In this very REAL episode of the Web Design MBA podcast, I share some recent challenging news about losing my biggest client, which accounted for a significant portion of my income. I discuss the importance of being real and transparent about the struggles we face as business owners. You'll learn about the risks of having too many eggs in one basket, the necessity of having data to back up your value, and the importance of maintaining strong client relationships, even when contracts end. I'll also provide actionable advice on how to handle such situations and ensure your business's financial stability. Join me as I share lessons from the trenches to help you build and sustain a successful web design business.

00:00 Welcome to the Web Design MBA Podcast
00:29 A Real Episode: Facing Bad News
02:08 Losing the Biggest Client
05:13 Lessons Learned from Losing a Client
10:31 Adapting and Moving Forward
15:20 Practical Advice for Web Designers
25:11 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

In this episode of the Web Design MBA podcast, we dive into the critical issue of ghosting clients. I discuss why it's vital for web designers to maintain communication and professionalism with their clients at all times. You'll learn the negative impacts that ghosting can have on your business reputation and how to handle difficult client situations appropriately. Remember, your success as a web designer hinges on your ability to keep clients happy and engaged. Join me for some real talk on the importance of professionalism and client communication.

00:00 Introduction and Warm Welcome
00:37 The Importance of Not Ghosting Clients
02:39 Handling Client Expectations and Pricing Issues
06:03 Professionalism in Client Relationships
07:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Web Design MBA podcast, we discuss a common problem faced by beginner web designers: establishing a portfolio without prior client work. If you're starting out and find yourself stuck in the portfolio conundrum, this episode provides actionable steps to build a credible portfolio and boost your web design business.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

01:29 The Portfolio Dilemma for Beginners

03:29 Working for Free: Building Your Initial Portfolio

06:08 Creating Real Fake Sites

10:19 Networking in High Trust Environments

12:31 Honesty and Confidence in Your Skills

13:24 Being Helpful in Facebook Groups

14:58 Pro Tips: Case Studies and Portfolio Insights

17:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Web Design MBA podcast, focus specifically on creating an effective onboarding process. We explore how a solid onboarding system can significantly improve client satisfaction, build trust, and streamline the project management process. If you this right, it should lead to more consistent referrals, too! 

00:00 Welcome to the Web Design MBA Podcast
00:47 Engaging with Audience Questions
01:28 The Importance of Onboarding in Web Design
01:57 Psychology and Marketing in Onboarding
04:11 Effective Onboarding Tactics
06:56 Creating a Repeatable Process
10:04 Basic Elements of Onboarding
19:17 Practical Steps to Implement Onboarding
21:01 Conclusion and Next Steps

In the first episode of the Web Design MBA Podcast, I introduce the rebranded podcast and talk about what kind of content web designers should create to effectively market their services. Topics include case studies, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and continued success pieces, along with examples and practical advice on how to leverage these content types.

00:00 Welcome to the Web Design MBA Podcast
00:57 Exciting Announcements and New Offerings
01:37 YouTube Housekeeping and Engagement Tips
03:48 Content Creation for Web Designers
10:51 The Power of Case Studies
14:42 Answering Frequently Asked Questions
19:39 Creating Continued Success Pieces
23:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, I’m back after a short break and wanted to thank you all for being so patient. I’ve got some exciting updates to share, including the rebranding of the podcast from ‘Subscription Web Design’ to ‘Web Design MBA.’ Moving forward, I’ll be diving into topics like subscription models, scaling your agency, and systems management. I’m also working on a new website and brand to match this fresh direction, with a big focus on delivering practical, real-world advice. I’m aiming to fully relaunch by the first Thursday in November!
00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back

00:42 Rebranding Announcement

01:08 Focus Areas: Subscriptions, Scaling, and Systems

02:21 New Podcast Name: Web Design MBA

02:52 Current Progress and Future Plans

03:42 Staying Relevant and In the Trenches

05:25 Upcoming Launch and How to Stay Connected

06:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, we announce significant changes coming to the Subscription Web Design podcast and business. We're transitioning into a reimagined brand called 'the WebMBA' to better help web designers apply business principles to their work. Key updates include shifting from group to one-on-one coaching, introducing a $4.99/month community membership through Basecamp, and expanding our course offerings. Join us as we make these exciting pivots, and prepare for the future of web design with a solid business foundation. Stay tuned for our return after a brief hiatus for rebranding!

00:00 Introduction and Special Announcement
00:17 Reflecting on the Journey So Far
01:01 Reimagining the Podcast and Business
01:48 Expanding Beyond Subscription Web Design
08:07 Introducing the WebMBA
10:56 Changes to Mentorship and Coaching
15:36 Community and Basecamp Access
19:21 Focus on Courses and Future Plans
24:00 Conclusion and Next Steps

Traditional website pricing is dead. That's a bold claim, but I don't see how you could beat the advantages of Subscription Web Design in any traditional model. Here are my thoughts!

In this episode, discover a remarkably simple yet powerful marketing framework inspired by the book 'Lean Marketing.' Steve, an avid reader and marketing expert, introduces the 'What, When, Who' strategy—an easy-to-follow method to streamline your marketing efforts for consistent, repeatable results. Learn how to organize and manage your marketing activities with just three columns on a spreadsheet or piece of paper. This user-friendly approach is perfect for solo entrepreneurs and small businesses starting out and looking to delegate tasks as they grow. Implement this straightforward system and watch your marketing efforts flourish over time.

00:00 Introduction to a Simple Marketing Strategy
00:22 The Power of Reading and Lean Marketing
01:38 Introducing the What, When, Who Framework
02:29 Implementing the Framework in Your Business
04:31 Adapting and Delegating Tasks
05:43 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this video, discover why shifting from merely offering website design to providing comprehensive business solutions can transform your web design business. Learn how focusing on solving clients' problems, embracing subscription-based marketing services, and creating compelling sales pitches can lead to increased client satisfaction and business growth. We discuss practical strategies, such as defining your service menu or using intentionally vague retainers, and the importance of separating marketing services from web design agreements. Tune in to find out how to grow your impact and income by evolving beyond traditional web design.

00:00 Introduction: Beyond Just Website Design
00:13 The Shift to Problem-Solving Solutions
02:14 Subscription-Based Marketing Services
02:26 Choosing the Right Services for Your Clients
03:23 Building a Team and Outsourcing
04:16 Getting Started: Frameworks and Retainers
04:22 Defining Your Service Menu
05:59 Intentionally Vague Retainers
07:16 Sales Pitches for Different Approaches
08:08 Pricing and Invoicing Tips
09:46 Conclusion: Growing Your Business and Impact