[The Ultimate Guide] How to Market Your Web Design Business/Digital Agency

Now that you have created your own web design business or digital agency, what’s next?

Like any business, you need to market it! That’s the way you can grow your network and find clients to partner with.

In this article, I’ll share how you can market your web design business or digital agency — both in-person and online.

Let’s get started.

Physical ways to market your web design business or digital agency

You will be surprised at how much you can physically do to market your new business.

Just because most of the elements of your business are done online, it doesn’t mean you won’t be able to find clients through physical means.

In fact, many of the methods I would be sharing below are great ideas to start with.

1. Tell your family and friends first

First of all, you must utilize the resources at hand, for example, your friends and family. These are the people who can publicize your services for free.

Moreover, your network isn’t just you and your friends or family. Instead, it spreads further to their family and friends as well.

It might be a little scary to do this, but many people that are in your inner circle may need this service as word of mouth goes a long way.

If you’re not sure how to do this, start with this script:

Hey (insert his or her name), I just started my own web design (or digital agency) business. Do you know anyone who might need my services?

Don’t underestimate the power of your network.

Ask them to spread the word for you — you never know who has which contacts, so use your contacts to their full potential.

2. Get active with events and communities like WordCamp

Attend WordCamp, a WordPress conference where you can meet other people in the WordPress community.

Many of them are site owners themselves who could use your web design services to take their businesses (and sites) to the next level.

Moreover, it’s also one of the best places to network and learn more about digital marketing too.

A more public platform is your local neighborhood council. Again, you can utilize this opportunity for your digital agency’s promotion.

However, you must play an active part in such events so that people take you seriously. You don’t want people to think that you’re just there for the free lunch.

Be active, participate in discussions and really listen to what others have to say about your niche. You can learn a lot from them — even though they aren’t in the same industry as you are.

Furthermore, make sure to target the right audience at these events.

3. Ask restaurants or local businesses to distribute your business cards

This method is extremely effective, but it might depend on your location.

If you happen to be located in a business district where local cafes and restaurants are abundant, then this might work well for you.

The beauty of this approach is that they’re already popular among the locals, so these people are more likely to buy from their neighborhood shops.

What you need to do is this:

Contact a restaurant or cafe near your location and ask if you can distribute your cards in their shop.

You may need to pay a small fee or even buy their products, but that’s fine.

At the end of the day, you want your business to grow and it’s always good to invest in yourself once in a while.

Check if you can work out an exchange deal with them to help your business stand up on its feet (like maybe you can give them a limited free service in exchange for promoting your business).

4. Promote your services through local establishments like churches or city events

If you’re a regular churchgoer,  you can also promote your business there, but make sure you do it the right way.

Here’s a good strategy you can use:

Go and introduce yourself to those in charge and ask if they would like some free advice on how to improve their church website.

They will usually be glad for this because many churches are not tech-savvy and can benefit from having their website updated or overhauled.

You can use this opportunity to show them what you’ve got and even tell them about your business.

For city events, check out the organizer’s page to see if they have a special section for business promotions.

This is another great way to get your digital agency noticed because these events are usually crowded and there will be tons of people who need your services.

5. Get testimonials from every client you work with

Sure, it’s nice to receive reviews from clients on Facebook, LinkedIn, Yelp!  and any other sites that your customers use for reviewing or bookmarking.

But you can do more than that with testimonials — you can use them on your own website too.

This is an excellent way of getting your digital agency noticed because it shows off what your customers have to say about you (someone who has tried and tested a service can provide honest opinions).

Below is a good example of a testimonial from a client for a digital marketing agency:

It builds trust and makes people more likely to choose you over a competitor, especially if they see that you already have positive reviews from real clients.

Furthermore, testimonials on your website and social media page make it easier for future clients to pick your service.

For example, when you want to try out a new cafe, you go to its Facebook page and check the rating.

Similarly, someone who plans to spend money on your digital marketing services will look for testimonials.

Remember, the correct number of testimonials will go a long way in promoting your business and grabbing clients.

6. Ask for referrals (#1 way to get more clients)

Remember that your past clients can be one of your best sources to find new customers. So ask for referrals and you might get a lot more than you bargained for.

