Clients don’t really want a pretty website…they want a 24/7 sales machine.

You work hard creating beautiful designs that are built solid and have intentional messaging and copy…but how do you know all that work is paying off for your client?

How do you measure results?

How do you keep your clients coming back for ongoing work over and over again?

Well, at the end of the day…one of the best ways is to offer some sort of CRO (Conversion Rate Optimization) as a service.

But I’m sure you have a lot of questions on how to do this practically and how to sell it to clients so I can’t think of anyone better to dig into this topic with than Leigh Scott, a conversion rate optimization specialist.

As the founder of zainatain.com, a design and conversion consulting company, this is her bread and butter.

We get into the weeds on this one including:

• Mapping out sales funnels for clients
• Micro goals vs macro goals
• Common CRO metrics
• Creating a CRO roadmap for clients
• Selling result-based CRO services

A big thanks to Leigh for opening up her playbook on this one!

If you want to learn more about CRO, she’s the next industry expert who’s doing a live training in my community Web Designer Pro! If you’re catching this the week it comes out, you can join Pro and watch her presentation live, otherwise when you join, the replay with all links and resources will be available for rewatch on-demand for you.

And be sure to check out the show notes for this page which has all the links and resources mentioned at joshhall.co/348

View all Web Design Business Podcasts with show notes and full transcriptions at: https://joshhall.co/podcast

I recently published a newsletter sharing 5 ways I would get clients if I were starting out in web design today in 2024.

It got a lot of great feedback from both early-stage web designers and established web designers looking for a revenue boost alike - so I decided to expand on these 5 strategies as a full podcast!

We’ll dive into each of these strategies, how I would go about them and how I would execute on them in detail.

In short:

• Join a referral group
• Utilize LinkedIn
• Create local SEO targeted YouTube videos
• Host an interview series
• Start a monthly newsletter

Again, even if you’re established as a freelancer or web biz owner, you can implement some of these strategies as well to get more clients.

But man if I was an early-stage web designer…I would’ve loved to have this roadmap when I got started! So I hope it helps. 🙂

To get more help starting or building your business, be sure to pick up my free training here.

Get all links and resources mentioned along with a full transcription at:
https://joshhall.co/347

View all Web Design Business Podcasts with show notes and full transcriptions at: https://joshhall.co/podcast

We just added new listening pathways on the Podcast Playlists page!

🎙️ joshhall.co/playlists

New playlists added:

• Accessibility
• Self-care for web designers
• Content marketing
• Copywriting
• Platforms and builder chats
• Ai
• Speed & optimization
• Legal and privacy

Also added a new quick link menu to help you zip around to your ideal listening path.

In person networking and referral groups remain to this day the best way to start getting clients, get more clients by expanding your network and get better clients by way of referrals.

There are a lot of different ways to get clients in person and virtually, and I’ve done many but if I were starting as a web designer today, my FIRST priority would be to join a networking group. More specifically, I would invest in a referral group like BNI.

Referral groups differ from networking groups in that they are there to help members give and get referrals. It’s what led to over 50% of my web business revenue and it’s the strategy that is working for many members of my community Web Designer Pro.

One of my community members who this strategy has worked so well for is Mike Albuquerque who, last year, tracked that he brought in $208,000 worth of web design revenue (website builds, hosting and maintenance plans and growth services) that all stemmed from his networking BNI referral group.

In this podcast chat, Mike graciously opened up on exactly how he hit this huge milestone. 

We cover:

• How Mike got into networking despite behind a massive introvert
• How long it took for him to start seeing results and an ROI
• What he would do differently and the same if he started networking today
• The big difference between networking events and referral groups
• How becoming a connector led to referrals and huge boost in trust with leads

And a whole lot more.

Again, there are tons of ways to get web design clients but if you’re in an area where you can join a BNI group or any similar referral networking group, I recommend it. It’s the quickest ROI, it’s what worked for me and tons of members in my community including Mike who is already on track to well exceed his 2023 revenue based off of referrals.

If it worked for me and Mike, it can work for you! You just need a little patience and persistence for networking to pay off but when it does…hot dog it’s awesome.

A big thanks to Mike for being so transparent with his numbers and sharing his success in what’s worked for him!

Get all links and resources mentioned along with a full transcription at:

https://joshhall.co/338

The Web Design Business Podcast is available on:

Apple - https://apple.co/36wnnc3
Spotify - https://spoti.fi/36ttME

or wherever you get your podcasts

View all Web Design Business Podcasts with show notes and full transcriptions at: https://joshhall.co/podcast

Josh shares a behind the scenes look into what went into rebranding the Web Design Club to Web Designer Pro™ and pulls the lessons learned from revamping a strong existing online community.

In This Episode

00:00 - Introduction
01:36 - The 3 reasons
02:43 - 1) Why the change
09:20 - 2) Original Plan
13:27 - 3) Rebranding
15:16 - How to trademark
19:00 - The 3 big C’s
21:58 - Direct coaching
23:44 - Pro pricing and why
25:44 - Forward thoughts
27:59 - Pro help

Get all links, resources and show notes at:

https://joshhall.co/248

“Think like a creative… Act like a CEO.” Mat Casner of freelanceceo.com shares how to become a successful web design solopreneur and how he built his business up while living in a rural location.

