Secrets to Running a Successful Web Design Agency in 2024

Summary

This video outlines the 9-step process used to run a successful web design agency and keep clients satisfied. It starts with lead generation through referrals and YouTube content. Leads fill out a form to provide project details, which is assessed to determine if it meets budget and expertise. An initial call establishes project needs, budget, deadlines and contracts. If approved, 50% is collected upfront before starting. A kickoff call allows deeper discovery of client needs. The agency uses Notion to manage projects across an internal dashboard and a client-facing dashboard to allow transparency. As projects wrap up, clients are pitched ongoing maintenance and development retainers to nurture relationships beyond a single project. The goal is continual growth through connections with other successful agencies.

Takeaways

• 😊 Lead generation happens through referrals from happy clients telling others about the agency, and through content creation on YouTube
• 💡 The intake form allows clients to provide details upfront, saving time and helping vet good-fit clients
• 👍 Starting calls by aligning on price range and expectations sets things up for success
• 🤝 50% payment upfront before starting work is critical
• 🎯 The kickoff call focuses on deeply understanding client needs and project possibilities
• 📝 Notion CRM tracks internal progress and provides a client dashboard for transparency
• 🛠 Typical tools used are Figma, Webflow, Framer and Loom
• 💰 The minimum project size is $10,000
• 🚀 Continuously learning from and collaborating with other successful agencies fuels growth
• ❓ The script offers helpful specifics - feel free to ask questions!

Q & A

What are the two main ways you generate leads for your agency?

The two main ways of generating leads are through referring clients, when a happy client tells their friends and contacts about the agency, and through my YouTube channel, where I create web design content that attracts potential clients.

Why is having clients fill out a form on your website so helpful?

The form allows clients to provide details on their project needs, budget, timeline etc. This saves time, helps vet suitable clients, and sets clear expectations upfront before meetings.

What three key things do you aim to discuss in the first client call?

In the first call, I aim to discuss: 1) The client's needs 2) Deadlines, contracts and budget 3) Expectations and pricing range

Why is receiving a 50% upfront payment so critical before starting a project?

Getting a 50% upfront payment before starting work is critical because it ensures the client is invested and prevents issues if payments fall behind later on.

What is the purpose of the internal Notion dashboard you use?

The internal Notion dashboard helps us manage projects by tracking tasks, resources, and info like meeting notes in one place, so the team has visibility on what's going on.

How does the client dashboard in Notion benefit the customer?

The client Notion dashboard allows customers visibility into the project status, upcoming tasks, and progress, so they can check in without having to disturb the team.

What apps do you typically use for agency projects?

We use Figma for design, Webflow for development, Framer for simple sites, and Loom for video feedback and updates.

Why is it so valuable to get clients on retainer services after project completion?

Getting clients on retainer for maintenance and support provides ongoing revenue and allows us to leverage existing relationships vs. always seeking new clients.

What can you share about the minimum and maximum project sizes you take on?

Our minimum project size is $10,000. We aspire to work up towards $100-200k projects that some established agencies work with.

You emphasize continually learning and growing - what's an example of that?

We regularly meet with owners of larger agencies to get advice on growing our monthly revenue and improving processes.