What’s key here is to make sure you’ve done stellar work. Otherwise, it won’t be beneficial to either party involved.

If you formed a better relationship with your past clients, you might be able to ask them to spread the word about your services in their circles. You could assemble your clientele using your previous clients as samples.

Moreover, referrals bring in clients much more effectively than self-advertisement.

But again, this is because people trust someone who has already done the job and is referred to by someone they trust.

7. Create a portfolio and show them what you can do

Your portfolio is like your personality. It demonstrates your business’s potential and the level of services you can deliver to clients.

It’s essential to have an updated and maintained portfolio. Moreover, if you find your portfolio impressive enough, you can post it online as well.

Below is an example of a good portfolio website:

If you don’t know anything about creating a portfolio, watch the video below and you will be able to create an awesome-looking portfolio in a few hours:

Having a portfolio will make it easier for clients to catch a glimpse of your services. It makes it easier for them to choose your product over competitors.

For example, if a person is looking for a good SEO company, they will compare the services of your agency with those of other companies.

Having a portfolio is one of the most effective ways to promote your business and become more visible in the eyes of potential customers.

8. Cold calling and emailing your prospects

It’s always best to be proactive when it comes to getting more clients.

Cold calling is a great way of promoting your business because you are directly reaching out to potential clients.

Here’s a good strategy for web designers:

Run GTmetrix on the websites of your prospective clients and share the report. Briefly talk about who you are and how you can help their business website.

Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself and let them know about the services you offer. Moreover, show some enthusiasm when doing this because it will make you appear more professional.

Initially, some of those you contacted might get annoyed, but calls are the most personal way to grab someone’s attention.

Furthermore, you can convey your message much more directly than through word of mouth or referrals.

Nevertheless, if calling isn’t feasible for you, you can opt for emails. This is also a compelling marketing opportunity.

However, it’s not as direct as a call, and there is a good chance your emails will end up in someone’s spam or junk folder.

If you need some help with cold calling, I got a good script for web designers. Check it out here and modify it according to your needs.

9. Keep track of leads on Excel or Evernote

It’s a good idea to keep track of leads so you can easily identify the people who are most interested in your services and reach out to them immediately.

It’s also an effective strategy to check how well your lead generation efforts are doing and make sure you’re not contacting the same companies twice.

You can use Microsoft Excel, Evernote, or even a lead tracking software like Propeller.

On the other hand, it’s even more critical to choose the right type of lead to keep an eye on.

You might miss out on potential clients if you keep on running towards ineffective leads.

For web designers and marketing agencies, some of the best clients are attorneys, doctors (and dentists), construction companies, realtors, gyms, and repair shops.

Here’s what you can do:

Try to look for those businesses with a social media presence but lack a website. This way, you can offer them your services and seize their attention.

For example, you can contact your local attorneys or dentists and check if they have a website. If not, you have a potential lead.

Most of these people will agree to your services because it is an excellent way of promoting their business.

Once you manage to land a client with this method, it’s easy to convince others to become your customer as well.

10. Contact your Chamber of Commerce or City Council list your services

Your Chamber of Commerce is a great way to attract new clients. By joining your local Chamber of Commerce, you will have access to its online directory.

This means that you can easily include information about your business in their list of members, which means more visibility for you and your company.

Moreover, if other companies trust the chamber enough to join it, they might be interested in your services as well.

Additionally, by joining a Chamber of Commerce, you can have access to free promotion opportunities through their events. This way, you can meet with potential clients and discuss your web design or marketing agency.

In most cases, chambers also support local activities and events so using their membership can be a great way to raise awareness for your business.

However, if you’re unable to join your local Chamber of Commerce, it’s still worth contacting them and asking about the possibility of listing your services on their website.

Digital ways to market your web design business or digital agency

Many of the physical ways, like cold calling, may not be that easy, especially if you are doing it for the first time.

On the other hand, putting your website in front of people and letting them get to know your services by themselves is much easier.

Below are short-term ways you can market your business online:

11. Add your location on Google Maps

Supplying a location online can help legitimize your business even more. Furthermore, it is an effective way for potential leads to reach you.

When your business shows up on Google Maps, it is a free advertisement opportunity. Note that it’s not always that easy to end up in Google Maps’ top search.