In This Episode

00:00 - Introduction
02:00 - Greeting to Mat
07:43 - Utilizing the network
10:17 - The secret “sauce”
15:48 - Cultivate relationships
20:17 - Retention first
24:19 - Lessons learned
28:47 - Simple things work
33:17 - AI opportunity
38:54 - The new mainstreet
43:19 - A rural niche
49:22 - Passing the knowledge
55:21 - Advice for starting

Get all links, resources and show notes at:

https://joshhall.co/247

Sarah Oates of Endure Web Studios and the Divi Chat Podcast shares her top lessons learned after a full decade of building and growing her web design business from a side hustle to full time endeavor.

In This Episode

00:00 - Introduction
02:04 - Greeting to Sarah
04:10 - In the beginning
10:04 - Choosing a name
15:06 - Intentional web designing
20:12 - Starting a business
22:13 - First services
24:21 - Building confidence
26:41 - Staggered annual hosting
31:54 - Increasing prices
32:50 - Best marketing plan
37:18 - Growth process
43:09 - Worth of a good portfolio
48:52 - Second level network
52:50 - Scaling a designer
54:28 - Competing a new market
1:00:26 - How it’s lasted 10 years
1:05:46 - Community
1:10:47 - Final thoughts

Get all links, resources and show notes at:

https://joshhall.co/246

Founder of CDBaby, TED Speaker and Author of “Hell Yeah or No” Derek Sivers shares his always provoking counter intuitive thoughts on positioning, brevity, musician entrepreneurs and much more in this wide-ranging conversation.

In This Episode

00:00 - Introduction
04:28 - Greeting to Derek
06:28 - Musicians in business
11:02 - Power in the niche
18:54 - NIN technique
28:01 - Staying niche focused
34:49 - Testing other waters
40:42 - Keeping score
45:03 - Know what excites you
47:29 - Love of simplicity
52:29 - Be considerate 
54:26 - Simplicity matters
1:01:32 - A bold move 
1:04:01 - Intentional communication
1:08:59 - Training
1:10:46 - Ask questions
1:16:32 - Everyone’s websites
1:19:48 - Final thoughts

Get all links, resources and show notes at:

https://joshhall.co/245

Josh explores the 4 types of common web designer paths to see which one you are now and which one is right for you.

In This Episode

00:00 - Introduction
02:56 - 1) Freelance
06:50 - Pros & cons
11:06 - 2) Solopreneur
13:38 - Pros & cons
17:56 - 3) Business Owner
20:33 - Pros & cons
22:59 - 4) Webpreneur
26:20 - Pros & cons
28:56 - Recap

Get all links, resources and show notes at:

https://joshhall.co/244

Keynote speaker and professional communication coach Karen Laos

In This Episode

00:00 - Introduction
02:03 - Greeting to Karen
05:24 - Marketing yourself
07:30 - First tip
12:33 - Communication concepts 
18:34 - Timeframes
23:12 - Listen don’t pitch
29:12 - Create clarity
31:40 - Curse of knowledge
33:48 - Trust factor importance
38:47 - Have warmth
45:04 - Listen to yourself
48:40 - Don’t fill the air
51:28 - Being credible
55:54 - Meet the right person
58:28 - Final thought

Get all links, resources and show notes at:

https://joshhall.co/243

Acting and performance coach for entrepreneurs Tom O’Brien shares how to gain confidence and clarity in sales, calls, coming across like “you” on camera, in your marketing and more.

In This Episode

00:00 - Introduction
01:54 - Greeting to Tom
04:29 - What is performance
08:14 - In your own way
10:14 - An imaginary friend
13:25 - Overcome challenges
18:48 - Having confidence
20:28 - Belief into truth
23:12 - Tip before you speak
28:30 - Core desired wants
33:54 - Be in “Doing” mode
36:25 - Become a storyteller
38:57 - Mistakes
42:47 - Build a relationship
45:20 - Call yourself out
49:24 - Calming nerves
55:32 - Facial expressions
59:27 - Unshakeable confidence
1:03:53 - Re-learning in-person
1:08:27 - Quick tip

Get all links, resources and show notes at:

https://joshhall.co/242

Co-founder of embeddable online course platform Owwlish.com, Alyssa Marshall, shares her lessons learned in going from the academic and corporate world via a dental practice to the wild west of online business.

In This Episode

00:00 - Introduction
02:52 - Greeting to Alyssa
07:27 - From dentist…
11:18 - …To entrepreneur
20:12 - Discovering freedom
23:01 - Utilize what you know
26:03 - A not so clear path
37:11 - Trust your instinct
39:30 - Pivoting into plugins
42:13 - Adding a family
44:36 - Changing course
54:32 - New business challenges
56:55 - Find the balance
1:03:16 - Tips to work with spouse
1:10:49 - Hard in the journey
1:16:31 - Final thought

Get all links, resources and show notes at:

https://joshhall.co/241

Josh breaks down the average annual expenses that it costs to start and run a “lean and mean” web design business. Hint…it’s crazy affordable compared to other industries when getting started!

