I'm sharing 10 lessons that took me a decade to learn while building my web design business. From avoiding the niche trap to understanding the importance of marketing, these are real, battle-tested tips to help your business grow. I've experienced the highs and the lows, and now I'm sharing all my notes with you. 🛝 Grab the slides! https://selfmadewebdesigner.com/10tips 👨🏼💻 Watch Next! 💸 14 Ways to Land High Paying Web Design Clients https://youtu.be/jGDrKhaLWyw 🖼️ 50 Web Design Tips and ...
Jul 31, 2025•9 min•Ep. 142
🛝 Grab the slides! https://selfmadewebdesigner.com/5skills 📝 Check out the free/cheap fonts selection https://selfmadewebdesigner.com/fonts 👨🏼💻 Watch Next! 💸 14 Ways to Land High Paying Web Design Clients https://youtu.be/jGDrKhaLWyw 🖼️ 50 Web Design Tips and Tricks to Level Up Instantly https://youtu.be/rRFD6tENX2U 📩 Sign-Up for the SMWD and Get Client Opportunities in Your Inbox Every Week https://selfmadewebdesigner.com/newsletter Become a Self-Made Web Designer and join my exclusive...
Jul 17, 2025•19 min•Ep. 141
In this episode, I'll share the five most common sales objections faced by web designers and how to effectively overcome them in just five minutes. From credibility and price objections to commitment, scope, and comparison objections, I'll provide actionable strategies to handle each one. Learn how to reframe weaknesses as strengths, build trust with your process, understand the true value your client is looking for, and keep the momentum in your sales conversations. Make sure to watch the full ...
Jun 12, 2025•6 min•Ep. 140
In this episode, I give you the exact script I used to land a $10,000 web design project through a sales call. This is the first video in a series aimed at diving deep into every step of the web design process to secure high-paying clients. I discuss the importance of using an outline to maintain control during sales calls, breaking the call into four sections: discovery, solutions, process, and close. I emphasize asking heart and head questions to understand the client's needs, presenting the r...
May 22, 2025•13 min•Ep. 139
In this episode, I share 50 web design tips, tricks, and hacks to elevate your web design skills in just 15 minutes. From mindset and design fundamentals to user experience and technical skills, you'll learn everything you need to create stunning, effective websites. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned designer, these rapid-fire tips will help you improve layout, color schemes, typography, and image use. Plus, I cover essential tools for development, SEO, and accessibility to ensure your sit...
May 15, 2025•16 min•Ep. 138
In the third and final video of this series on website layouts, I share unique layout ideas to elevate your web design projects. Whether you're just starting out or looking to add some flair to your current designs, this video is packed with practical tips and examples. I'll take you behind the scenes of my work on a nonprofit project and show you how to use Figma to organize your inspiration. Learn about three, four, and five-column layouts, and get a free Figma file to kickstart your designs. ...
May 08, 2025•37 min•Ep. 137
If you really want to stand out as a web designer, mastering website layouts is essential. In this episode, I break down how to create effective one and two column layouts using visual hierarchy, variation, and balance. Learn practical tips and see real-world examples of layouts that guide attention, engage users, and elevate your design game. Don't forget to check out the Figma file linked in the description, and stay tuned for the next episode where we'll cover more complex layouts! Grab the l...
May 01, 2025•24 min•Ep. 136
In this episode, I dive deep into the crucial role of layouts in web design. From the psychology behind why clear and purposeful layouts matter, to practical tips on setting up columns and grids in tools like Showit and Figma. Discover how understanding and using layout variations can enhance user experience, keep your designs engaging, and ultimately make your web design projects stand out. Plus, get ready for a series of videos showcasing over 33 unique layouts and gain access to a free Figma ...
Apr 24, 2025•9 min•Ep. 135
Over the past 10 years, I've experimented with TONS of strategies to get high-ticket web design clients, and I've compiled the 14 best methods that have consistently worked for me. Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow your business, these strategies are designed to attract $5,000 to $10,000 clients on autopilot. Resources Mentioned: 📩 Sign-Up for the SMWD and Get Client Opportunities in Your Inbox Every Week https://selfmadewebdesigner.com/newsletter 💯 The First 100 Framework ht...
