How to Start a Web Design Business in 2025
How to start a web design business? You need the right skills, tools, and strategies to attract clients and build a profitable business. Learn how to get started.
-
Chris Granat
- Updated:
Starting a web design business can be one of the best decisions you make. The demand for quality websites is growing, and businesses need skilled designers to help them stand out online. But getting started isn’t just about knowing how to build a website—it’s about choosing the right tools, finding clients, and setting up a business that lasts. I’ve been through this process myself, and in this guide, I’ll share the exact steps that helped me build my web design company. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, this step-by-step approach will help you turn your skills into a profitable business.
Learn Web Design Skills
Before you start a web design business, you need to know how to build websites that look good and function well. If you’re new, start with the basics—HTML, CSS, and UX design. These skills will help you understand how websites work, even if you plan to use website builders instead of coding from scratch.
If you already have experience, focus on improving your skills with modern tools like WordPress and Elementor, which power a large share of websites today. You should also get familiar with other platforms like Shopify or Squarespace, depending on the types of clients you want to serve.
The best way to learn is by doing, so practice by creating sample websites for yourself or friends. Try redesigning existing websites to improve their layout and usability. The more you build, the better you’ll get—and the more confident you’ll be when taking on real clients.
Do You Need to Learn Code?
You don’t need coding skills to run a web design company, but basic HTML, CSS, and JavaScript can help customize designs and fix issues. Many designers rely on WordPress, Webflow, or Shopify without coding. If you’re new, focus on mastering a platform first and learn coding basics over time for more flexibility.
Choose Your Web Design Software
There are many web design tools available, and choosing the right one depends on your skills and the type of websites you want to build. WordPress with Elementor is one of the best options for flexibility, SEO, and scalability, making it a great choice for small businesses and custom websites. If you prefer a simpler, all-in-one platform, Squarespace and Wix offer drag-and-drop website builders but come with limitations on customization. For eCommerce, Shopify is a strong option, especially for businesses that need a reliable online store.
While it’s good to be familiar with multiple platforms, don’t try to master everything at once. Focus on one or two that align with your skills and business goals. This will make it easier to streamline your workflow and attract the right clients.
WordPress vs. Website Builders: Which One is Right for You?
WordPress web development offers more flexibility, scalability, and SEO benefits, making it ideal for businesses that need custom websites. It requires more setup but gives you full control.
Website builders like Squarespace, Wix, and Shopify are easier to use but come with design and SEO limitations. If you want long-term flexibility, WordPress is the better choice, but for simple projects, website builders can work.
Pick a Niche
While you can build websites for any type of business, choosing a niche can make it easier to find clients and market your services. Some web designers focus on small businesses, while others specialize in industries like healthcare, real estate, or eCommerce. Niching down helps you stand out because clients prefer working with someone who understands their industry. If you’re unsure which niche to pick, think about the types of businesses you enjoy working with or industries that have a high demand for website design. You don’t have to commit to one niche forever, but having a focus early on can give you a competitive edge.
When I first started, I took on any project that came my way, designing websites for all kinds of businesses. Looking back, I wish I had chosen a niche from the start. It would have made marketing easier, helped me build a strong reputation, and led to more referrals down the road.
Popular Web Design Niches to Consider
Focusing on a niche helps attract clients faster. Real estate agents need visually appealing listings, law firms require trust-building websites, and dietitian websites benefit from a well-structured blog to share expertise. Healthcare providers need professional designs, restaurants rely on menus and online ordering, and local businesses use their websites for visibility. Specializing in one industry makes marketing easier and positions you as an expert.
Set Up Your Business
Once you have the skills and a niche in mind, it’s time to make your own web design business official. Start by choosing a business name that looks professional and is easy to remember. Secure a domain name and set up a business email—using a custom domain (like yourname@yourbusiness.com) looks far more professional than a generic Gmail address.
You’ll also need to register your business. Depending on where you live, this might mean setting up an LLC, a sole proprietorship, or another legal structure. If you’re unsure, check local regulations or talk to an accountant. Even if you’re starting small, having a proper business setup will protect you and make it easier to work with clients.
Choosing a Business Name and Domain
Your business name should be easy to remember, professional, and relevant to website design. Avoid generic names—something unique helps you stand out. Once you decide on a name, check if the domain is available and secure it right away. A .com domain is best, but .design or .studio can work if needed. Keep the domain short, simple, and easy to spell to make it easier for clients to find you online.
Create a Website Portfolio
Your portfolio is one of the most important parts of your web design business. Potential clients want to see examples of your work before hiring you. If you already have projects, showcase your best ones on your website. If you’re just starting and don’t have client work yet, build sample websites to demonstrate your skills. These could be redesigns of existing sites, fictional business websites, or personal projects.
Keep your portfolio simple and focused. Show 3–5 strong examples rather than a long list of average work. Each project should include a short description explaining what you did and, if possible, a link to the live site. A well-organized portfolio builds trust and makes it easier to convert visitors into paying clients.
Find Your First Clients
Getting your first clients is the hardest part of starting a web design business, but there are simple ways to land those first projects. Start by reaching out to local busineses, friends, and family. Many small businesses need a website but haven’t gotten around to it yet. Offer to help them at a discounted rate or even for free if it means getting a solid portfolio piece.