In This Episode

00:00 - Introduction
02:38 - Legal liabilities
06:41 - 1) Domain name
07:39 - 2) Hosting
09:15 - Email hosting
10:54 - 3) Website builder
12:07 - 4) Project management
14:00 - 5) Client management
15:15 - 6) Graphic design
16:20 - 7) Client videos
17:22 - Yearly total
20:35 - Spreadsheet tool

Get all links, resources and show notes at:

https://joshhall.co/240

Czech based web designer, white-label designer and Divi expert Richard Pruzek shares how he’s built his web design business solely online as an overseas web designer. Richard says he’s “Living the American Dream while never having stepped foot in America” and in this episode, we get into how he practically gets ideal clients online all over the world.

In This Episode

00:00 - Introduction
02:22 - Greeting to Richard
05:35 - International strategy
08:15 - Positivity mindset
12:56 - Beyond language barrier
16:34 - Control your emotions
19:21 - Accidental networking   
25:36 - A personal brand
26:58 - White label mix
33:32 - Goal at beginning
37:10 - Conversion over design
42:22 - Superpowers
45:54 - Tools for communication
50:31 - Keeping simple   
52:07 - Family history
55:04 - Being self aware
58:10 - Video presence
1:03:10 - Future journey
1:09:12 - Be available

Get all links, resources and show notes at:

https://joshhall.co/239

Ever had a client ask “How long would it take to get to the top of Google?”

Ah, I can see your head nodding along now.

As web designers, we can’t expect clients to understand how long SEO results can take. We know nothing will lead to instant results and due to all the variables, competition and goal of the client, it may take months to see results…but there are some quick wins that you can implement to help clients see progress fairly soon. By fairly soon, I mean less than a couple weeks or even a few days depending.

In this podcast chat, Barb Davids of compassdigitalstrategies.com sheds light on some of the proven strategies she’s seen and implements for quickest SEO wins including:

• How to tweak existing blog post page titles to see results
• The different between heading title and page title
• Why you DON’T want to change an existing URL
• How to mix in video and blogs to get quicker SEO wins
• Onsite tips and tricks you can implement on you or your client sites today for better rankings
• And a whole lot more

While SEO is ever-evolving and challenging in a landscape of algorithm changes and Ai, these best practice principles continue to stand the test of time and are all what I implement in my web presence.

If you get some quick SEO wins using any of these tactics, drop a comment and let us know what worked for you!Get all links and resources mentioned along with a full transcription at:

https://joshhall.co/337

The Web Design Business Podcast is available on:

Apple - https://apple.co/36wnnc3
Spotify - https://spoti.fi/36ttME
or wherever you get your podcasts

View all Web Design Business Podcasts with show notes and full transcriptions at: https://joshhall.co/podcast

Hunter Lowder, co-founder of the Husband and Wife brand Tortoise and the Bear shares the counterintuitive approaches to breaking the rules, embracing your inner weirdo and building an online business YOUR way.

In This Episode

00:00 - Introduction
02:12 - Greeting to Hunter
05:20 - Niche of people
07:18 - Weddings to weirdo
09:12 - Go through values
12:28 - Burnout issues
16:18 - High stress industries
19:03 - An anti-label extrovert
24:15 - Be self-aware
26:37 - Doing what scares you
29:36 - Rest
35:19 - Casting the vision
38:22 - Goal setting & planning
41:36 - Wheel of life
44:33 - Control for chaos
48:02 - Plan to celebrate
50:08 - Just say no
53:37 - Is it fear based
1:00:54 - Before the burnout

Get all links, resources and show notes at:

https://joshhall.co/238

Josh shares 3 tips on how to empower your clients to help you avoid the common trap of complaining about web design clients.

In This Episode

00:00 - Introduction
00:31 - Controversial post
02:53 - Turns to resentment
04:07 - Why it’s your fault
04:31 - 1) Setting boundaries
09:20 - 2) Empower clients
12:54 - 3) Funnel good clients
15:45 - Bonus - Templatize
20:22 - Recap

Get all links, resources and show notes at:

https://joshhall.co/237

The pioneer of the subscription web design business model Steve Shramm is back on the podcast, this time to share all he’s learned about niching down his services in counter intuitive ways like niching by customer persona, project type and even business model.

In This Episode

00:00 - Introduction
02:39 - Greeting to Steve
06:14 - To scale or find ICA
09:31 - Niching choices
11:08 - Benefits of failing
13:45 - How to get good clients
15:35 - Imposing your will
21:00 - Not niching by industry
24:07 - Should you use a portfolio
29:06 - Serve the Queen Bee
36:24 - Coach Josh
39:03 - Do Success Stories
45:57 - Pricing
51:17 - Website messaging
53:01 - Steve’s favorite niche
58:09 - Discovery mindset

Get all links, resources and show notes at:

https://joshhall.co/236

Business Coach for Designers Kady Sandel of Aventive Academy unpacks all the strategies she’s learned over the years in getting her BEST clients to help you as web designers do the same. All while choosing the right marketing strategy that suits you.

