How to Learn Code, Start a Web Company, $15k+ per month within 9 months

[Fox]

@The Racing Driver

I was going to go for copywriting but didn't think my level of English was decent enough to do it full time. I am actually dyslexic and have to spell check everything I write and usually make quite a lot of (sometimes funny) mistakes. One example is launching a site with an "intense" course instead of "intensive" .

I went through a few weeks of trying everything at the start of the year and finally clicked with web design. I have a good eye for design, detail and layout. I have two brothers who are professional artists and I guess I have some of same talent too.

Web Design is an nice area for the person who is good at a few different areas - design, SEO, content writing, images, sales.
You don't have to be amazing at each but if you have some knowledge of all you are way ahead of most web guys. As I have already said the code is available and is easy edited with some practice. The rest is about sales (for your client) and design which a lot of website companies are terrible at.

How would you best determine what service to start offering? And how should I approach these business? Just contact them upfront or spend some time creating a good website to display my work ? Now that I have some projects under my belt.

Approach the biggest person you can find and do a website for free or at a very reduced price. Offer to do it all in advance on your own domain and then they only have to use it (and pay for it) if they like it. I did this myself for a well known athlete. Although I spent 2-3 weeks building a website that actually lost money on I got a lot of jobs out of it and proven I could do a 10 page+ professional website.

To find suitable people (or companies) look for FB or IG pages with 30,000+ likes that don't have a website. These could be a professional sports person, company, fan club, business, anything in the industry that you are looking to get into. The idea is that when the page is done they will help promote your services and maybe do a few posts about you.

Once the sites is done, and hopefully they like it, ring up other companies and tell them you just did a site for XXXX. Tell them you are building your portfolio and want to do them a site at "1/2" your usual rate. Do a few like this a then move up to full price (but still cheap) and then increase your full price.

My first ten jobs looked something like this:


- Family Member (Free)
- Upwork Job ($100)
- Upwork Job ($150)
- Upwork Job ($120)
- Upwork Job ($130)
- Upwork Job (Didn't get paid - fired client)
- Famous Person (Free)
- Small Company $300
- First real Job ($2000)
- Bigger ($4500)
- Proper Size ($11,500)

It takes a few months but people only look at your last few jobs so you can increase fast once you get a good base.

 

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[Rhiru]

Amazing post! Thank you for sharing!

Already finished the codecademy lessons.

Keep it up!

 

[SweetTooth]

This is awesome, thank you

 

[The Racing Driver]

@The Racing Driver

My first ten jobs looked something like this:


- Family Member (Free)
- Upwork Job ($100)
- Upwork Job ($150)
- Upwork Job ($120)
- Upwork Job ($130)
- Upwork Job (Didn't get paid - fired client)
- Famous Person (Free)
- Small Company $300
- First real Job ($2000)
- Bigger ($4500)
- Proper Size ($11,500)

It takes a few months but people only look at your last few jobs so you can increase fast once you get a good base.

Appreciate the advice @Fox. Can very well see myself doing this and applying your suggestions ! (Already know one person who I can reach out to.)

I too started quite similar to you, but one thing that seems different is that. I diversified a LOT. As you can see....

- Family Member (Free Website )
- Freelancer (Free Website . Other than hosting fees)
- Freelancer (Website. Difficult client. Supposed to be $440. Ended up leaving with only the 50% downpayment PLUS finishing the website)
- Upwork ($100 Total. Copywriting. 2 successful clients, 2 unsuccessful)
- Freelancer ($500. Successfully redesigned site)
- Small Business ( E-commerce Store + Full Website with content. Free. Planned to help them grow and get commission on sales. But the owner never even showed up to a meeting. Not wasting more time here)
- Small Business ($650. SEO ) (My current client)
- Small Business ($100. Writing) (My current client)


So it seems I'm currently at the stage where I've worked with small companies, and now I'm making the leap to get my first real job.

