Hey there, friends! Welcome to the very first episode of the Web Design MBA Podcast. After years of running the Subscription Web Design brand, we’ve officially rebranded. I’m thrilled to finally introduce this new podcast to help web designers like you level up your business strategy and grow in ways you might not have considered before.
In this post, I’ll dive into why we’ve shifted to the Web Design MBA and explore the kind of content that can help web designers attract clients and grow their influence. You’ll also find out what inspired this episode’s topic: creating content that speaks to clients rather than just other web designers. So, let’s jump in!
Why the Rebrand? Embracing the Web Design MBA
When I first launched Subscription Web Design, the brand was all about focusing on subscription-based web design services. Over time, however, I realized there’s more to explore, more practical insights I wanted to share—things like handling clients, building authority, and growing a business in a way that lasts. So, this rebrand to the Web Design MBA is about looking beyond just the service and toward the entire business of web design.
A simple website is live at webdesignmba.com, and I’ve got exciting announcements coming soon about new ways to engage with the community, courses, and even some unique products. But for now, this podcast will be where I share real-world strategies and insights to help you take your web design business to the next level.
Why I Don’t Look at the Camera in My Videos
For my YouTube audience, you may have noticed that I’m not looking directly at the camera. You might wonder why, so here’s the story. I prefer to create content as if it’s an audio podcast. When I treat it as audio, I feel more relaxed, and it’s a more genuine experience for me—and for you.
Interestingly, I’ve found that not looking at the camera can make the content feel more natural. There’s even data suggesting that people engage more with reels or short-form videos when the speaker isn’t staring straight at the camera. It’s almost like they’re listening in on a conversation, which makes the content feel more relatable. So, for me, not looking at the camera has just worked better. But if it ever bothers you, let me know!
What Content Should Web Designers Create?
Let’s talk content strategy. If you’re a web designer, you’ve probably thought about creating content to attract clients. But here’s where my mentor, Josh Hall, helped me realize something important: many web designers create content aimed at other designers, rather than the business owners they want to work with. This content might cover technical topics, like how to use certain plugins or design in a specific framework, but it misses the mark if your audience isn’t web-savvy.
The trick is to create content that not only demonstrates your expertise but also resonates with potential clients. In my experience, there are three main types of content that can do just that: case studies, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and continued success pieces. Here’s why each of these is powerful.
Case Studies: Show Your Transformation Skills
Case studies are my favorite type of content for a simple reason—they demonstrate transformation. When a potential client looks at a case study, they aren’t just seeing the work you’ve done; they’re envisioning what you could do for them. They’re not looking to buy a “website”; they want the transformation a website can bring to their business. Case studies give you the perfect way to showcase this.
A good case study outlines the client’s challenge, explains why they needed a website, describes the solution you provided, and highlights the results. Include before and after visuals whenever possible, and if you can, throw in some stats on metrics like traffic or leads. Your goal is to show potential clients what’s possible when they work with you.
Case studies aren’t just for your website either. Repurpose them on social media, turn them into video content, or use quotes and testimonials from clients in short-form content. A well-done case study can provide endless ways to promote your expertise and build trust.
Frequently Asked Questions: Educate and Build Trust
One of the best ways to create engaging content is by answering frequently asked questions. Marcus Sheridan’s book, They Ask, You Answer, is all about this. Marcus saved his business during the recession by writing blog posts that answered common customer questions, and his story proves just how powerful this approach can be.
As a web designer, you’re likely asked the same questions over and over by clients. Why not answer these questions publicly? For example, you could address things like, “What platform should I build my website on?” or “What’s the difference between custom web design and a template?” These FAQs help your clients do their research and establish you as a trusted source in your field.
Plus, you can use FAQ content in your sales process. Let’s say you have an initial call with a potential client. After the call, you could follow up with an email and link to articles you’ve written that explain your process or address any concerns the client may have. This content can help clients make a decision long before they even talk to you, as studies show that around 70% of people make up their mind about a company before ever speaking with a salesperson.
Continued Success Pieces: Keep Clients Engaged After the Sale
Finally, let’s talk about “continued success” pieces—content aimed at clients who’ve already worked with you or are considering it. This type of content demonstrates your expertise beyond the initial project, positioning you as a long-term partner for your clients’ success.
For example, a continued success piece might cover seasonal strategies, like using pop-ups for holiday promotions, or even email marketing tips that align with their business goals. When you publish these types of posts, you give clients a reason to reach out to you again. You might even consider adding a special offer or bundle tied to a specific strategy, like a “Holiday Pop-Up Bundle” to drive conversions during busy seasons.
These pieces can also be included in client newsletters or used as social media content to stay top-of-mind with clients and prompt them to reach out for more services. Continued success pieces remind clients that you’re invested in their business growth, not just building their website.
Bringing It All Together
Creating content as a web designer is about balance. Yes, it’s tempting to focus on technical content that appeals to other web designers, but remember that your primary audience is potential clients, not fellow designers. The goal is to showcase your expertise in a way that builds trust and encourages business owners to reach out.
Start with case studies to demonstrate your results, answer FAQs to build trust, and create continued success pieces to keep clients engaged and thinking of you as a long-term partner. With this content strategy in place, you’ll be able to attract the right kind of audience and grow your web design business more effectively.
If you’re interested in more tips like this, check out webdesignmba.com. And don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review if you’re tuning in on your favorite podcast player. Thanks for joining me on this journey into the Web Design MBA. I can’t wait to see where it takes us.