In This Episode

00:00 - Introduction
02:36 - Greeting to Kady
08:19 - Nomad networking
11:48 - Switching to SM
13:35 - Finding ideal clients
15:44 - Utilizing LinkedIn
18:44 - Social media strategy
21:22 - Using time wisely
23:44 - Decide & change to niche
30:07 - Perfecting the process
33:50 - Don’t be exclusive
37:14 - Showcase results
40:13 - How to get case study
47:07 - Empowering clients
52:14 - Working on downtime
53:55 - Cold emailing
1:03:12 - Timing
1:08:42 - Final thoughts

Get all links, resources and show notes at:

https://joshhall.co/235

Josh shares the top 10 trends that are working now and into the New Year for effectively growing your web design business to help you prioritize WHAT to focus on in 2023.

In This Episode

00:00 - Introduction
02:05 - 1) Market for results
06:23 - 2) Website journey
09:49 - 3) Messaging & copy
12:16 - 4) Personalization
14:39 - 5) Doing video
16:48 - 6) Blogging
18:16 - 7) Accessibility
20:24 - 8) Privacy Policies
22:32 - 9) Be a Webmaster
24:04 - 10) Have success stories
27:43 - Quick recap

Get all links, resources and show notes at:

https://joshhall.co/234

If you didn’t hit your goals for 2022 or maybe you just didn’t have a great year, it’s ok. You’re not alone and luckily, a new year is right around the corner. Josh shares some struggles and challenges he went through as well and gives some actionable tips for heading into 2023 with some positive steam!

In This Episode

00:00 - Introduction
01:30 - 1) It’s ok
03:23 - Goal setting is interesting
04:58 - 2) You are not alone
05:35 - Josh shares his heart
09:19 - Danger of Social Media
12:46 - Being a “duck”
15:12 - 3)Time to move forward
17:27 - Why people quit
19:42 - Prioritize over productivity
21:50 - Web Design in-demand
23:58 - Holiday announcement

Get all links, resources and show notes at:

https://joshhall.co/233

Business coach for coaches, Betty Kempa, shares how she battled stage four cancer and still managed to grow her business to have her most profitable year to date.

In This Episode

00:00 - Introduction
02:42 - Greeting to Betty
07:55 - Cancer revealed
13:27 - Finding resiliency
17:57 - When it affects business
21:18 - Launch hold and SOPs   
25:13 - The team’s response
23:23 - The client’s response
33:52 - Business as a diversion
37:53 - Appreciating opportunities
44:14 - Paying it forward
49:32 - Life in the little things     
53:34 - Betty’s mindset now

Get all links, resources and show notes at:

https://joshhall.co/232

CEO of the American Negotiation Institute, Kwame Christian, shares his top strategies and methods for how to sell better, how to handle negotiations and how to handle conflict when it arises.

In This Episode

00:00 - Introduction
01:58 - Greeting to Kwame
04:54 - Confidence in titles
08:05 - Importance of communication
11:18 - Three parts to be effective
14:29 - the biggest struggle
17:25 - Negotiation is learned
19:07 - The Steps
21:30 - Earn the right to persuade
23:14 - Challenges of people
24:24 - How to deal with emotions
31:19 - Utilizing compromise
35:54 - Role playing example
43:30 - Human centered approach
46:15 - How to get results
48:45 - Aware of personality types
52:28 - Build likability
57:20 - Be the conversational leader
1:00:19 - Learn the Why
1:06:27 - Online communication

Get all links, resources and show notes at:

https://joshhall.co/231

Josh shares the top 3 things you can do to build your web design business fast (aka move the needle forward)

In This Episode

00:00 - Introduction
01:58 - 1) Have few services
02:44 - Magic in three
04:29 - Would you buy it
05:02 - 2) Pricing correctly
08:21 - 3) Delegating 
09:10 - Focus on super power
11:33 - Avoiding burnout
12:53 - Recap

Get all links, resources and show notes at:

https://joshhall.co/230

Web designer and business strategist Marie Brown of “Beyond The Kitchen Table” shares how she markets and gets the majority of her clients now through Instagram along with other worthwhile marketing channels you can explore for your web design business as well.

In This Episode

00:00 - Introduction
01:47 - Greeting to Marie
04:43 - Branding study
08:28 - Identifying the niche
12:02 - Know your superpower
15:24 - Client focus
17:44 - Building the base
21:06 - Switching social platforms
23:45 - Market awareness
26:58 - Content strategy
33:37 - Tagging the client
35:02 - In the hot seat
40:30 - Utilizing a podcast
46:50 - Repurpose content
49:38 - Guest testimonials
54:58 - Long term game
59:47 - Creating tiers of recurring
1:03:55 - Marketing idea
1:07:44 - Courses
1:12:59 - Building community
1:14:00 - Organizing time
1:19:04 - Podcast thoughts
1:22:18 - Talking to five years ago

Get all links, resources and show notes at:

https://joshhall.co/229

Recurring revenue…the two most lovely words in web design (or any business for that matter.)

Having enough recurring income to cover my family's bills is what changed the game for me, it’s what helped get us through a 56 day NICU journey and it’s what ultimately led to me creating my first course on how to launch and sell website maintenance plans.

One of my students Marc Hyde went through that course back in 2021 and within three years, his maintenance plan is now over 30% of his business revenue. And he’s on track for well over 6-figures this year in 2024. Recurring revenue allowed him to grow his business to become profitable and stable enough to go full time and now support a wife and family of 8 kiddos.