- Small Company $300
- First real Job ($2000)

To make this jump, would you start displaying yourself as an agency ? Or a top notch freelancer ? Did you have a website to showcase your services?

 

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[Fox]

Appreciate the advice @Fox. Can very well see myself doing this and applying your suggestions ! (Already know one person who I can reach out to.)

I too started quite similar to you, but one thing that seems different is that. I diversified a LOT. As you can see....

- Family Member (Free Website )
- Freelancer (Free Website . Other than hosting fees)
- Freelancer (Website. Difficult client. Supposed to be $440. Ended up leaving with only the 50% downpayment PLUS finishing the website)
- Upwork ($100 Total. Copywriting. 2 successful clients, 2 unsuccessful)
- Freelancer ($500. Successfully redesigned site)
- Small Business ( E-commerce Store + Full Website with content. Free. Planned to help them grow and get commission on sales. But the owner never even showed up to a meeting. Not wasting more time here)
- Small Business ($650. SEO ) (My current client)
- Small Business ($100. Writing) (My current client)


So it seems I'm currently at the stage where I've worked with small companies, and now I'm making the leap to get my first real job.



To make this jump, would you start displaying yourself as an agency ? Or a top notch freelancer ? Did you have a website to showcase your services?

Send me a few sample sites by PM and I will give you some feedback.

A good way to get your first few big jobs is to approach companies you have used in the past personally. Maybe your dentist, lawyer, accountant, sports trainer, gym, local cafe, favorite restaurant etc. People like doing business with those they already know.

 

[DaRK9]

This isn't anything mind blowing, but if you haven't got on the .svg train get on now. Using SVG for icons and text logos will make your site look crazy professional and load lightning fast. It also makes responsive design way easier.

Right now I'm creating a custom home builder site, the only pixel images are the home photos. My load time from Dallas, TX to my web server in Chicago on pingdom is 425ms. I try to keep all of my sites under 1 second when possible. If I can't I immediately load above the fold, and let the rest fall in behind it.

https://blog.kissmetrics.com/loading-time/

 

[DaRK9]

To make this jump, would you start displaying yourself as an agency ? Or a top notch freelancer ? Did you have a website to showcase your services?

Just show that the reward will outweigh the cost. The only way you make the jump is by providing more value, not how many sites you've done or how fancy it looks.

Get results.

 

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[Fox]

Just show that the reward will outweigh the cost. The only way you make the jump is by providing more value, not how many sites you've done or how fancy it looks.

Get results.

I would say all you need to get a well paying job (5-15k) is three past successful jobs for real companies. That and just approaching companies with the right mindset and technique.

To get these three past reference jobs you need to hustle. Do them for reduced rates, do them for free, be persuasive, use family & friends if need be. Just to say the obvious - these websites should be all have a great design and look very professional.

 

[Fox]

If anyone wants to post their websites in this thread for review I will give feedback.

 

[spraybottle]

If anyone wants to post their websites in this thread for review I will give feedback.

Hey Fox,

Awesome post I'm taking the udemy course now. This is exactly what I needed since I have to build a website for my home security business and I've been putting it off for a while.

In case anyone is thinking about taking the course, normally it's $199 but I found a link that deeply discounts it to just $10:

http://onlinecoursespro.com/html5css3b

So I went ahead and searched "colorado springs towing" to see the top webpages in my local area for towing. Below is the ranking of the top 4 sites:

1. http://www.triumph-towing.com/cheapest-tow-truck-rates-in-colorado-springs
2. http://www.buzzstowing.com/
3. http://www.randystowing.net/
4. http://www.springstowing.com/

I was wondering if you could rate each site in terms of the design and conversion and if you would reach out to any of these owners as a potential client.

 

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[SweetTooth]

http://onlinecoursespro.com/html5css3b

Is this site/discount legit? That's a crazy amount off.

 

[swebe3qn]

Is this site/discount legit? That's a crazy amount off.

I think so. You can find a lot of deals like this one for Udemy courses on the internet.

