Paul Boag, co-founder of web design agency Headscape, explains the important steps behind running a successful design business or freelance practice. Understanding the fundamentals of marketing, promotion, sales, and how to manage client relationships can allow you to get your work done and create the business that best suits your lifestyle.
Overview
Syllabus
Marketing and Promotion
Running any successful business means using marketing and promotion to attract the right audience and compelling them to use your services. In this stage, Paul Boag discusses how web design agencies can learn from what doesn't work, the importance of specializing your approach, and how to appeal to a target audience through social media and other channels.
Chevron 7 steps-
Introduction
2:18
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What Doesn't Work
4:32
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Specialization
2:25
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Finding Your Target Audience
2:48
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Providing Value
2:40
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Using Social Media
5:37
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Marketing and Promotion
5 questions
Sales and Pitching
One challenge facing freelancers and agencies alike is determining how much to charge for their services. In this stage, Paul Boag explains how to consider alternate pricing methods, write a winning proposal, and the art of pitching your services to a prospective client.
Chevron 5 steps-
Pricing
5:31
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Writing a Proposal
5:30
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Speculative Design
4:08
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Pitching
3:26
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Sales and Pitching
5 questions
Client Services
Freelancers and web design agencies must understand that building relationships can be just as important for their business as building websites. In this stage, Paul Boag describes how effective communication can improve client relationships along with your sales and finances.
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Why Client Services Matters
3:42
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Fostering Repeat Business
4:50
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Clear Communication
4:10
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Dealing with Confrontation
4:33
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Client Services
5 questions
Growing Your Business
When a business is growing, it can be a good problem to have. However, the key to staying in business is understanding how to manage - or perhaps limit - your growth. In this stage, Paul Boag discusses issues related to personnel, office space, and planning for the future.
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Should I Hire Somebody?
3:24
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Who Should I Hire?
3:31
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Do I Need an Office?
4:27
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Planning for the Future
4:00
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Growing Your Business
5 questions
A Lifestyle Choice
Businesses can only run if the people running them are happy. When a job becomes too much of a hassle, the desire to continue can disappear quickly. In this stage, Paul Boag explains the challenges of becoming your own boss and how money, people, and clients can affect your perspective on the business.
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Work to Live, Never Live to Work
3:39
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Your Attitude on Money
4:03
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Investing in People
2:46
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Controlling Growth
3:57
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A Lifestyle Choice
5 questions
Getting Work Done
Amidst all the project management and channels of communication to deal with, freelancers and agencies still need to get their work done. In this stage, Paul Boag discusses how staying organized is key to remaining productive, and how outside distractions - even from the client - can limit success.
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Establishing the Right Working Practices
1:18
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Dealing with Distractions
5:31
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Client-Related Challenges
7:04
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Getting Organized
7:57
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Conclusion
0:35
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Getting Work Done
5 questions
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Extra Credit
Follow Paul Boag
To learn more about Paul Boag, be sure to follow him on Twitter at @boagworld, his website at boagworld.com, or his company at headscape.co.uk.