Today, he’s on the podcast sharing exactly how he came into web design, built, launched and sold his maintenance plan to clients and now how he’s offering his new passion for SEO and marketing plans alongside his standard web design and maintenance plans.

We cover everything from:

• Having a people and results-first approach to sales
• How he launched and built up his recurring revenue through maintenance plans
• Where to draw the line between maintenance/support and growth plans
• How to build relationships with clients to retain them
• How to get better referrals from current clients and more

Marc is one of the most engaged members of my community Web Designer Pro™ and is a great example of every sense of the phrase. I hope you enjoy learning from him and take from his example of putting an emphasis on creating recurring revenue through better client relationships!

It all compounds to a stable, sustainable web business very quickly.

Get all links and resources mentioned along with a full transcription at:
https://joshhall.co/336

Up and coming online creator, podcaster and community builder Jay Clouse is back on the podcast sharing all the lessons he’s learned bringing his online creator business to be on track for over a quarter-million dollars this year in 2022.

In This Episode

00:00 - Introduction
01:50 - Greeting to Jay
06:38 - Diversifying thoughts
10:24 - Learning without regrets
12:15 - Evaluate by quarter
13:41 - Pricing mindset
16:22 - How to find sales
22:30 - Selling on Social Media
31:29 - Keeping others in mind
35:13 - One-off courses
38:44 - Creator who offers services
44:08 - Discovery platform strategy
49:47 - Social ads
54:24 - Balance of time & money
1:02:46 - Moments of gratification
1:05:28 - Motivational minute

Get all links, resources and show notes at:

https://joshhall.co/228

Josh shares the exciting news about turning the Divi Web Designers Facebook Group over to Tim Strifler of DiviLife.com

In This Episode

00:00 - Introduction
01:53 - Reason for change
03:16 - Is Josh leaving?
04:35 - Greeting to Tim
06:57 - Divi-centric
09:46 - Josh in the future
11:51 - Goals for Divi group

Get all links, resources and show notes at:

https://joshhall.co/227

Presentation Designer and Online Educator Adrienne Johnston shares how she found a sweet spot by going hyper niche and becoming exclusively a presentation designer. All while not burning her current client base as she pivoted her business.

In This Episode

00:00 - Introduction
02:00 - Greeting to Adrienne
06:12 - From chaos to niche
08:59 - Adopting the mindset
12:57 - How to rank #3 on Google
15:21 - No backup plan
17:50 - Utilize your network
20:26 - Clear from the start
22:36 - Be sticky
23:35 - Current clients
27:26 - Have a servant’s spirit
31:24 - Concern with freelancers
33:19 - Communication is key
42:00 - How to choose a niche
45: 56 - Change your marketing
51:50 - Design for the user
58:28 - Encouraging thought

Get all links, resources and show notes at:

https://joshhall.co/226

Fan favorite Wes McDowell is back on the podcast to share what has worked well (and what hasn’t) after focusing solely on ONE marketing channel…his YouTube channel!

In This Episode

00:00 - Introduction
01:55 - Greeting to Wes
04:01 - Ultimate business hack
05:31 - YouTube locally
09:29 - Weighing the choice
13:07 - Long form content first
15:50 - Subscriber awareness
19:29 - Attractors
24:13 - Clarify your niche
27:51 - Personal branding
29:54 - Have more authenticity
34:25 - Can lead to monetization
39:24 - When you are your client 
41:58 - Know the verbiage
43:13 - Refining the processes
45:20 - Benefit of interviews
48:22 - Where to start
51:58 - Keywords for titles
54:38 - Thumbnail strategy
1:01:18 - Getting the photos
1:05:51 - Video is essential to use

Get all links, resources and show notes at:

https://joshhall.co/225

In this episode, we turn the tables and share an interview that Josh recently did on Shannon Mattern’s podcast “The Profitable Web Designer” addressing some of the common struggles and challenges all web designers face today with actionable tips and strategies to combat them.

In This Episode

00:00 - Introduction
04:58 - Josh’s catalyst
09:07 - Biggest challenges
09:35 - Money mindset
12:47 - Value concept
18:34 - Rate increase reaction
20:38 - Evolution to get a coach
25:45 - Client mindsets differ
29:05 - Trading is a trap
35:42 - “Favor” work
39:02 - Evolution to BE a coach
44:40 - It’s about people
47:16 - Extrovert & introvert
52:53 - You’re an expert
58:55 - Focus on superpower
1:01:36 - 13 Years ago
1:03:36 - Make clients hungry

Get all links, resources and show notes at:

https://joshhall.co/224

Business Productivity Consultant and CEO of TasklyGroup.com Shanice Miller shares her top tips for managing projects and how having the proper systems can help you save time and be more profitable in your business.

In This Episode

00:00 - Introduction
02:50 - Greeting to Shanice
05:54 - Start eliminating
07:20 - All in your head
08:52 - Starting SOP’s
10:56 - 3 general basics
13:08 - What to delegate
15:16 - Utilize automation
16:48 - Setting client boundaries
21:35 - Create packages
28:02 - Do backwards goals
29:42 - Delegate your weaknesses
32:17 - When negative happens
35:48 - Communication is key
37:20 - Importance of deadlines
40:06 - Written directions over video
41:56 - One bite at a time
46:51 - Simplify your verbiage
49:17 - Results of processes
52:32 - Sustainable business option
59:52 - Final inspiration

Get all links, resources and show notes at:

https://joshhall.co/223

CEO of WPzone (formerly Divi Space & Aspen Grove Studios) David Blackmon is back on the podcast to catch up and share what he sees currently in the world of WordPress, Divi and other website builders like Elementor, Oxygen, etc.