@Fox
Great thread. I am looking forward to read more about what makes a good website. Already started contacting some companies.

 

[Fox]

In case anyone is thinking about taking the course, normally it's $199 but I found a link that deeply discounts it to just $10:

Wow its used to always be $15. If that code doesn't work then just google for more Udemy discount codes. There is always one that takes 90% off the price of a course. Don't pay $200.

 

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[Fox]

Hey Fox,

Awesome post I'm taking the udemy course now. This is exactly what I needed since I have to build a website for my home security business and I've been putting it off for a while.

In case anyone is thinking about taking the course, normally it's $199 but I found a link that deeply discounts it to just $10:

http://onlinecoursespro.com/html5css3b

So I went ahead and searched "colorado springs towing" to see the top webpages in my local area for towing. Below is the ranking of the top 4 sites:

1. http://www.triumph-towing.com/cheapest-tow-truck-rates-in-colorado-springs
2. http://www.buzzstowing.com/
3. http://www.randystowing.net/
4. http://www.springstowing.com/

I was wondering if you could rate each site in terms of the design and conversion and if you would reach out to any of these owners as a potential client.

All of these companies could do with new websites. I don't have a rating system, I just think if that was my company is that the best I can do.





This is 10 years old (copyright in footer). The design is terrible. His number is displayed once on the whole site in the very last section. By the time you get there, if you do, you are probably wondering if this is the right guy.

If you are going to call people start with this guy. Tell him you will build it so the number is instantly available to those checking on their phone as well as a quick list of all your services and reasons they should pick you.

These themes work for towing companies...

https://themeforest.net/search?utf8=✓&term=towing service&as=1&type=l&referrer=search&view=list

Although its possible to also just use a general template and customize it to suit. With those specific themes there is a lot of fluff you have to cut out and switch around but they are a good place to start. Call all four today and post how it goes.

 

[MJ DeMarco]

Finally caught up in this thread, marked NOTABLE. The business might not be Fastlane, but the thought process (especially targeting the higher value businesses) is!

Interestingly, what you're describing is how I got started many moons ago.

 

[Fox]

Finally caught up in this thread, marked NOTABLE. The business might not be Fastlane, but the thought process (especially targeting the higher value businesses) is!

Interestingly, what you're describing is how I got started many moons ago.

Thanks MJ. Great to hear that from a hero of mine. I am sure you get told by different people everyday but the book and this forum was a huge influence for me. I am coming up on a year of making my own income and having no boss. While its not Fastlane money yet it is opening up other doors.
Thanks for this forum, the book and the feedback.

 

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[redthumb]

Is this site/discount legit? That's a crazy amount off.

Can verify I used it and bought the course for 10$

 

[DaRK9]

Thanks MJ. Great to hear that from a hero of mine. You get told by different people everyday but the book and this forum was a huge influence for me. I am coming up on a year of making my own income and having no boss. While its not Fastlane money yet it is opening up other doors.
Thanks for this forum, the book and the feedback.

This is the doorway into SaaS which is fastlane. I'm using my web and marketing jobs to fund my SaaS.

 

[QDF]

So do you cold call these companies? Email? Both?

What is your typical response rate and conversion rate for your method?

You said you have a sales guy helping out too - could you elaborate on your process involving him? How you found him, full-commission or not, etc.

Have you experimented with b2b appointment setting services yet to scale this? I was actually referred to www.prospecthunter.com for this method. Actually going to call them tomorrow.

I just got off the phone with a sales rep from Prospect Hunter. I was referred to them when I called SalesStaff, the largest b2b sales appointment setting service in the country.

To scale this thing, you need to outsource the sales calls, whether you hire an independent sales or another company such as Prospect Hunter.

In short, their price point is a flat $5250 / month and this will likely result in an estimated 20-30 highly qualified leads / month.

The sales rep stressed right away how they don't just try to get the most appointments possible. Rather, they focus on asking intelligent questions, and getting the best leads possible - this is why they prefer the flat rate, not per appointment.

