Advertising my low cost Web Design Business?

[Ryan Connolly]

Hey there,

I'm Ryan, totally brand new forum member. I'm 17 and I've been doing web design for a while now, about 3-4 years. I used to write personal websites for various reasons, but I've now decided to venture into the world of commercial web design.

I've made a website advertising my services and placed a couple examples of websites I have written for myself.

I was hoping get clients easily, as I'm undercutting most half decent web design companies, for example I charge almost 10% of what they would charge for a 4 page website. Companies which charge the same amout as me usually have absolutly awful graphics, or they illegally use templates. Because I live at home and am in full time education, I don't need to chanrge a huge amount for websites, and I have the ability to make them look very professional, and modern.

It turned out that getting clients wasn't so simple. So far all I have tried is Gumtree, and in the past 3 weeks I have got 1 reply to about 10 adverts placed in various cities.

I'm just wondering how I can spread the word of my new business? In my eyes, I offer a very good deal, compared with my competitors.

I wouldn't mind feedback on my website either!

Thanks a lot
Ryan

[spidersites]

Hello Ryan
Your in a very competitive market. Theres a top end and low end of the market in terms of pricing. Being the cheapest isnt always the best. At the low end of the market your competing with india and rushia: its unlikely you can compete with them on price.

Ive been trying to make a living from my website www ukfreepages co.uk for a couple of years. Should be a no brainer in terms of cost and ease of use. However I dont get much new business (even after chatting to the customer in person). One of the reasons i can be so cheap is because i outsource my design to India - so I know what im talking about!

Your better off finding a niche product for a niche market thats not be done well. Thats what I'm trying to do,

regards

[fisicx]

You've already asked this once: http://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=146581

Still got a portfolio page under construction!

[Greatime123]

Keep at it. If 10 people see your advert in one week and you get only one reply it's a start.

Classifieds:
UKBusinessforums has one
Vivastreet
Sellit-right
Craigslist
Adtrader

Update your ads on theses sites weekly / monthly. By the way, you tries outdoor advertising?

[garyk]

agree with fisicx your portfolio is absolutely key, if people can't see what you have done they can't judge or make an informed decision if they believe you are good enough to do the work.