In This Episode

00:00 - Introduction
03:28 - Greeting to David
06:39 - Divi to WordPress
08:37 - A bigger vision
13:40 - Your own real estate
20:03 - Protect yourself
21:50 - Could WordPress do more
24:51 - Can Divi survive
29:14 - #1 page builder
31:38 - Value of community
35:46 - Vanity metrics
40:31 - Our own frequency
48:30 - Coopetition
50:08 - Find your thing
57:14 - Finding the connection
1:02:19 - Focus on marketing
1:06:16 - Content proof
1:12:48 - Focus on your genius

Get all links, resources and show notes at:

https://joshhall.co/222

Josh here with an update on what transpired with my family over the past couple of weeks and what to expect moving forward with the podcast.

If you don't yet follow me on social media, I'm posting updates at:

https://www.instagram.com/joshhallco
https://www.facebook.com/joshhallco

A special announcement and update from InTransit Studio's CEO, Eric Dingler.


For a full transcription of the announcement go to joshhall.co/SA

Josh shares how a year on Instagram has helped and in some ways, hindered his business along with what he’s learned to manage and grow multiple social media accounts better.

In This Episode

00:00 - Outline
02:29 - Starting with the pros
02:48 - Student connections
03:55 - Tagging
07:31 - Top Tier presence
10:25 - Nice overall UX
11:46 - Some of the cons
12:44 - Lost in tinkering
13:37 - Time away from biz
14:19 - Slower growth
16:25 - Imposter syndrome
20:09 - Balancing social time
21:44 - Management tool
23:11 - Hiring it out
25:15 - Focus on education
27:01 - Things to add
28:30 - Recap

Get all links, resources and show notes at:

https://joshhall.co/221

In the early days as a web designer, it’s common to say “yes” to any project that comes your way just to make some money and build a portfolio. But it doesn’t take many “bad client experiences” before you’re ready to weed out those bad-fit clients.

But what makes a client bad-fit? Are they cheap? Do they not understand your value? Are they a bad personality fit? Are they super-intensive with communication and a drain on your mental bandwidth? All of the above?

If you seem to attract a lot of these folks, it’s because you don’t have a weed-out funnel (or filter in place. And that’s exactly what we cover in this podcast episode.

I was recently on Kady Sandel’s Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast sharing the ins and outs of my weed out funnel and I’m excited to share that conversation with you!

There’s no right or wrong way to filter out leads but I’m sharing, in depth, what worked for me and what works for hundreds of members of my community Web Designer Pro™.

We cover:

• How to identify bad fit leads from one email
• Whether or not you should have an in-depth contact form
• Overview of my “potential client page”
• How to know if a lead is questionable or qualified
• How to attract those high-paying, awesome clients

We also dig into how to stand out in an oversaturated market of web designers, nightmare client experiences that led to me being more stern about weeding people out and more!

Want my proven, weed out process for your business? I’ve packaged up my funneling framework for you!

Included is:

• Full video training (18:50)
• My potential client page (and examples of other real world potential client pages)
• Email template for questionable leads
• Email template for quality leads
  
  

Normally this is $47 but you can snag it now for only $7!

Use coupon code FUNNELCLIENT40 to activate your discount.

https://joshhall.co/product/web-design-client-funneling-framework/

Get all links and resources mentioned along with a full transcription at:
https://joshhall.co/335

View all Web Design Business Podcasts with show notes and full transcriptions at: https://joshhall.co/podcast

Founder of the Booked Out Designer program and host of the Breakthrough Brand podcast Elizabeth McCravy joins the show to share how she’s learned to grow her online business without the typical overwhelm that leads most people to burnout. Oh, and all while being a young mom working from home.

In This Episode

00:00 - Introduction
02:43 - Greeting to Elizabeth
10:49 - Clients from anywhere
13:30 - Introverted extrovert
16:48 - Be self-aware
19:12 - Know your services
24:23 - The pivot
26:31 - Raising rates 
30:26 - Booking clients out
34:37 - Focus time
36:51 - Wear all the hats
38:34 - Build the content
42:48 - Intentional not interruptive
48:01 - Utilize other freelancers
50:02 - Template sales option
56:39 - Change in the name
1:00:06 - How to control overwhelm   
1:06:06 - Becoming a new mom

Get all links, resources and show notes at:

https://joshhall.co/220

Wall Street Journal best selling author, host of the Smart Passive Income podcast, seasoned YouTuber and my personal favorite course creator Pat Flynn is back on the podcast, this time to share his top tips for using YouTube to help grow your design business.

