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

[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]

I usually set up a GoDaddy account for them and get them to move over. In the beginning I tried to do an affiliate account with them and would get paid for people who sign up under me but it was really messy and took away from the professional appearance I was aiming for. I know its "passive income" but I wasn't fond of what it meant for my clients experience.

Maybe there is a better way but I prefer to just have them move to GoDaddy and then give me delegate access to their account. Thats the cleanest simplest way and very easy for the client to manage during and after you build them a site.

Maybe someone knows a better way of doing this and or making some commission? Generally though I like to be pretty upfront about my costs and not drop dollars trying to pick up pennies.

How are you websites going?

Also I have got a lot of PMs so it will take a few days to get through them all.

I use https://www.siteground.com/reseller_hosting.htm and charge them for monthly hosting instead of having them buy it from someone else.

This reduces the risk of them waiting a few days to create a GoDaddy, for them to get the wrong plan, not order a domain. etc. It's 100% white label and I would recommend to anyone.

 

[Lex DeVille]

I'd be curious to know when you find a fastlane customer willing to pay your rates.

You mean like in this thread where 6-10 paid his rates for a brand new service he had no prior experience in?

https://www.thefastlaneforum.com/co...or-6-figure-web-company-i’ll-guide-you.70557/

People pay for rapid solutions and value.

Xmillion dollar companies pay even more.

What's valuable for me and you isn't the same as what's valuable to someone else.

You may not find basic websites valuable, but that doesn't mean it's not. It means it's not for you.

I'm not sure what the disconnect is.

The right person with the right solution in the right place at the right time can charge higher rates.

You don't have to believe it works for it to be true. The market decides that.

 

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[Fox]

Guys first of my videos with how to get into this stuff...

This is just a quick run down on how to buy a theme and get it up and running. Let me know if you guys have any feedback etc. I will start a new thread on this soon (showing techniques, building stuff, hosting etc)

 

[Fox]

Did you ever think about hiring another web developer? Or do you want to keep it a "one-man-show"?

I really enjoy the coding process and to be honest I have a good eye for design.

I have been outsourcing some other areas though like copy, sales, Wordpress and logos etc.

Very helpful so far have been @Andy Black @SinisterLex and @Thiago Machado. They have worked on some projects and all done a great job. next year when I don't have Spanish in the mornings and I scale more I will be outsourcing these areas more too.

 

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[Fox]

Yep. I can change the footer to the company name instead of "Made by Squarespace." It's also definitely possible to make a site like the one you posted through that platform -- although I'm not familiar with that layout yet.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Entrepreneur/comments/2bbncp/if_i_build_a_website_through_a_company_like/
http://specialists.squarespace.com/?filters=setup&filters=setup&filters=setup
http://jasonbarone.com/
http://addpbj.com/service-pricing/ (Check out their pricing model.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/Entrepreneur/comments/341ppk/squarespace_as_a_platform_for_freelance_web/ (Possible payment/handling scenarios)
http://www.elleandcompanydesign.com/blog/squarespace-process (Client design process)

Some of these designers call themselves "implementation experts." LMAO.

Perhaps this strategy is a good option if your client base consists of businesses who want a simple, efficient, but amazing site. Most likely the business owners won't have web expertise and don't have the willingness to seek out solutions for themselves.

Looks messy.

I build for my customers on their hosting with their design. I like having fully control of everything and people pay for that security. I like to Fastlane my clients business. What that means is build a website that helps with:



Need: Actually helps the business and does what they need it too. No bells and whistles. Focus goes on what will get results.

Entry: Unique content, style and as much as possible layout. try be a step above the industry standard.

Scale: easy design to add in extra pages/content/information later. They could go hire a cheaper guy afterwards too if they just want small stuff done. I give them that option but they come back to me anyway.

Control: Built on their hosting and easy for them to access and change afterwards. If they never want to talk to me again they don't have to. No "my web guy is the only person with access to that". I tell them that upfront too.

Time: They don't have to manage or worry about it once its set up. Also I set up systems to save them as much time as possible - email systems, contact forms, phone systems, scheduling software etc.

*I know that is not exactly how the Commandments work, just an edited version i use for web design.



Building on some web platform doesn't sound like it helps them control their own website and expand on it in the future. That might not matter for a $500 client but when you want to sell a $50k website they don't want to find out you built it on WIX or whatnot.

