by Barbara Shinne

Created on: February 13, 2009   Last Updated: June 24, 2010

Web-site design has become an extremely competitive field with the onslaught of WYSIWYG software (what you see is what you get). Now, virtually anyone with basic computer skills can edit and create web-site content. So if you are a web-site designer you need to let your potential clients know the expertise you can offer. Take some time to make a list of all your particular talents that you can't get from a canned program. Make sure your portfolio showcases these unique talents.

You must have a resume for your business. This includes everything you would normally have in your resume, education, experience and references (client testimonials). Client testimonials are very important. Satisfied customers are the best advertising your money can't buy. Include a cover letter that tells potential clients what the benefits of working with you are. Explain why they should hire you to design their site.

If you don't have a portfolio of web-sites let your business web-site make the first impression potential clients have of you and your skills. Your web-site must be error free and highlight all the unique talents and skills you have to offer.

When you have polished your business resume and portfolio you are now ready to market your business and skills. Web-designers are expected to be experts on the "World Wide Web" so if you don't know much about on-line marketing you should do your homework and become an expert in the field. This is added value to your clients and for you.

On-line marketing will give you great exposure for your site and show your potential clients that you know what you are talking about. Here are a few suggestions for on-line marketing.

1. Key Words: As a designer make sure you not only use relevant meta-tags and key words for your site, include as many of these words in your home page content. Check out www.compete.com and find out who is your top rated competition and some of the key words used to find their site, view the site so you know what works. Check out sites with lower ratings and see what doesn't work.

2. Search Engine Submission: There are lots of search engine submission sites, some are free and some are not. Make sure you submit your site to all the major search engines, most are free. Here is a link to list of free search engine submission sites: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rlz=1C1CHMF_enUS302US303&q=free+search+engine+submission&btnG=Search

3. Free advertising: Create multiple blogs for your business with links to

your site. Create a You Tube video about your business. Create business

pages in Facebook, My Space and any other social networking site you can

find. Most of these sites are free and give you great exposure. Here is a

list of social networking sites: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_social_networki ng_websitess

4. Don't forget to have an accurate statistics package for your site and your clients. Know who offers the most reliable and reasonably priced web

hosting and domain registration.

5. Networking: Locally make an effort to talk to internet providers and computer shops, let them know you offer design services and appreciate referrals (you can also offer a referral fee) and you can refer clients for the services they offer.

6. Free Classifieds: Post your information everywhere you can for free like Craigs List. Type in free classifieds in any search engine and post in all relevant areas. http://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1CHMF_enUS302US30 3&aq=f&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=free+classifiedss

Marketing your business never ends but it does get easier as you establish your reputation. It isn't necessary to spend a lot of money, your time and talents are all that are required.

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