In This Episode

00:00 - Introduction
03:12 - Greeting to Pat
05:09 - Imposter syndrome
07:39 - Why not TikTok
11:34 - A Home base
12:43 - What YouTube wants
13:32 - Learn click & stick
22:04 - Option to monetize
25:42 - Gauging YT success
29:02 - A big mistake
31:27 - Affiliate marketing
36:56 - Benefits of niche
37:47 - Service based video
41:59 - Consistency
43:49 - “Infotainment”
45:53 - Batch processing
49:21 - Create title first
52:19 - Thumbnail importance
56:01 - Changing the past
58:54 - Relatable background
1:03:36 - Channel thoughts
1:06:18 - YouTube algorithms
1:14:22 - Pat’s YT course
1:18:42 - Final thought

Get all links, resources and show notes at:

https://joshhall.co/219

Health consultant for entrepreneurs and host of the Becoming Limitless podcast Tanessa Shears shares how busy business owners can maintain their well being by managing sleep, focus and energy while building the business.

In This Episode

00:00 - Introduction
03:36 - Greeting to Tanessa
06:10 - Start with sleep
08:36 - Sleep habits
10:57 - Wear a Fitbit to bed
13:36 - Reducing awake time
16:29 - Melatonin
19:57 - Just your brain
26:03 - “Focus” expectations
31:52 - Routine and habits
35:32 - Plan intentional mornings
37:47 - Effects of light
39:23 - How to adjust levers
42:06 - Expecting self pushback
46:29 - Intentional discomfort
49:16 - Sliding blocks
51:56 - Being self-aware
59:32 - Results are priority
1:02:32 - Productive or busy work
1:04:23 - Answering emails
1:07:39 - Performance capacity

Get all links, resources and show notes at:

https://joshhall.co/218

Josh shares 10 strategies for measuring website conversions and results which will help you offer higher-end web design packages.

In This Episode

00:00 - Introduction
03:07 - Important clarity
04:20 - 1) eComm sales
07:25 - 2) Contact form submit
10:40 - 3) Adding How’d You Hear
14:10 - 4) Goals & campaigns UTM’s
18:22 - SM landing page
20:14 - 5) Onsite link shorteners
24:58 - 6) Bounce rate
27:54 - 7) Average time on site
30:36 - 8) Keyword research/SEO
33:33 - 9) Lead gen sign ups
35:13 - 10) Overall business sales
39:50 - Recap

Get all links, resources and show notes at:

https://joshhall.co/217

Dan Cook of RiskBuddi.com shares the basics of website security and the most important things you need to know in regards to keeping your website designs as safe and secure as possible to prevent hacks, breaches or other vulnerabilities.

In This Episode

00:00 - Introduction
03:19 - Greeting to Dan
05:49 - Accidental security
06:55 - Unintentional threats
08:10 - Domain vulnerabilities
09:44 - Holes in websites
12:04 - Using old tools
14:32 - 3 tier external backups
16:16 - Password issues
19:54 - Password management
24:53 - Limit users access on sites
26:05 - Plugin management
28:45 - Automatic updates or manual
30:00 - Other vulnerabilities
32:44 - Collecting data on forms
35:35 - Privacy & accessibility
37:58 - Selling the security onion
39:31 - Licenses
41:12 - Suggested tools
43:55 - Secure headers
48:32 - Doing a risk assessment
55:11 - Why security is needed     

Get all links, resources and show notes at:

https://joshhall.co/216

Owner of Young + Co virtual CFO and financial services, Sarah Young, joins the show to share proven strategies and tips for making your business more profitable, growing your wealth outside of just your business and keeping more of the money you make.

In This Episode

00:00 - Introduction
02:41 - Greeting to Sarah
06:38 - Different types of need
09:28 - The fire movement
11:41 - Plan ahead
13:58 - Start where you are
17:34 - Early twenties
21:03 - Compound Interest
23:36 - Common investments
26:30 - Risk of ROI
28:08 - Camps of spending
31:07 - Money mindset
38:29 - Processes & goals
43:55 - Determine profit margin
48:40 - Increase pricing or sales
56:55 - People who challenge you
1:10:05 - Focus on the right things

Get all links, resources and show notes at:

https://joshhall.co/215

Website developer and accessibility enthusiast Colleen Gratzer shares advanced strategies for how to build accessible websites along with how to package up accessibility to sell it as a service.

In This Episode

00:00 - Introduction
03:01 - Greeting to Colleen
07:15 - Niche boosted confidence
08:57 - Offering as a service
11:04 - Document accessibility
13:29 - What are the basics
15:22 - Proper coding
18:10 - Convey semantically
19:47 - Page builders
22:55 - Thoughts on Visual effects
26:50 - Usability & accessibility
28:56 - Facts to back up the design
30:32 - Branding colors
33:19 - Legal repercussions
35:36 - DIYer issues
37:59 - Are overlay tools beneficial
40:43 - Even little changes help
46:15 - Staying top of mind
48:22 - Selling as a part of process
53:09 - Be careful how you sell it
56:44 - Audit the design early
1:00:51 - A marathon not a sprint
1:05:50 - Final thoughts

Get all links, resources and show notes at:

https://joshhall.co/214

Refael Glantz of accessiBe.com joins the show to share what their company has learned in helping make websites accessible from the basics.