What you are saying will work for a while but its not a great way to start.
What about when they need some custom Javascript or PHP? - Will you even be able to add that in???

You are going to limit your ceiling in the future.
Not for me.

 

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[Fox]

I don't know if this is true and I googled it but couldn't find it. My brother told me this story when I was younger and I loved it. I t stuck with in my mind for a long time...


*********

A guy walks into Colgate one day and asks to speak to the CEO. He says he has a way that he can increase profits 20% every year.
They call a meeting of all the top company heads and prepare to hear what this guy has to say.
But he tells them he wants a million dollar guarantee first for the advice he is about to give.
They tell him its too much and they need time to think about it. He leaves and tells them to call him when he is ready.

The team sit down and try to think of what he knows that they don't. They go through their marketing, sales, distribution, ingredients, corporate structure. Nothing. They can see where the value can be added.

They call him back in and promise to give him one million dollars if his idea works. He says okay and signs the contract.

He walks up to the whiteboard and draws one small circle - "this is the size of your tube now" referring to where the toothpaste comes out of the tube. he now draws a bigger circle "you need to make it this size".

They are stunned, people will use more toothpaste and faster meaning more sales. The idea is put into use and immediately profits go up.
The man becomes a millionaire overnight for drawing two circles.

Colgate makes millions, he takes a small share, everyone wins.

**********

Its only a story but it does create a point. You can live in a world where you add huge value with simple actions or you can work long hard hours and make similar to the rest of the crowd. This isn't to attack anyone but to show the power of mindset.

 

[Fox]

Thanks @Fox , Loads of valuable information in this thread. I've started learning HTML/CSS about a month ago. I have two questions.
1) When you redo someone's page do they lose their original SEO ranking? If so, does that mean I would have to learn SEO as well? (I'm not too familiar with SEO)
2) Do you ever get dissatisfied clients because their sales have not increased? If so, how do you deal with that?

Thanks again!

1) No. Since the website is better, the basics of SEO are done right and the content is better it usually goes up noticeably. I don't super SEO my sites, I just make them easier and nicer to use. No Blackhat stuff.

2) Every customer I have dealt with has been more than satisfied. I am still under charging by around 1/2 I think. I aim for very reasonable goals that are usually passed by several times. This is the benefit of dealing with large clients. The oil company's first sale from the website was worth over 1 million - if it never got another sale they would still be happy. Try find bigger clients with terrible websites.

 

[Fox]

I just contacted a company telling them their form doesn't work. That's all I said. I did this like 5 minutes ago, and I got an automated message saying that the dude is out of the office tomorrow? The time zone is like 2 hours behind me so it's only like 3pm there.

So much opportunity in fixing broken business

Exactly look for people and companies who have clear issues. Easy to pitch them work.

I contacted a HUGE company in Ireland (20 million a year plus) and asked for the main contact person listed on the website - "oh he left a year ago". Now when you email this guy (his email is also listed) you don't get any response or error message. So he left, they never updated the site and his emails go nowhere. Its a crazy world out there.

 

[Thiago Machado]

Update:

So my friend told me to write up what I could do for him on a monthly basis (more so on the social media side. He wants to put out content + run targeted facebook ads + etc)
Sent him a proposal with samples, mockups, etc.
He agreed to the monthly retainer I proposed.
The deal is good for both parties.
He's super happy and is refering me to many of his upscale clients.
And I got a client, great portfolio piece, and am potentially in the making of a successful case study with him if all goes well.

Everybody wins.

Next up: appointment with the 2 leads he gave me.

 

[Fox]

I don't believe I saw any posts regarding other web design companies, how are you able to compete with them? Are you able to charge lower rates? Do you feel as though you have a more quality product?

P.S. Loving the thread, I started the HTML/CSS code academy class yesterday, I have good exposure to SQL at work and I have some slight knowledge in JavaScript. We'll see where this lands me

I never compete in price. If someone starts mentioning companies who can do websites for lower I start seeing red flags. Web design is something that can always be done cheaper but thats not how you win the game.

I have linked to it a few times on this thread but this quick book is key:
https://www.freshbooks.com/ebooks/breaking-the-time-barrier

I price on value added.
And I get those jobs through showing people how I already added value for other companies and how I will add value for them.