You can’t simply add your location and expect to land the top spot in the hierarchies. Instead, you must claim a business and provide essential information to look legitimate.

Once you add details such as “info” and “websites,” you have a better chance of getting the top spot in the listing.

If you need help with adding or claiming your business profile on Google and adding your location to it, check out this article from Google Business Profile Help.

12. Create a social profile and post content weekly

People primarily use social media platforms to connect. Moreover, these platforms have made it very effortless to circulate information.

Because of this, you can use these platforms to market your business efficiently. Furthermore, it won’t cost you anything if you handle your social media presence.

Think about it…

A majority of the people who are searching for your services are probably on social media. So it’s a perfect opportunity to attract them by showing up in their feeds for free.

But make sure to remain consistent on social media platforms by doing the following:

• Posting regular updates of your services
• Providing contact information and addresses
• Posting reviews from previous clients
• Showcasing your sample work
• Adding promos and offers to attract new clients
• Introducing giveaways
• Providing links to your portfolio

Keep in mind that a well-maintained social media profile has a much better chance of attracting customers than a dead profile. In addition, regular posts keep you revamped with modern social media trends.

For example, using Instagram stories to repost client reviews on your profile can attract new clients. Furthermore, it provides more exposure to the reviews on your profile.

13. Get found on good review websites like SiteJabber and TrustPilot

Any time you take on a client, always ask for an honest review.

Many clients are more than willing to leave a positive review of their experience. However, make sure you don’t push them too hard because some potential leads may get turned off by your tactics.

It’s best if your business shows up on trust-based online platforms like SiteJabber and TrustPilot.

Because people place a significant amount of trust in these websites, they will most likely read the reviews on your page before deciding to contact you.

You can optimize your profile by adding relevant details such as pricing, the required time for completion and specialties, etc. These profiles rank very well in search engines, which means more exposure for your business.

On your website, you can then place links to the reviews clients left to attract new clients. Nevertheless, it’s one of the top ways to market your agency.

14. List your web design business or digital agency on Yelp for business

Positive reviews are the most practical way to enhance your clientele, which is why you must take every opportunity to get good reviews.

For this, you can use business listing sites or create a Yelp business page. This service benefits customers as well as local businesses. Moreover, it aids people in discovering new services around them.

You can get a whole new bunch of clients by making a Yelp profile. Furthermore, you develop a greater online presence by targeting customers through similar platforms.

For example, if a potential client overlooks your profile on Facebook, they might notice it on Yelp and contact you.

Never leave out an opportunity to get discovered.

15. Create accounts on Yellow Pages, UpCity, Thumbtack, and on other directory websites

Once you list your business, make sure to share the information across different web assets.

People who need good web designers or digital agencies usually look for them on platforms like Google and other search engines. But when they can’t find them there, they go down the line to find related websites.

These websites include local directories where you can list your services, with some of the most popular ones including:

• Yellow Pages: We’ve all seen the yellow pages in a phonebook. These represent contacts for local businesses and services. Nowadays, you can find websites that serve the same purpose but in an online setting.
• Thumbtack: This web directory focuses on providing home-based and individual services. Nevertheless, you can market your business through this outlet as well.
• UpCity: This one helps make connections between businesses and B2B service providers. You can use this platform to spread your services further and enhance your marketing activities.

16. Go look on Craigslist

Craigslist is another great place to list your business details. It provides a good online presence for businesses that are cheaper than other sources.

Start with creating an account on Craigslist, which you can do by signing up on the website.

Then, share your contact information with potential clients through relevant ads in this directory.

Furthermore, check out posts by other business owners looking for similar services by following these steps:

• Click on the “jobs” button
• On the search bar, enter “web design” (or a keyword that describes your services) posts
• Then, check each of the posts and follow the instructions given

From here, you can get the right inspiration to market your web agency creatively.

17. Create a web design tutorial (or any tutorial that shows what you can do)

There’s a good chance that potential clients don’t know what you offer.

This is why you must take every opportunity to help others understand your worth, such as through informative videos and tutorials. 

Teaching people tricks and sharing your knowledge is one of the best ways to gain their trust. After all, people trust authorities or those who are experts in the field. 