At the price point of $5250 and at least 20 leads/month, you would need at least a 5% close rate (1 client) from your appointments to break even. Chances are you could easily close more than just 1 client out of 20 qualified leads with an established system.

If anyone is interested Prospect Hunter, message me and I can put you in contact with the sales rep I talked to. He was very helpful, and for someone with an already established system, I think this is a great option to scale fast.

 

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[Fox]

I have posted this before elsewhere but getting sales is 60-80% of running a web design company. Learn how to do it yourself and you will aways be in work.

I am not against the above service, although $5250 is a decent chunk of change, but start off learn how to sell yourself.

One of my favorite parts of doing this whole thing is the fun of selling sites. I like knowing a few minutes on the phone could be worth 5 figures in income.

 

[Fox]

I got two websites that I am finishing at the moment and then I will posting up a play-by-play on how I get my next job.

I am aiming for a quicker job of between 2-6k. Ill post up some of the emails I use and if possible maybe some phone audio.

 

[Rhiru]

Could you show a bit of the website making process?

I'm about to buy a theme at themeforest.net and would love to see how you edit your own. Thanks!

 

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[Fox]

Doing a bit of research today (along with 8 hours copywriting) and can across this...



Top search on a highly competitive search term BUT the website looks like this...

http://www.somjen.com/



Here is a company pumping money into Adwords with a website that looks like a 12 year olds school project.

Maybe @Andy Black can give some insight into what these people might be thinking!!?

These sorts of companies are ripe for starting off with your web design. I might even contact them next week. If someone calls them first then post it up here.


***If you can edit a template then start calling companies like these, use excellent copy guys like @SinisterLex or @Thiago Machado (and many more on here) and start making some money. A new basic site for this person would be $2-4k and should only take one week to put together.

Buy Theme $30
Copywriter @ $100 a page (5 pages) $500
Total time coding - 60 Hours

Price to client - $3500

Profit 2970 / 60 Hours = $49.50 an hour.

 

[MJ DeMarco]

can give some insight into what these people might be thinking!!?

Maybe they're following the Craigslist school of design? "Hey Craigslist looks like 1997, so can we!"

 

[Fox]

Maybe they're following the Craigslist school of design? "Hey Craigslist looks like 1997, so can we!"

Maybe someone can check the cost per click, probably north of $5. I know from similar sites that the traffic for this type of company is around 50-80 a day (through good SEO - this company is probably getting double that).

I don't know whether to laugh or cry.

 

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[Fox]

Rang them twice - no response.

Its only 5:47pm in Canada.

Is sales "sieve" an expression?

 

[Andy Black]

I've had clients complain they aren't getting enough leads... till we put a tracked number in place and show them they weren't even picking up 50% of calls.

I've sent enquiries to potential clients via their contact forms, to find the forms don't actually work.

I've designed landing pages to have the CEO's wife not like the colour.

I've had a client praise their call centre staff on their Lead-To-Sale-Rate, who therefore didn't log an Enquiry as a Lead unless they thought they could convert it into a sale (and thus make my metrics look bad).

I just shake-my-head a lot now...

 

[Fox]

At least they are not based in Toronto.

 

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[Fox]

The point of the above is too show that web design is not a saturated service. Maybe on Udemy but if you learn some basic skills, know how to find the right clients and add value the door is wide open. Lots of companies NEED smarter websites, better plans of action and the information on how to succeed online. If you have read a lot of the Gold posts on here you know half of it already. You don't need fancy websites, just the right design and approach.

The above company is blowing money by the hour. With a few weeks of learning anyone on here could add huge value to that specific companies website and help their business out dramatically.

Simple landing page design, email funnel and call answering service and an automated email ---> 1000% results. Average hire rate for a Canadian immigration lawyer is $2500-4000. Imagine getting only one extra client per month. Thats $30-48,000 more in sales.

 

[Azure]

View attachment 13174

At least they are not based in Toronto.

They actually are based in Toronto. I pass by their office building regularly.