Does a company want a website or do they want results? If they want a cheap website Im the wrong guy. If they want results Im their guy

 

[Fox]

I always find these threads interesting because what happens is all these people come out of the wood work to try and replicate the the OP. I find it rather comical how many copy cats are out there and without creativity. I'm sure this thread has inspired hundreds of 18 to 30 year olds to start website devlopement compnaies

Normally I might agree but with this thread there is a very good chance to match or even surpass me with 6 months solid effort.

- There is no shortage of terrible websites
- There is a large shortage of people willing to pitch and close "off the beaten track" companies
- You don't beed any amazing skill or talent

Also I have some large disadvantages
- Only know HTML and CSS. I can't do any JS, PHP etc.
- Live in Colombia
- I go to school for half the day
- Can't even meet a client in person

Will everyone be able to do it? No.
Is it possible though to do this with the right amount of effort? Definitely

 

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[Fox]

This is what pricing a larger job looks like. You want to give a clear breakdown of where your costs are coming from.

For a job less than 4k it might just be a straight price quote but as you go higher you want to provide more detail. This gives the client an idea of what your work involves (and why its priced as such) and what to expect when its finished.

I use the Freshbooks software for this is which quite good and allows clients to pay online. It does lose a few percent on the Stripe payments though before it reaches your bank account.

 

[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.

 

[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.

 

[Fox]

If the clients want a simple static website with only their content on it and don't want to manage it, wouldn't it make sense to use a site like Squarespace, for example, where you don't need technical expertise yet can produce a fine website? I have experience with Squarespace and am confident that I can give them a good result. I can set up a website for them through that platform and boom = PROFIT?

Sure, i mean you could try. I don't have experience with any web building programs so I don't quite know how good the end result is. You definitely want your company name down the bottom though and not some website building program "made by WIX".

This is a great example of a simple but very effective website...

http://www.vancouvervisas.com/ (not mine)

This is what I aim for with my own projects. Good clear content, strong calls to action, lots of social proof, right design for that company.

When you can build sites like this you will have no shortage of work.

 

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[Fox]

Very very true.

I have taken whole weekends off (round the clock) to fix hosting issues. I have left dates with my girl to return home to fix basic stuff. I am always on call for any small issue. Thats the price you pay if you want to be the best.

A HUGE way to get more jobs is to give exceptional service. I have written back detailed solutions within 2 minutes of a client emailing me. I have hosted them for free under my hosting if they wish. I always go the extra mile. People might think 15K a month is amazing but I earn it. I often feel like I undercharge.

The-J is on the money. This is a "last album" type gig where you are only as good as the last time they needed you.

 

[Fox]

Just talked to a client about some ongoing work on a past site I built a few months ago. It was a low 5 figure job. After talking about the site I asked her about her results so far... one large client approached through the website and they have signed on with a mid 6 figure deal AND in that industry it is usual to get a lot of repeat work. Basically a million or more of potential work (with some already signed for) over the next year or two.
Just one client and in only a few weeks since we built it.

Damn it feels good to be a gangster fastlaner

 

[The-J]

I still love this thread. But it comes off as too easy so it's gonna attract tire kickers and people who want the exact steps.

Part of what I love about this thread is that it teaches self reliance.

It's not about learning to code: it's about relying on one's own abilities to sell and deliver.

The secret sauce with anything is in finding the customers with the demand you can fill. That's working backwards, though: you want to look for demand and figure out how to fill them. If you don't want to do websites because you're the 10,000th website person in your city, that's fine: you can still use this thread to get started.

@Fox outlined a way to find demands for this particular hustle. He outlined a way to open, sell, and close. He outlined a way to deliver on your promise. But it's for websites. It's for this hustle. You don't have to do this if you feel you can serve some other demand better.

But in general...

If you can find demands, convince a person to trust you, then fulfill your promise... you'll never be without.

If you can do this on a large scale... you'll be rich.

If you can systematize it on a large scale and turn it into an asset... you'll be FREE.

Baby steps.

 

[Fox]

5k sales call. First sales call for me this year...

Some context...