Apr 17, 2025•31 min•Ep. 134
In this episode, I share the exact steps I took to start a successful web design business while juggling a full-time job and the responsibilities of being a single dad. Learn about crucial strategies such as creating a time budget, systematizing tasks, and cutting out unnecessary steps to make the most of your limited time. Whether you're struggling to find time, or figuring out how to optimize your workflow, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you get your web design business ...
Apr 10, 2025•12 min•Ep. 133
You shouldn't be guessing to know exactly what to charge for your next website project. There's actually a really simple process that I walk you through in this episode. Watch Next: 📄 My Complete Web Design Project Process: https://youtu.be/T5JglDcd54A 📈 38 Resources of Web Design Inspiration https://youtu.be/llYWhiB6LMU 💻 Over a Decade of Web Design Knowledge in 7 Minutes https://youtu.be/1NTKwpAVcHg 👨🏼💻Check out Showit and get your first month free https://selfmadewebdesigner.com/showit...
Apr 03, 2025•13 min•Ep. 132
There are 4 simple but very powerful things you can do to level up your web design skills fast. No, you don't need a degree. No you don't need to buy an expensive course. BUT, you do need some grit and a little bit of guidance. Watch Next: 📈 38 Resources of Web Design Inspiration https://youtu.be/llYWhiB6LMU 💻 Over a Decade of Web Design Knowledge in 7 Minutes https://youtu.be/1NTKwpAVcHg 📄 My Complete Web Design Project Process: https://youtu.be/T5JglDcd54A 👨🏼💻Check out Showit and get yo...
Mar 27, 2025•7 min•Ep. 131
If you want to make sites that no one else is making, you have to look places no one else is looking. Check out these 38 resources to do just that. Watch Next: 📈 Build a Web Design Business in 2025 https://youtu.be/m6HC_o4Cvko 💻 Over a Decade of Web Design Knowledge in 7 Minutes https://youtu.be/1NTKwpAVcHg 📄 My Complete Web Design Project Process: https://youtu.be/T5JglDcd54A 👨🏼💻Check out Showit and get your first month free https://selfmadewebdesigner.com/showit Visit the episodes web p...
Mar 20, 2025•25 min•Ep. 130
This is my step-by-step process to starting a web design business in 2025. Things look a lot different from when they did just 5 years ago. Here's a practical roadmap to start a web design business in 2025. 💻 Check out my free Web Designer Starter Kit course and get your web design journey started on the right foot! https://selfmadewebdesigner.com 👨🏼💻Check out Showit and get your first month free https://selfmadewebdesigner.com/showit Visit the episodes web page https://selfmadewebdesigner....
Mar 13, 2025•10 min•Ep. 129
I'll share a step-by-step strategy that helped me secure my first three web design clients without needing a portfolio, website, or cold calling. The key approach is leveraging personal connections through my 'First 100 Framework.' I'll explain how to list potential contacts, what to say during outreach, handle different types of responses, and tips for the initial client phone call. You'll also learn how to navigate budget discussions and proposal tiers effectively. Grab the Free First 100 Fram...
Mar 06, 2025•7 min•Ep. 128
I get personal on this one and share my story. It was a struggle to leave full time ministry but looking back I think it was the right decision. Check out the episodes web page! https://selfmadewebdesigner.com/how-to-make-a-career-change-in-your-30s-my-personal-story/ 📄 My Complete Web Design Project Process: https://youtu.be/T5JglDcd54A 🏁 If I Started a Web Design Business in 2025 https://youtu.be/glzsMuOPOUU 🔎 Finding Freelance Clients https://youtu.be/xg1_-0_wvJw?si=S2QaznQVyNM6R90t 🏃🏼♂...
Feb 27, 2025•9 min•Ep. 126
If you're building websites for clients without a clear, repeatable process, it's only a matter of time before things go south in a bad way. Here's my exact process for high ticket web design clients. Resources Mentioned: 📄 Free Project Process Template: https://selfmadewebdesigner.com/trello-template 🙋🏼♂️ Free Client Questionnaire https://selfmadewebdesigner.com/questionnaire 👨🏼🎨 Ruttl https://selfmadewebdesigner.com/ruttl Check out the episodes web page! https://selfmadewebdesigner.com...
