How To Start A Successful Showit Web Design Business

So, you’re thinking about starting a Showit web design business? That’s great! If you love being creative and want to run your own online business, becoming a Showit website designer can be a great choice. In this guide, we’re going to walk through everything you need to know to get your Showit web design business off the ground. From learning the ropes to getting your first clients.

1. Take a Course to Save Time on Learning

Before you dive into building websites, it’s crucial to understand the Showit platform thoroughly. While you could learn everything on your own, taking a course will save you time and help you avoid common pitfalls. I recommend starting with these two courses directly from Showit:

• **Showit Learn**: This is the official learning hub where you can find comprehensive resources to understand the Showit platform inside and out.
• **Design Market Standards Course**: This course is essential for those looking to create market-ready designs that meet Showit’s quality standards.

Other well-regarded courses include:

• **Rebel and Rise**: A course designed for those who want to stand out in the Showit design market.
• **Create with Danielle**: Danielle’s course takes you from a beginner to a confident Showit designer.

2. Decide on Your Niche

Deciding what kind of designer you want to be and who your target audience is will set the foundation for your brand. Some designers focus on specific industries, such as photographers or creatives, while others differentiate themselves with a distinctive brand style. Think about what makes you unique and how you can serve a specific group of clients better than anyone else.

3. Design Your Own Website

As a website designer, having your own website is well very important. It’s your digital storefront and the place where potential clients will get their first impression of your work. Sometimes, designing your own website can be the hardest project to tackle — you know, because we tend to be our own toughest critics! But here’s a tip: treat your own website just like you would a client’s.

Go through the same process you would if you were designing for someone else. This means planning, gathering inspiration and then building. If you don’t have a process yet, this is the perfect opportunity to create one. Another reason I recommend taking a course is that they’ll walk you through these processes step by step, making it easier to stay organized and on track.

4. Create Templates

By now you should be feeling more comfortable with the Showit platform, it’s time to dive into creating your first templates. This is where you get to show off your design skills and start building something that could bring in income even when you’re not working — pretty neat, right?

If you’ve taken a course like Rebel & Rise or Create with Danielle, they’ll guide you step-by-step through creating your own website templates. But even if you haven’t, don’t worry — this is still the natural next step after getting the hang of Showit.

Why is this so important? Well, creating templates not only helps you showcase what you can do, but it also opens up the opportunity to earn passive income. While you’re busy working on other projects or finding new clients, your templates can be working for you, adding a nice little boost to your income. Plus, it’s a great way to build up your portfolio and attract more clients who love your style.

Marketing Your Showit Design Business

Did you know that with most movie budgets, about half goes to making the movie, and the other half goes to marketing it? Marketing is so crucial these days that it’s practically what keeps the world spinning! The same goes for your Showit design business. You might be the best designer out there, but if no one knows about you, it’s going to be tough to get those clients rolling in.

So, as you’re starting your business, make sure you set aside time to market yourself — or consider hiring someone to handle it for you. Just like a movie needs an audience, your business needs to get in front of potential clients, and that takes a solid marketing plan. Here are some marketing channel you can use to market your Showit web design business.

1. Optimize Your Website for Search

Optimizing your website to show up high in search results is called Search Engine Optimization, or SEO for short. It’s one of the most important things you can do to make sure potential clients can actually find you online. What’s important to note about SEO is that it’s a long-term marketing strategy. It takes time to go from a brand-new website to being on the first page of Google search results, so patience is key.

For a Showit-specific SEO approach, consider working with specialists like Creative SEO Coach. They understand the ins and outs of optimizing Showit websites, which can give you a leg up on your competition. Also, don’t forget to list your location on your website, even if you serve clients worldwide — people still search for designers in their local area, and you don’t want to miss out on those opportunities.

2. Sign Up to Creative Designer Directory

One of the best ways to get your name out there and connect with potential clients is by joining directories. The Creative Designer Directory is specifically tailored for Showit website designers, SEO specialists, branding designers, and copywriters. It’s not just about listing your business — it’s about boosting your visibility and credibility in the industry.