In This Episode

00:00 - Introduction
02:49 - Greeting to Rafi
06:32 - A personable opportunity
08:31 - Building accessiBe
10:28 - What is accessibility
11:56 - Adapting Alt text   
13:00 - The SSL of today
15:41 - Disability mindset shift
18:13 - Legal repercussions
22:25 - Tiers of accessibility
26:03 - How it works
32:05 - An option for DIYers
34:00 - Best practices
35:19 - Reporting options
37:12 - Passion from the heart
38:43 - Extra abilities
42:21 - Deep level of accessibility
45:04 - Know the need
50:32 - What’s step one
55:38 - Hockey talk

Get all links, resources and show notes at:

https://joshhall.co/213

Josh shares an in-depth look at how to offer website strategy as a service covering what it is, what it includes, how to offer it and how to charge for it.

In This Episode

00:00 - Introduction
04:51 - Figuring it out
08:21 - Josh’s pro tip
10:27 - What is strategy
12:34 - Having a good CTA
14:02 - Service provider not friend
15:56 - Different customer types
18:27 - Work in phases
20:23 - What are the deliverables
24:43 - Email strategy differences
31:33 - How should you offer
35:20 - Deciding on pricing
40:41 - Recap

Get all links, resources and show notes at:

https://joshhall.co/212

In honor of the 5 year anniversary of JOSHHALL.co, Josh shares 5 of his most important lessons learned and reflects on the journey so far.

In This Episode

00:00 - Introduction
03:50 - If you have a hustle
05:20 - Bonus tip to start
06:34 - Important “C” word
11:05 - Future goals
13:10 - 1) Consistency wins
17:09 - 2) Vibe attracts your tribe
22:22 - 3) The enemy of progress
25:05 - A challenge is issued
28:59 - 4) Write plans in pencil
32:21 - Change is common at #7
35:11 - 5) Having momentum
40:57 - Always keep momentum going
41:39 - Recap
42:09 - A special message from Josh

Get all links, resources and show notes at:

https://joshhall.co/211

Ah privacy policies…your favorite aspect of web design, right?

Yeah me neither but day by day, it’s an aspect of websites that becomes more and more important with new privacy laws being passed in the states along with other countries, even outside the EU with regards to GDPR compliance. 

So, to help us make sense of where things are at with website privacy policies, I’m excited to bring back on to the podcast, my friend and privacy policy expert Hans Skillrud of Termageddon.

In this chat, we cover:

• How to better understand what we need to do as web designers for privacy
• How we can help clients by selling privacy policy plans to them
• The difference between privacy on contact form submissions versus cookie contents and “behind the scenes” privacy and much more

I highly recommend using Termaggedon for your auto-updating privacy policies. You can use it as an upsell on your hosting/maintenance plan or sell it one off to clients so they don’t have to worry about it!

It’s what I use on my privacy policy page and what my agency uses as an upsell for our plan.

Get all links and resources mentioned along with a full transcription at:
https://joshhall.co/334.

View all Web Design Business Podcasts with show notes and full transcriptions at: https://joshhall.co/podcast

Divi legend, agency owner and white-label expert Geno Quiroz is back on the podcast, this time to open up about his recent personal journey on health and work-life balance.

In This Episode

00:00 - Introduction
03:53 - Greeting to Geno
10:18 - A wake-up call
13:00 - Priority shift
16:55 - Have a morning routine
22:51 - An impossible goal
24:40 - More about relationships
27:17 - Learning from others
32:02 - Work life schedule
38:39 - Proper hustle timeline
42:26 - Disguised as the hustle
46:56 - When to swallow your pride   
50:44 - Is it sustainable
54:49 - Most important sales tactic
59:05 - Being TOO transparent
1:04:45 - Working on yourself
1:08:35 - Being available to others
1:13:06 - Staying positive
1:16:28 - Personable, relational sales
1:20:25 - Looking ahead
1:27:39 - If you feel overwhelmed

Get all links, resources and show notes at:

https://joshhall.co/210

Josh shares what’s included in websites that go generally between 5-10k so that you can build a 6-figure web design business without selling social media, ads and other digital marketing services.

In This Episode

00:00 - Introduction
05:58 - Don’t do it all
08:31 - The trick to it
10:49 - 1) Strong conversion
12:30 - Design tip
14:04 - 2) Website strategy
18:05 - 3) Good messaging
20:47 - 4) SEO foundation
23:49 - 5) Show results
28:08 - Recap

Get all links, resources and show notes at:

https://joshhall.co/209

Sarah Newland of KeyboardSmash shares her top tips for making an amazing client experience and strong pipeline of clients by organizing the processes, sequences and operations in your web design business.

In This Episode

00:00 - Introduction
03:10 - Greeting to Sarah
08:03 - Diversify or simplify
12:17 - Wasting money on shiny
15:19 - Learn self-awareness
19:58 - Advocating software
21:13 - Monitor the pipeline
24:31 - Filtering clients
26:39 - Tracking always
28:46 - Follow-up importance
31:14 - Do something different
34:46 - Deadlines and pricing
37:00 - Too much communication
39:27 - Boundaries
42:51 - Keeping leads
48:59 - Email marketing or CRM
50:28 - Tags on email list
55:50 - Top process categories
59:31 - Choose the tools
1:01:41 - Final thought

Get all links, resources and show notes at:

https://joshhall.co/208