Feb 20, 2025•13 min•Ep. 125
In just 7 minutes, I'll share over 10 years of web design expertise, focusing on three core principles: layout, color, and typography. I'll explain the importance of visual hierarchy over the outdated F-pattern, show you the 60-30-10 rule for picking color palettes, and highlight the significance of readability in typography. I'll also provide insights into good conversion practices that go beyond aesthetics to drive user engagement and sales. Stay updated with the ever-evolving web design indus...
Feb 14, 2025•7 min•Ep. 124
Will AI take over web design? Should I learn to code? Is there too much competition for me to have a chance? I answer all those questions as I lay out 5 things I'd do differently if I was starting over with web design in 2025. You get all the juicy details of the mistakes I made along the way and the importance of adapting to changes in the industry, building efficient processes, developing a refined design taste, nurturing real-world relationships, and integrating AI into your workflow. These t...
Feb 06, 2025•14 min•Ep. 123
Episode Web Page Web Designer Starter Kit Course Here are some links to the equipment I use for my podcast and videos. These are affiliate links. Clicking on these will help me keep the channel and podcast running Camera - Panasonic Lumix G7 https://selfmadewebdesigner.com/camera Lens - Samyang 12mm F2 https://selfmadewebdesigner.com/lens Audio Interface - UA Apollo Twin Duo https://selfmadewebdesigner.com/interface Microphone - Shure SM7B https://selfmadewebdesigner.com/sm7b Lighting - El Gato ...
Jan 30, 2025•17 min•Ep. 122
Here's an update on the next season of the Self-Made Web Designer Podcast
May 25, 2022•4 min•Ep. 120
Web Designer Starter Kit Course Here are some links to the equipment I use for my podcast and videos. These are affiliate links. Clicking on these will help me keep the channel and podcast running Camera - Panasonic Lumix G7 https://selfmadewebdesigner.com/camera Lens - Samyang 12mm F2 https://selfmadewebdesigner.com/lens Audio Interface - UA Apollo Twin Duo https://selfmadewebdesigner.com/interface Microphone - Shure SM7B https://selfmadewebdesigner.com/sm7b Lighting - El Gato Key Light https:/...
May 19, 2022•28 min•Ep. 119
Web Designer Starter Kit Course Here are some links to the equipment I use for my podcast and videos. These are affiliate links. Clicking on these will help me keep the channel and podcast running Camera - Panasonic Lumix G7 https://selfmadewebdesigner.com/camera Lens - Samyang 12mm F2 https://selfmadewebdesigner.com/lens Audio Interface - UA Apollo Twin Duo https://selfmadewebdesigner.com/interface Microphone - Shure SM7B https://selfmadewebdesigner.com/sm7b Lighting - El Gato Key Light https:/...
May 12, 2022•29 min•Ep. 118
Web Designer Starter Kit Course The Lazy Genius Podcast Bullfrogs and Butterflies
May 05, 2022•29 min•Ep. 117
Upwork for Web Designers Waitlist
Apr 28, 2022•35 min•Ep. 116
Web Design Starter Kit Course Here are some links to the equipment I use for my podcast and videos. These are affiliate links. Clicking on these will help me keep the channel and podcast running Camera - Panasonic Lumix G7 https://selfmadewebdesigner.com/camera Lens - Samyang 12mm F2 https://selfmadewebdesigner.com/lens Audio Interface - UA Apollo Twin Duo https://selfmadewebdesigner.com/interface Microphone - Shure SM7B https://selfmadewebdesigner.com/sm7b Lighting - El Gato Key Light https://s...
Apr 21, 2022•31 min•Ep. 115
Web Designer Starter Kit Course The Perfect Client Process
Apr 14, 2022•40 min•Ep. 114
Free Web Design Starter Kit Course
Apr 07, 2022•22 min•Ep. 113
Web Designer Starter Kit Course Power Design Instagram Historic Agency
Mar 31, 2022•37 min•Ep. 112
Download Tax Tracking Worksheets Web Designer Starter Kit Course
Mar 24, 2022•33 min•Ep. 111
