of the trends, keep their certifications updated, and consistently keep learning and researching.
Building And Growing a Web Development Company
Regardless of how competitive the web development industry is, you can still have a successful business. Now is still a great time to grow your business. But keep in mind, you are not only competing with other web developers; you are also competing with website builders like WordPress, Squarespace, and Wix, which offers templates that allow users to drag and drop content to create a website.
In order to be successful in a saturated web development market, you need to stand out. Here’s how:
Build a Website Reflects Your Web Development Skills.
Why would any self-respecting business owner hire a web developer whose own website looks and functions like trash? Especially when they can go to a website builder. You need to show visitors why they should hire you instead of going to another web development company or using a website builder. Your company website is the perfect opportunity to show potential clients what you can do. Make sure you focus on the following aspects:
- Responsiveness
- Short load times
- User-friendliness
- SEO
- Include a blog that offers valuable information to visitors and clients
Brand Yourself And Your Company The Right Way.
Define your brand and make sure your website promotes your brand. You will need an interesting logo with a unique color scheme that matches the theme of your website. You want to create a logo that is unique and easily identifiable and relatable to your website and content. When someone sees your logo, they should automatically think about your company. Speaking of which, do you have a company name? You should think about creating a memorable business name and even a catchy tagline or slogan to compliment it.
While it’s great to be a Jack of all Trades, it’s even better to establish yourself as an expert or specialist. Include on your website your education and web development certificate. This is a way to establish your business as trustworthy and skilled.
Maintain a Living Portfolio.
Keeping a portfolio of your past clients is a given. However, you want to make sure your portfolio highlights a particular set of skills so that you can capitalize on a specialty. For example, you may have used Ruby on project and Python on another project. Label your work accordingly. If you haven’t already, consider an apprenticeship with a web development agency to help build your portfolio.
Price Your Services Correctly.
You don’t want to overcharge, and you definitely do not want to undercharge for your services. Research what other sites in your area and particular specialization are charging.
Be Active In Relevant Communities.
Joining communities where potential clients may hang out is also a way to network and establish your growing brand as an expert in your field. Offer advice and tips for improving their websites.
Leverage Relevant Social Media Platforms To Network.
Every business should have a social media profile in 2019 already. Sadly, some don’t. Or, they use social media platforms that aren’t relevant to their industry. Here’s a tip: Github, LinkedIn, Reddit, and Twitter are the best platforms for web developers to network on.
These are but a few tips and tricks for starting and growing your web development company. You want to make sure your visitors know the difference between web development and web design, too. And if your business will offer web design in addition to web development, that’s already putting your business at the head of a large pack. For more tips and advice on growing your web startup visit KitelyTech, one of the best web development companies comprised of like-minded entrepreneurs who can help you achieve your goal.
Author Bio: Rachael is working with Deepak Shukla and a content writer at Pearl Lemon who has written on a diversity of topics, from colored diamonds to SEO software. In her spare time, she enjoys singing, sketching, cooking, and video games.
