I want to get into web design as a career and with qualifications financially out of my reach I have been told the best way to get myself known is my own Portfolio.
I already have two websites and a few logos/banners i could wack up on it to start with but I need advice on what I should call it?
Should it be my name? or something snappy and easy to remember?
And when it comes to design, after looking around plenty of designs some go for the simple basic look while others go completely over the top so what is the best way to sell myself?
Unfortunately, your link is illicit promotional material and your information is incorrect. Most people do NOT spend most of their budget on SEO and PPC and marketing. Or rather, if they do, they’re not spending their money wisely. Content is first and foremost, and design/presentation is next. All the SEO voodoo in the world won’t make up for a poorly constructed, poorly written site.
Hi avstu,
I don’t know very much about this business but you must have an attractive Portfolio for advertising lets take one ex…mostly people are spend money on SEO and PPC and other marketing stuffs…So what would be result…?
try something new…!!! Yes…
You should give ads on <snip> its not an ads publicity of yours…
I’m saying that it’s a way to get started. I got started (such as it is) doing designs for local nonprofits. Word of mouth got things rolling a bit. You have to start somewhere, so why not start from where you already are?
Thanks for your advice. Don’t get me wrong I would love to branch out nationally eventually but initially I just want to make a living from the industry. Be able to give up the job I really detest.
I’ve recently started, and the advice I was given was to find a niche market. I haven’t really gone down that route, as all the work i’ve got so far has been from clients recommending me to their friends & associates - not necessarily in the same business : wedding cars, b&b, mot centre, engravers, 2 x trampolining clubs, etc.
I think, push the football/sport, but don’t exclude anything else.
Good luck with the name. Whatever you choose, i think it’s important that your domain name is the same as your company name - and there are so few decent domain names still available, it really limits your choice.
When I started I was worried about having no qualifications, no portfolio, very little evidence I was any good, but, so far my clients have all been local businesses/organisations who really didn’t care about that stuff - they just wanted someone they liked and trusted. Once you’ve got a few satisfied customers, your name gets passed on.
I guess if you are looking for the larger, national clients, maybe your approach should be different - get your name & designs known on the web, win some competitions, get known as an industry expert. Personally, I’m not confident (or good?) enough for that yet…
Firstly thanks for your reply Max, seems to be a little slow/quiet around this area of the forum.
Secondly although I agree with you on one part I thought If I start entering logo/website competitions then this could open myself up to so much more. As If I did just football then surely it would limit the work I would get in the future?
Considering all of your Web sites are football-related, you might consider “niche marketing” yourself as a site designer for football fans, clubs, teams, etc. (Just a thought!)