Furthermore, it gives them the initial push they need to get started. Once they see that you know what you’re doing, they are sure to come to you for advice and services.

By sharing your knowledge and skills for free, you can build long-term clients and market your business in a lasting manner.

This will also help circulate the word about your services. If you show them your potential through tutorials, it will serve as a sample of your work.

Consequently, you will also indirectly advertise your skills through tutorials.

18. Create a Quora question and answer it to introduce your company

Have you ever had a nagging question and looked for answers online? If so, you must have noticed Quora is at the top of your search engine to answer queries.

Quora isn’t just an excellent platform to answer questions. Instead, it can also be the ideal place to market your web design business.

However, there is a difference between Quora and platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn.

For example, you must bring awareness and value to potential leads on this platform. On the other hand, Facebook and LinkedIn are for direct marketing and advertising.

The bad news is — marketing on Quora may be a little tricky.

You shouldn’t think of using Quora simply to gain more customers, but you must focus on providing them quality information first.

Here are some steps you can follow:

• Set up your profile: Since Quora is more of an answering platform than a marketing one, you will have to advertise strategically. Your profile can’t use your brand’s name, it has to be your name. (There is a loophole you can use to your benefit, i.e., Quora provides a small bio of the person answering questions. You can use the initial 50 characters from this bio to promote your corporation.)
• Keep track of significant questions: To reach the right audience, you must keep track of the relevant topics. This way, you will be able to answer related queries. Consequently, you will attract prospective clients from the platform.
• Efficiently answer questions: You can improve your Quora presence by answering questions in the most helpful and enlightening manner possible. For this, you can utilize pictures, graphs, and other aids to make your answers more comprehensive. Likewise, it will show your grip on the topic and let clients come to you.
• Get the hang of Quora blogs: Quora blogs can be your biggest marketing tool on the platform. Moreover, you can use these blogs for marketing your digital agency in two ways — posting relevant and informative content and making sure your blog has links to your own website (or portfolio).

19. Join forums and Facebook groups in your niche

Another great strategy to market your web design agency is by joining forums and Facebook groups related to the topic.

This way, you can attract potential clients through shared content or conversations.

For example, if you are an e-commerce web designer (or specialize in this area), you should join Facebook groups like “Shopify || Ecommerce || Dropshipping” or “Shopify eCommerce Entrepreneurs”.

Likewise, you should join forums where people are talking about product updates, news articles, etc. on ecommerce. If members post questions, try to answer them in the most helpful manner possible.

Here’s a reminder when using this method (especially on Facebook Groups):

Check for the rules as some of these forums and groups may prohibit self-promotion like talking about your business or posting links.

Many of them may brand you as a spammer. That will hurt your business in the long run and may get you kicked out from these platforms.

The best thing you can do is become active in their discussions and only insert your business and links when they ask for it (or if you feel it’s right to do so).

20. Look for old company websites online

Have you tried landing on an old-looking website before?

Truth is, the owners may be too busy to redesign the website on their own (or they may disregard its importance completely).

These old websites present good opportunities to land new clients.

Here’s what you can do:

• Find out who you can get in touch with. Search for contact information on the website or on the social media pages of the company.
• Then, send them a message about how their website may be able to get them more customers, but they have to update it first to modern standards to make it attractive.
• You can send them an offer or maybe a mock-up redesign of their website. You can even add a before and after comparison to drastically show the difference.
• When they see how good their website could look, they may get impressed and take you up on your offer.

By the way, when you contact them, make sure you have a clean email signature and that you sound and look professional.

Believe it or not, how “professional” you (or your email) look may determine how seriously they will take you up on your offer.

Now, here are some long-term digital marketing methods you can try:

21. Run Facebook ads about your business

Facebook ads are reliable because they allow you to reach specific audiences in many cities around the world. That way, you can promote your digital agency to the most relevant audience possible.

Truth is, Facebook advertising is not an automatic “set-and-forget” type of marketing solution. You need to apply different strategies to make it work.

For example, you can use Facebook ads for retargeting.

That means you can reach people who have already visited your website or portfolio but may not have taken action yet (like submitting their contact information or buying a product).

