As a freelancer or small web design agency, it’s important to not only focus on acquiring new clients but also to prioritize existing clients. While some clients may not provide long-term revenue, there are strategies you can implement to ensure that every client is profitable and contributes to the growth of your web design business.
One effective strategy is to offer yearly maintenance plans. With the prevalence of content management systems like WordPress, websites require frequent updates and a focus on security. By charging a yearly fee in exchange for well-defined services and committing a specific amount of time to each client, you can provide peace of mind to clients while generating extra revenue.
Not all clients may prefer a maintenance plan, especially if they don’t make many changes to their site. In such cases, you can offer an hourly rate but charge a higher price to compensate for the convenience. However, the goal should be to encourage as many clients as possible to opt for a maintenance agreement, as this provides predictable recurring revenue.
In addition to maintenance plans, you can offer subscription-based services to your clients. This can include web hosting, where you resell server space from an established hosting company, and charge monthly or yearly fees for the service. You can also provide SEO and analytics services, helping clients optimize their websites and adjust strategies based on data. Furthermore, if you have marketing skills, you can offer content creation and email list management services to clients who need ongoing assistance in these areas.
If all else fails, raising your prices may be necessary to keep up with rising costs. However, this should be done sparingly and with consideration for your clients’ ability to pay. Empathizing with clients and providing value should always be the primary motivation behind any price increase.
It’s important to recognize the value of existing clients and not overlook their potential. They can contribute significantly to the growth of your business, even during periods when new projects are scarce. Take the time to assess your client roster, identify areas where you can add value, and create a plan to increase revenue from existing clients. This will not only benefit your business but also ensure that your clients receive the services they need to succeed.