- First time I have talked to this client, ever
- Also first call of the year - I am a little rusty and also was working remotely so little bit of a delay (I cut him off once or twice)
- The work was already done with solid emailing. He was already pretty much sold. Either way I always assumer the sale and talk as such
- This jobs is for a person I am helping with web development who couldn't call himself. I have been helping him put together some emails and he lined this up. He found it straight out of a google search
- We used my portfolio since I am helping him and he doesn't currently have his own. Thats what he means when he says "past sites"
- So the next step is to send a plan and a quote. This will be closed for a little below or above the 5k mark, we will go through it and do up a great plan and quote for the client
- My phone calls probably seem very relaxed and not very "saley", this works best in my experience and this is the same approach I use to close huge sales, although I am a little rusty

 

[Fox]

Great, and very relevant, info from @SinisterLex

 

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[MJ DeMarco]

Couldn't growing a XYZ industry focussed web design agency be fastlane? Why not?

Yes, I was just speaking from the current standpoint. Anything can be made fastlane" with the right systems and people.

 

[Andy Black]

Why it's so hard to realize on their own ffs!

Therein lies our opportunity.

Guys... get on the phone. Speak to people. Get out from behind your screen, get out of the building, and *engage*.

I guess a lot of people attracted to programming and graphic design are introverted in nature. I get it.

I also get it that if you don't start talking to people then you'll leave it to someone else to do, and they'll be the one making the coin.

Consider that building a business is all about building relationships, and then consider whether just sending emails will cut the mustard.

As @Fox says throughout this thread - it's not about technical skills, it's about being able to add value, and get paid for it (aka selling.)


The more uncomfortable you are picking up the phone, then the more likely it will help your business to do so.

The beauty of web design is it's a B2B service. Get speaking to business owners and "level up". No masterminds, mentors, "accountability", or networking needed.

 

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[devine]

It only takes 20-40 clients a year to run a really successful profitable business.

It only takes 20-40 clients a year to run a really successful profitable business.

It only takes 20-40 clients a year to run a really successful profitable business.

It only takes 20-40 clients a year to run a really successful profitable business.

Guys, re-read it until it clicks.

20 clients a year.

It means you can afford to spend only 20% (reference to reversed 20/10/70 principle of successful entrepreneurship) of your business time actually working on projects.
Other time can be invested into impoving at what you do, which will make you escape the competition very fast.

Tailor your craft towards a specific niche, make it as beneficial to a specific set of clients as possible. Work with a specific type of businesses.
This will allow you to close deals at insane rate of success.

Focus on 20 clients you can really help and you will be successful.

 

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[goodguude]

This is wonderful. Thank you, Fox!

I had the same thinking regarding the usage of themes - but in the end it boils down to what you've said: we are not adding value by building a beautiful website, but by generating sales for the client.

 

[Fox]

Yesterday I talked to a guy who owns an agency since January. He suggested to build a website for my own agency and some mockup websites on subdomains instead of doing websites for free. For example personaltrainer.agencydomain.com or lawyer.agencydomain.com. I think this is a good way to build a portfolio and get started immediately, since it also takes some effort and time to find people you can do a website for free.

@SinisterLex already nailed it with lots of good points.

In any area look at what is actually working for people and not what people suggest. Do what they do - not what they say.
What I have listed here is what I believe makes the most money and has seen the most results. Its real world data, not speculation.
How much is this guy making and is this what he does himself?

I think it is also a bad idea on multiple levels. No real interaction, no actual experience and no real feedback. There is a lot of side tasks that go into making someone a website, you won't experience any of these doing it for yourself. I would see this like cutting your own hair a few times and then thinking you are a barber. Real people have real requirements and real problems, thats the goal here.

Stick with actual companies and learn how to solve problems. A mockup website for no one doesn't solve anyones problems, including your own.

Remember its not design - its solving needs and providing value.

 

[Fox]

Currently, I've built two websites for my businesses (just starting them out).

I use wordpress, specifically the DIVI theme. My hosting is ran through siteground.com, most of my research has led me to believe they are the best option for hosting wordpress sites.

The DIVI theme is great in that it is simple, effective, built in SEO, and allows you to customize your options and design.

This may seem like I'm asking for approval, but would there be any hindrance/disadvantages in using the Divi Theme and building such websites for clients?

EDIT: First post, but I've been researching around the forum for about a month before jumping into the discussion. I hope to learn a lot and hopefully share a lot with fellow members.

Welcome to the forum!

To be honest I have no idea. I don't do much with wordpress. If it works well for you though and you like the results you should be able to charge to help others with similar results. I know lots of companies that use only wordpress and do very well. I don't just cause I couldn't figure it out haha. I also really like HTML built sites. Use MJs advice on the last two pages and get started!