Why should you join? For starters, the Creative Designer Directory is one of the top directories out there for connecting clients with designers. The user experience is incredibly simple and smooth, making it easy for clients to find the right designer for their needs — hopefully, that’s you! Plus, the directory costs just $50 to join, which is a small investment considering the potential return. Think of it this way: not only could this lead to new clients, but you’ll also gain a valuable backlink to your website, which is great for your SEO.

Joining directories like this is a smart move to expand your reach, connect with clients, and improve your search engine rankings. Make sure to sign up for a few relevant directories to maximize your visibility and grow your business quickly.

3. Become a Showit Design Partner

The Showit Design Partner program is a special initiative directly from Showit to promote designers who are not only skilled in using the platform but are also established in the industry and actively contributing to the Showit community. As a Design Partner, you become part of an exclusive group of professionals recognized for their expertise and commitment to helping showcase the full potential of the Showit platform.

Design Partner Member Benefits

Here are some of the key perks you’ll enjoy as a Showit Design Partner:

• Listing on the Designers Resource Page
• Qualify to Submit Designs for the Showit Design Market
• Access to Design Partner Spaces in the Designer Hub
• Invites to Exclusive Design Partner Events
• Use of the Showit Design Partner Badge

How to Become a Showit Design Partner

Earning this prestigious status requires meeting certain criteria, but it’s definitely achievable with dedication and the right approach. Here’s what you need to do:

• Maintain an Active Showit Subscription
• Pass the Showit Design Market Standards Course: This is the one mentioned above
• Adhere to the Showit Designers Code of Conduct
• Contribute to at Least Three Client Accounts
• Have Three Custom Client Sites Designed and Launched on Showit
• Consistently Create or Sell Designs on Showit

4. Leverage Social Media

Social media can be a game-changer for your Showit design business, but it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the options out there. The trick is to pick the platforms where your potential clients are hanging out and focus on doing those really well.

Choose the Right Platforms

You don’t need to be everywhere — just where it counts. Instagram is perfect if you want to showcase your design work in a visually appealing way, with posts, stories, and reels. Pinterest is another fantastic choice, especially if your target audience includes creative types who love to browse for inspiration. It’s a great way to drive traffic to your website, too.

Facebook can be useful for connecting in groups with potential clients or other designers, while LinkedIn might be your go-to if you’re aiming to work with more corporate clients. The key is to choose one or two platforms that align with your business goals and where your ideal clients are most active. Then, put your energy into making your presence there consistent and engaging.

Create Content That Connects

Once you’ve picked your platforms, it’s time to share content that really speaks to your audience. Show off your design process, share some behind-the-scenes glimpses of your projects, offer tips and tricks related to web design, and, of course, showcase your best work. People love to see the person behind the brand, so let them get to know you a bit — your story, your journey as a designer, and what makes you tick.

Social media isn’t just about promoting your services — it’s about building relationships. Engage with your followers by responding to their comments, asking questions, and showing that you genuinely care about their needs and challenges. The more you connect, the more likely they are to remember you when they need a designer.

Show Off Your Success

There’s nothing like a little social proof to build trust. Share testimonials from happy clients, post about your latest successful project, and celebrate your wins — whether it’s launching a new website, being featured in a design blog, or becoming a Showit Design Partner. When people see that others are happy working with you, they’ll be more inclined to reach out.

Consider Boosting Your Reach with Ads

If you have some budget to play with, paid ads on social media can help you reach a bigger audience. Facebook and Instagram ads are great for targeting specific groups of people who might need your services. Even a small budget can make a big impact if you target it right.

Stay Consistent

Consistency is your best friend on social media. You don’t need to post every day, but having a regular schedule will help keep your brand fresh in people’s minds. Whether it’s once a week or a few times a week, just make sure you’re showing up regularly.

