As the market for premium WordPress themes expands, so does the demand for skilled web developers to customize those themes. In this post, I’ll share a few tips for leveraging your knowledge of WordPress and CSS to run a successful web design business.
Not all client web design work needs to be custom built from the ground up. In fact, most of the time it shouldn’t be custom built 100% of the way. There are so many powerful tools at our disposal, including open-source content management systems such as WordPress, and even more plug-ins and themes to expand the design and functionality. Not to mention loads of 3rd party specialty services that can be used alongside their WordPress website, such as iContact for email campaigns, or FreshBooks for online invoicing. Virtually any requirement can be met through utilizing one or several of these tools.
So where do you, the web developer come in?
Clients look to you to connect the dots. They’re looking for someone who can recommend the right combination of tools, themes, plug-ins, and services to meet all of their goals. And guess what? They’re willing to pay you for your expertise in these areas as well as your skills to custom tailor everything to their specific requirements.
Here are the specific services you could (or should) be offering to your clients:
Consulation
Before you get into re-arranging layers in Photoshop and applying CSS classes, you’re in the business of web design consultation. I might go so far as to say this is the most important service that you will offer.
It starts with a deep understanding of your client’s business, their specific goals and requirements. This “Discovery” phase (as it is commonly referred to) often involves a series of meetings to flesh these things out. Many clients like to provide Word documents, PowerPoints, and other docs to better illustrate what they’re going for. The more materials and more detail the better. Go through it all, dissecting any points that may be unclear.
Then it’s your turn to do the talking (which may come in a later meeting, proposal document, or other communication). Based on your client’s needs, you will recommend the best set of tools to meet (and exceed) their requirements. Remember, they may not be familiar with terms like “CMS” and “Web Hosting Provider” so take it slow and ensure they understand every piece of the puzzle. TIP: Skip the technicalities and focus on how each tool impacts the big picture. For example you can say something like “WordPress will allow you to easily manage and update your website content.”
Implementation
So your client is on board with all of your recommendations. Now it’s time for action.
Set your client up with suitable web hosting and install the latest version of WordPress. Optimize it with your fresh WordPress installation checklist.
Install and activate a suitable WordPress theme, and customize it to meet all of their needs. ThemeJam WordPress themes are built with developers in mind. That means all of the code is validated, clearly commented and organized in a way that makes customizations a breeze. Plus, every package includes the layered Photoshop file for even more design flexibility.
Up selling
Just because the site launched, doesn’t mean your client relationship should end. Stay in contact and offer various up sells that enhance or expand their web presence and bring you continued repeat business.
One example would be designing and implementing an email marketing campaign to match their website. Of course, we design our Deluxe Theme Packs with this type of thing in mind. Or perhaps they need a Twitter presence. Using the graphics in our layered PSD files should help you design a cool and consistent Twitter background to complete their online brand.
Customer support. This brings us back to consultation. Just as we offer you ongoing support for our themes and templates, you should be offering ongoing support to your clients (at your hourly rate of course). That includes additional consultation, website redesigns, training and other requests.
A few final notes
On Pricing - Don’t be afraid to charge what you’re really worth. Don’t under charge because you’re using pre-built templates and open-source systems. It’s your expertise and custom work that will make these tools achieve your client’s goals. Plus, since we develop all of our themes with the highest professional standards, you can be confident you’re delivering top quality to your client. Price based on value to your client, not how easy the process may come for you.
Affiliate links - Recommending a WordPress theme? A web host? An email marketing service? All of these things have affiliate programs. You should be an affiliate and make yourself a commission every time your clients purchase these things.
Over to you
How have you leveraged WordPress and other tools for your web development business? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments!
The concept stage is an important one, listening, understanding, and giving calculating results is the key
Thanks for this post. I’m just starting the process of turning my experience with customizing WordPress themes into a side web design business. I appreciate the tips, and also the confirmation that I’m not crazy for trying to make this work as a business.
Thanks for your comment. There are definitely lots of opportunities for developers working with WordPress.
I really like this approach and use it for most of what I do online. But I get into all-or-nothing phases where I won’t even start on a project if I don’t think I can make it turn out perfect. Never starting is a waste of a good idea and opportunity.
Absolutely. Never let procrastination or fear of imperfection stand in your way. Get it out there sooner rather than later, then tweak and improve it later.
Of course, working with professionally designed WordPress themes and templates always makes the launch process even easier
Great work. I’ve just started my own blog on email marketing and I’m still learning
Thanks for the informative post. This is my first time on this blog.. just found on google.
I feel that the market for premium wordpress themes is fairly large & is only growing. I am constantly looking for new themes to use with my clients
Thanks for your comment, Rob.
Yes, clients are turning to WordPress (either on their own or at the recommendation of their web designer) to manage their sites and blogs more than ever. Really exciting times.
There are lots of Affiliate programs out there like Amazon, Clickbank, etc. Just sign up with them and see what works for you.,”
Interesting information…found your post on yahoo and i’ll come back for sure
Thank you so much for writing this great article! It really gaive succeeing my goal..
Great themes! Gonna test some of them on my wp blog.
I loved this post and also wanted to point out that i truly such as the design and really feel of your website. I am utilizing wordpress as well on my weblog but happen to be looking for a template like this which is much better than what I’ve. I see the theme is listed about the footer so I will take a much better appear at it.
“On Pricing – Don’t be afraid to charge what you’re really worth. Don’t under charge because you’re using pre-built templates and open-source systems. It’s your expertise and custom work that will make these tools achieve your client’s goals. ”
I think employers and web developers alike should take in consideration what they are paying for and what they are being paid for. It’s simply raw talent. While these templates are there to assist these developers on their work, it’s really just the same with the functions of “pen and paper” to writers. It’s the ideas that count and the skills, expertise and experience that makes it happen.