Side note I set a goal this year to reach over $15,000 in rep on this forum ( edit* I gave some away after this post). I know its only imaginary but I thought if I could reach that amount it would show I have given back and helped others out a bit. Nice to reach that goal early (I set it in March). I am glad this thread has given back a little for all the advice and motivation I have gotten out of this place. Thanks everyone.

 

[QDF]

Don't make things harder then they have to be...


Aim for big companies
with terrible websites
with clear cashflow
in obscure industries
who need help

​

http://www.forbes.com/sites/kathryndill/2016/06/10/10691/#617fbd88386b

If the job pays well then the company makes even more. A few more elevator repair jobs a year could be $XXX,XXX

How many kids who know how to code are calling up elevator repair companies?
None.

This is one of 1000's blue collar niches no one is catering too. While everyone is trying to build the next app no one is focusing on this.

Wow.

Just googled "elevator repair companies" + my state, and found a company with 13 employees, that does over $2.7 million annual revenue, and still has a site that was built in 2008.

And they're not the only one I found either

UPDATE: Just called them - found out the guy is 84 and still running his business. Incredible. Is actually on vacation until the 24th though...bummer

 

[Fox]

I get my foot in the door with HTML. Andy uses Adwords. Lex uses Copy.
Once in we can move around and add different services since we now have that trust.
People presume if you could do one thing you can do the rest also. Its the Halo effect.

I have done copy after a website, Andy has sold websites, Lex has done it too. We also promote and sell other services when needed.

There was a guy on here who made a 1m+ app company who didn't know how to code (if I remember correctly). MJ built his site himself.
There is no right or wrong way, results are what matter.

If there was a sales guy good enough I could teach him to do what I do without ever learning to code. In fact I already have (My Canadian sales guy) but luckily he still works for me. He didn't know anything about HTML but could show clients past results and talk about future solutions. He has closed my biggest deals. He just called this morning actually with a site sold, first question "can we also build a system for taking orders, I think we can up sell that?".

Again code and particulars don't matter. If you are the guy who gets results people will want to work with you.

I do enjoy the differences in opinion though, its good to look at things from different angles.

 

[Fox]

Damn there is a lot of good points here on both sides. You guys are posting too fast!

The answer lies somewhere in between. Yes I charge quite a lot for what I do but at the same time I get results and the clients I have are extremely happy. What is throwing this conversation off from the start is the quote I attached. I didn't explain it well and thats my mistake. I dont charge 1200 for a logo ha (yet) its just a rough guide for a client to visualize how I came up with that price. I don't price like that whatsoever but people have asked for invoices and I can't just write "website - $12,000".

Now people might ask how you can download a $30 theme, make some edits and charge literally 400 times more. Well thats the magic and thats what is contained in this thread and indeed this whole forum. I can see how without the details it looks suspicious or strange but for anyone who could Skype with me for even a few minutes it would start to become clear. I (in my opinion) build really nice websites, that have gotten very good results, and my customer service and who I pick as a customer are at a very high level. I stay well away from companies that I can't add value to or if I still work with them I drop my price a lot (less and less I do these type of jobs).

I am going to compare it to copywriting. If you had to write the slogan for a campaign but it was only 7 words should you charge by the word? Or course not.

I add my value in many ways but one is by finding companies that are doing terrible online. I change their business and I create an asset with maybe 3-4 years shelf life that will consistently increase their profits and customer acquisition. It adds a lot of value. For at least one company over a million revenue in less than two months. Now if you seen the same website afterwards you could argue you could build that in a week (and you probably could) but you didn't find that company and you didn't see how to do it (not you but people in general).

People charge $100 on UpWork cause they are waiting their for work and its an open market. Go find people, help them, get results and you can charge what you want. 90% of my new jobs are referrals. I don't call 1000 companies and pressure sell 5 into a website. In fact I hate that. Maybe one of my students can chime in but I promote pressure free sales and lots of value up front.

I think maybe its time @Andy Black and me have that talk haha!

But lots of good valid points in here but you don't have the full picture and its not possible for me to start linking jobs on here and giving away private info about companies internal dealings.

I will write more later since there are a lot of great talking points above but I welcome this type of talk and it helps everyone on here a lot.