In today’s ever-evolving digital landscape, web design has become more than just creating visually appealing websites. It has transitioned into a full-scale service approach that includes marketing strategies to help businesses grow their online presence. This shift in the industry has posed a challenge for web designers who are now faced with the question of whether to expand their services to include marketing or not.
This dilemma has sparked a lot of buzz in the web design community, with some arguing that incorporating marketing into their services can lead them to burnout, while others believe that it is the key to staying relevant and competitive. To shed some light on this issue, we sat down with web designer and online marketer NRS Ellsworth, owner of Click Charisma, to discuss her experience in offering a perfect balance of web design and marketing services together.
The Evolution of Web Design Services
NRS Infoways offers web design services with custom WordPress designs. We also have expanded our services to include Shopify, Magento, Wix, and digital marketing strategies such as social media management and content creation. According to NRS, this is necessary to stay relevant in the ever-changing industry.
With the rise of DIY website builders, cheap outsourcing options, and AI technology, web designers can no longer rely solely on creating visually appealing websites to stand out. Businesses need a comprehensive approach that incorporates design and marketing strategies to stay competitive in the online world.
The Website in a Day Strategy
One of the unique approaches that NRS Infoways has adopted is the “Website in a Day/Week” strategy where we dedicate a resource who devotes 100% of his/her time to one client a week to create their website from scratch. This strategy not only makes the client feel valued but also allows us to fully dedicate a resource to creating a unique and effective website.
While some may argue that this strategy limits the number of clients a web designer can take on, it also gives the designer the opportunity to focus on delivering quality work and not just quantity. We feel that by providing fully dedicated resource(s) for a client for a project, we can complete the project faster and with focused efforts, we can deliver outstanding result.
The Importance of Website and Branding in Marketing
In today’s fast-paced world, having a website and branding is not enough to attract customers. Businesses need to have a strong online presence and a clear marketing strategy to reach their target audience effectively. NRS emphasizes the importance of branding and marketing for businesses, stating that they work together with web design to create a cohesive and impactful online presence.
We believe that web designers are uniquely positioned to offer marketing services as they know the ins and outs of a business’s website, which is the foundation of any marketing strategy. By offering marketing services, web designers can provide their clients with a complete package that not only includes a visually appealing website but also a solid marketing plan to drive traffic and increase conversions.
Comparing Website Options
When it comes to website options, there are many choices available for businesses, such as custom websites, website builders, or templates. NRS’s approach is to offer all three options, depending on our clients’ needs and budget. We believe that custom websites are still the best choice for businesses looking for a unique online presence. However, we also recognize the need for more affordable options such as website builders or templates for small businesses or startups with limited budgets.
NRS’s approach highlights the importance of understanding each client’s unique needs and offering personalized solutions tailored to their goals.
Expanding Services and Planning for the Future
As NRS’s business continues to grow, we are always looking for ways to improve our services and stay ahead of the competition. We are currently providing services for Dedicated Servers which includes selecting the best service provider, installation, hosting applications, managing security and overall management of the servers.
Content Creation Challenges and Client Retention
One of the most common challenges for web designers offering marketing services is managing content creation for their clients while dealing with the demanding workload. NRS’s solution to this problem is to collaborate with the best content writers for specific industries. This strategy allows us to stay organized and deliver quality content consistently without sacrificing time for other tasks.
NRS’s approach to content creation also plays a significant role in retaining clients. By creating engaging and valuable content for her clients, we not only helps their businesses grow but also keeps them coming back for our services.
The Perfect Balance: Scaling Business
The ultimate goal for any business owner is to scale their business and grow their income streams. NRS believes that by offering marketing services along with web design, web designers can achieve this goal. With the demand for marketing services on the rise, web designers can leverage their skills and knowledge to provide value-added services to their clients. This not only allows them to charge higher rates but also creates a steady stream of income.
The key takeaway from NRS’s success is finding the perfect balance between offering web design and marketing services. By understanding the needs of their clients, creating a personalized approach, and managing their time effectively, web designers can provide valuable services while avoiding burnout.
In conclusion, the landscape of web design is continually changing, and it is evident that offering more than just website design is necessary to stay ahead in the industry. However, finding the sweet spot between web design and marketing is the key to success.
By following NRS’s approach and staying adaptable to change, web designers can build a thriving business that offers a complete package of design and marketing services.