You can also find clients through social media, LinkedIn, and online business groups. Join local Facebook groups or industry forums where business owners look for website design help. Cold emailing can work too—find businesses with outdated or poorly designed websites and send them a friendly message offering your services. Once you complete a few projects, referrals will start coming in, making client acquisition much easier.
Set Your Prices
Pricing your web design services can feel tricky at first, but keeping it simple will help. Start by deciding whether to charge a flat rate per project or an hourly rate. Flat rates are easier for clients to understand and allow you to scale your business more efficiently. Hourly rates work well for smaller tasks or ongoing website maintenance.
Research what other web designers in your experience level and market are charging. If you’re just starting, your website design pricing may be lower, but avoid pricing too cheap—it can make clients question your quality. Be clear about what’s included in your pricing, such as revisions, hosting setup, or ongoing support. As you gain experience and demand grows, you can gradually increase your rates.
How to Get Paid and Avoid Late Payments
Once you set your prices, make sure you have a clear payment process to avoid delays and unpaid work. Always require a deposit upfront—50% before starting is common for web design projects. Use invoicing tools and accounting software like PayPal, Stripe, or QuickBooks to send professional invoices and track payments.
Set clear payment terms in your contract, including when final payments are due (e.g., before the website goes live). If a client is late, send friendly reminders, and if needed, pause work until payment is received. Having a structured payment process keeps cash flow steady and prevents payment issues.
Market Your Web Design Business
Once you have a portfolio and a few clients, it’s time to attract more business. Start by optimizing your website with SEO so new clients can find you when searching for a web designer. Set up a Google Business Profile to show up in local searches, and keep your LinkedIn profile updated with your latest projects.
Networking is also key. Join local business groups, attend industry events, and engage in online communities where business owners ask for web design help. Social proof, like testimonials and case studies, can boost credibility, so ask happy clients for a short review. The more you put your name out there, the easier it becomes to get consistent inquiries.
SEO Tips to Get More Web Design Clients
If you want clients to find you online, SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is essential. Start by optimizing your website for keywords like website designer near me or small business web design. Create a clear, service-focused homepage, and make sure your portfolio pages include descriptive text—don’t just rely on images.
Set up a Google Business Profile to appear in local searches, and get listed in directories like Clutch or The Manifest. Blogging about web design tips, case studies, or client success stories can also help attract organic traffic. The goal is to position yourself as an expert, so when prospective clients search for web design services, your site is the one they find.
Go the Extra Mile for Clients
The fastest way to grow a web design business is to deliver amazing work and provide exceptional customer service. If you go beyond what’s expected, clients will remember you, recommend you, and come back for future projects.
Always focus on creating client websites that not only look great but also function well. Pay attention to details, test everything before launching, and make sure the site is easy to use. When a client asks for something small, do it quickly. If you spot an issue they didn’t notice, fix it before they even ask. These little things add up and make you stand out.
One of the easiest ways to impress clients is by giving more than what was agreed upon. If they requested two design revisions, provide a third if needed. If they expected a basic website, add a small extra feature like a simple animation or a better contact form. Delivering more than promised makes clients feel like they got a great deal, which increases the chances of referrals and repeat business.
Communication is just as important as design. Respond to emails quickly, be clear about timelines, and update clients throughout the project. If something goes wrong, own it and fix it fast. A professional, helpful attitude builds trust and leads to long-term client relationships.
Most web designers rely on word-of-mouth referrals to get more business. Happy clients will tell others about you, but only if they had a great experience. If you consistently go the extra mile, you won’t have to chase clients—they’ll come to you.
Keep Learning and Improving
Web design is always changing, so staying updated is important. New tools, design trends, and SEO updates can affect how websites perform. Make it a habit to learn something new regularly—whether it’s improving your WordPress skills, experimenting with different design styles, or understanding conversion-focused layouts.
Beyond design, learning basic SEO, copywriting, and marketing can make your websites more valuable to clients. The more skills you develop, the easier it will be to charge higher rates and grow your business. Keep refining your process, learning from past projects, and improving how you communicate with clients. Small improvements over time lead to big results.
Should I Worry About AI Web Design Tools?
AI-powered website builders like Wix ADI and Framer AI are improving fast, but they won’t replace skilled web designers anytime soon. These tools can generate simple layouts quickly, but they lack strategic thinking, branding expertise, and the ability to create truly custom websites. Businesses still need designers to understand their goals, optimize for conversions, and build user-friendly experiences.
Instead of worrying about AI, use it to your advantage. AI can speed up tasks like generating content, resizing images, or even suggesting layouts, but the final touch still requires human creativity. The best web designers learn how to combine AI tools with their expertise to work faster and provide more value to clients.
Final Thoughts
Starting a website design business takes time, but with the right approach, it can be a profitable and rewarding career. Focus on building real skills, choosing the right tools, and finding your first few clients. As you gain experience, refine your process, increase your prices, and market yourself consistently.
Every successful designer started somewhere. The key is to take action—build a portfolio, reach out to potential clients, and keep improving your work. If you stay committed, your own business will grow, and soon, you’ll have a steady flow of projects and referrals. That’s how we did it.
Chris Granat
Chris is the founder and lead web designer at Flamingo Agency, a Chicago web design agency.