Here’s my advice:

You need to test different ad types and see which one works best for you. If you find out that banner ads don’t work but direct links to your website do, you can keep using the latter and ditch the former.

In addition, you can use Facebook ads about your web design agency for up to 7 days a week. Different people have different schedules and some may visit pages only during certain hours of the day.

That way, you can get in touch with them while they are online and ready to take action.

22. Make consistent high-quality blog posts on your website

Besides Facebook ads, you should also incorporate publishing blogs in your long-term marketing plan.

This is because blogs open up new opportunities for businesses. Furthermore, clients prefer a knowledgeable service provider. This means you can easily reach your desired clientele with consistent and value-added blog posts.

However, simple articles wouldn’t do — you need to consistently publish high-quality blog posts.

A high-quality blog needs a proper structure and the right amount of content to place in the reader’s mind. 

When publishing blog articles, remember the following:

• At a minimum, your articles should have 1,000 words (but take it up to 10,000 when you can). Lengthy articles will be more effective.
• An organized “Table of Contents” will make your blog post more accessible.
• Don’t overuse keywords. Instead, maintain your keyword count at around 4%.
• Use proper heading formats all throughout the article (until “Heading 3” for sub-paragraphs).
• Write down a brief yet eye-catching introduction that’s up to 200 words.
• Stay focused on the topic you want to talk about.
• Link your articles with some of your articles (internal linking) and link to other websites as well (outbound linking).

When writing an article, it’s critical to use the right words and relevant topics. Moreover, you should aim at your niche and the related services. In addition, you should have an appropriate keyword choice.

Moreover, you can utilize services such as iwriter.com to get custom articles for yourself. This way, you can get a professional to do the challenging work.

Furthermore, employing freelancers to write content for your blog posts can help you stay consistent and post regularly.

Publish knowledgeable content that’s interesting to your readers. If your content isn’t reliable or coherent, you’re likely to lose viewers and potential leads.

If you want to read more about making successful blog posts, check out this Evernote page where I expounded more about this.

23. Hire an SEO company to help rank your website in Google

Simply creating blog posts isn’t enough to make your online marketing successful.

The truth is, you need to get traffic on your posts as well. The more people that view your blogs, the higher your chances of bagging clients.

This is where SEO (Search Engine Optimization) comes into play. In simple words, SEO aids in ranking your posts at the top of Google search.

But, how does it do that?

SEO utilizes three tools to enhance the quality and relevance of your content. These include:

• Keyword incorporation
• Appropriate usage of backlinks
• High-quality content

If you have enough funds, I suggest you hire an SEO company to get the top spots on search engines and increase the traffic on your blog.

Moreover, no matter how good your content is, it’s a risky marketing strategy without the right traffic.

24. Use marketing websites like DNB.com

Another way to market your digital agency or business is to use websites like dnb.com. They can help you get a better reach and get more clients.

These agencies are focused on increasing a company’s revenue by reaching out to customers.

They manage the risky aspects of your business, such as regulatory compliance, etc. In addition, they add value to your marketing strategy by helping you get more interested leads.

Moreover, these marketing agencies are equipped with the right tools to help your business grow exponentially.

25. Find businesses that need websites and market to them

This strategy is a surefire way to get more leads and make more sales.

If you think about it, there are at least thousands of businesses in the United States that need websites built for their business.

You can potentially find all of them while doing other things like checking emails or while waiting for your coffee in a cafe.

You can also manually search for local businesses that don’t have a website yet. Again, these are golden opportunities to grab a prospective lead’s attention.

Google such businesses or use online directories such as yellow pages for your search. When using Google, look for pages 3 and above since those on the first page have good website designers.

In contrast, you can also physically look for dentists, doctors, or other service providers in your area who don’t have an online presence. Offer them a good deal, and you’ve got yourself another client.

Personal advice: Get used to rejections

Finally, as a business owner, you must develop a thick skin. This is because some of those you reached too might decline your offer (and some may ignore you completely).

However, it doesn’t mean your skills aren’t helpful. Furthermore, don’t get demotivated because of a few rejections.

If you fail to grab clients from one platform, remember there are various others to focus on.

Remember, success requires consistency and regular hard work. Keep on marketing your business, and eventually, your failures will turn into success.