Where to Sell Your Website Templates

Creating website templates is a great way to generate passive income and showcase your design skills. But once you’ve created those beautiful templates, where should you sell them? Here are some top places to consider, along with a crucial tip about commissions:

• Showit’s Store: If you’re a member of the Showit Partner Program, you can sell your templates directly on Showit’s Store. This is a great option because it puts your designs right in front of an audience already looking for Showit-specific templates.
• Your Own Website: Selling templates on your own website gives you complete control over pricing, marketing, and customer interactions. Plus, it’s an excellent way to drive traffic to your site and build your brand without having to share profits with a third party. SEO will be important for this startegy.
• Etsy: Etsy is a popular marketplace for creative products, including website templates. It’s easy to set up a shop, and Etsy’s built-in audience can help you reach more potential buyers. However, keep in mind that Etsy takes a small percentage of each sale, so factor that into your pricing.
• Creative Market: Creative Market is another platform where designers sell digital products like website templates, fonts, and graphics. However, it’s important to note that Creative Market takes 50% of the list price for each sale . Some may see this as steep — some might even call it highway robbery — so weigh this carefully when deciding where to sell your templates.
• Gumroad: Gumroad is a straightforward platform for selling digital products directly to your audience. It offers a lower commission fee compared to some other platforms, and you can embed the product on your website, share the link on social media, and start selling with minimal setup.
• Sellfy: Sellfy is another user-friendly platform for selling digital products. It offers a customizable storefront, payment processing, and marketing tools, all while taking a smaller percentage of your sales than some other platforms.

A Note on Commissions

When choosing where to sell your templates, it’s essential to look at the commission each site takes. For example, Creative Market takes 50% of the list price for each sale . That’s a hefty cut, so, it’s important to weigh your options and pick your marketplaces carefully. Consider the audience size, potential sales volume, and commission rates to decide where your templates will give you the best return on investment.

How Much Money Can You Make as a Showit Designer?

One of the exciting aspects of becoming a Showit designer is the potential for a lucrative income. Showit website templates often sell for around $1,000 USD each, making them a fantastic source of passive income. Once you’ve created a template, it can be sold over and over again, bringing in revenue while you focus on other projects or simply enjoy some free time.

But that’s not the only way to earn as a Showit designer. Many designers also offer day rates for services like “Website in a Day” or “Website in a Week.” These services are highly sought after by clients who need a quick turnaround but still want a professionally designed website. Depending on the complexity and scope of the project, you can charge anywhere from $1,500 to $3,500 for these types of builds.

If you’re curious about what other designers are offering and how they’re pricing their services, the Creative Designer Directory is a great place to explore. You can see the variety of services available and get a feel for what’s working in the market. This can help you decide which services to offer and how to position your business.

When you’re just starting out, it’s common to charge a bit less to attract your first few clients and build up your portfolio. However, it’s important to gradually increase your rates to align with the market standard. There’s no point in making it a race to the bottom — your skills and expertise are valuable, and your pricing should reflect that. As you gain experience and confidence, don’t be afraid to charge what your services are truly worth.

Final Thoughts

Starting a Showit web design business is an exciting journey filled with opportunities to showcase your creativity and build a profitable, fulfilling career. By following the steps we’ve covered — from taking the right courses and designing your own website, to creating templates, marketing your business, and choosing the best platforms to sell your work — you’ll be well on your way to success.

Remember, it’s okay to start small and grow over time. Building a business takes patience, especially with strategies like SEO and gaining your first clients. Don’t be afraid to experiment, learn, and adapt as you go. And as you gain experience, make sure to adjust your pricing to reflect the value you bring — your skills and expertise deserve to be recognized.

Stay connected with the Showit community, whether by joining the Creative Designer Directory, becoming a Design Partner, or engaging on social media. These connections can open doors, provide support, and help you stay inspired.

So, are you ready to take the plunge and start your Showit web design business? You’ve got the knowledge and tools you need — now it’s time to put them into action and make your mark in the world of web design. Good luck, and enjoy the journey!

Try Showit for Free

If you haven’t started a Showit account yet, use this link to get your first month free. It’s a great way to get hands-on experience with the platform without having to pay anything.