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Feeling like your freelance web design business runs on a constant cycle of booking, building, and yet stressing about money? In this episode of Web Pro Savvy, Cathy talks about why the traditional project-to-project model feels so unpredictable—and how to build more stability into your business.

You’ll learn how to shift from a hustle-heavy cycle to a model that provides consistent, reliable income, all without overhauling your entire business. Cathy shares practical ways to turn the work you’re already doing into ongoing services, create stronger client relationships, and finally feel like you’re starting each month with a foundation you can count on.

Whether you’re new to freelancing or ready to move beyond the feast-or-famine grind, this episode will help you rethink your business model and create a freelance life that feels sustainable—and enjoyable.

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Are you unknowingly pushing clients away? In this video, I reveal the 5 main reasons clients leave their web designers—and how to make sure you’re not making these common mistakes. Retaining clients is just as important as getting them, and by avoiding these pitfalls, you can build long-term relationships, increase recurring revenue, and grow your freelance web design business sustainably.

💡 You'll Learn:
✔️ The top 5 reasons clients stop working with web designers
✔️ How to improve client relationships and increase retention
✔️ Simple strategies to ensure clients stay happy and loyal

👉 Don’t just avoid these mistakes—take proactive steps to make sure they never even enter your client’s mind!

🔥 Subscribe for more tips on running a profitable web design business!

🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss a video!

#WebDesign #FreelanceWebDesign #ClientRetention #WordPressDesign #WebDesignBusiness

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Discover the secrets to streamlining your business operations with Gresham Harkless Jr., the innovative mind behind CB Nation and Blue 16 Media. Gresham brings a wealth of knowledge from his diverse experiences, including his time as an adjunct professor and a digital marketer, to share actionable CEO hacks that can transform the way you manage your business processes. From invoicing to project management and note-keeping, learn how his entrepreneurial journey has shaped unique solutions to boost efficiency.

Transform your business communication and organization with the right tools. Gresham takes us on a deep dive into the functionalities of Basecamp, comparing it to other popular platforms like Asana, ClickUp, and Trello. Discover how consolidating tasks, calendars, files, and client communication into one cohesive system can save time and enhance productivity. We also uncover the power of scheduling tools for seamless meeting management across time zones, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks.

Finally, join us as we discuss digital tools and strategies to further enhance business efficiency. From cost-effective alternatives for digital services to note-taking preferences, Gresham shares his favorite digital solutions like Evernote and the Samsung NotePhone. We also explore the importance of building habits over sheer discipline, with insights to improve productivity and time management. 

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This episode shares the challenges freelancers face when working with frustrating clients. It illustrates the importance of communication, proactive management, and learning from obstacles.

• The struggles of getting detailed responses from a new client 
• The challenges faced when clients fail to be forthcoming with information 
• The role of a freelance copywriter in client communication 
• The importance of monitoring project timelines and client feedback 
• Lessons learned about managing expectations in freelancing 
• Reflections on the balance between creating and waiting for client input 
• The adaptability needed to keep projects moving forward 
• An invitation for listeners to share their own experiences and feedback

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Unlock the secrets to building a thriving freelance business as we sit down with expert business coach Julie DeLuca Collins. Have you ever wondered how successful entrepreneurs reverse-engineer their goals to align their daily operations with long-term visions? Julie shares her invaluable insights on time management, defining services, identifying your ideal customer base, and crafting effective pricing strategies. Get ready to take notes on the top mistakes freelancers make and learn actionable steps to evaluate and enhance your business practices.

Julie’s career journey is nothing short of inspiring. From retail management at Macy’s to becoming a Chief Innovation Officer at a multimillion-dollar educational company, Julie’s unique path has equipped her with profound insights into sales, marketing, and business operations. With a strong passion for empowering women in business, she transitioned to coaching during the pandemic. Julie has helped countless clients master business fundamentals, such as LLC formation and email marketing, all while maintaining a strategic vision for long-term success.

Tune in to discover how to create a successful business strategy and achieve time and income freedom. We explore the importance of setting clear business goals, maintaining work-life balance, and defining your niche to maximize your client base. Julie’s practical tips on effective time management, setting boundaries, and building productive habits are sure to resonate with entrepreneurs at any stage. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and motivation to push your freelance business to new heights.

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Embark on a transformative journey with us as we sit down with Laura Hulleman, the mastermind behind the Endotype Formula, and unravel the true essence of branding that goes far beyond eye-catching designs. In a candid conversation, Laura shares her evolution from personal trainer to branding guru, underscoring the vital connection between a business owner's persona and their brand identity. Dive into the revelation of how aligning your brand with your inner being can not only create a magnetic presence but also resonate deeply with your audience, whether you're a health professional, freelancer, or web designer.

Branding is an art, and with Laura's Endotype Formula, we're painting a masterpiece of authenticity. We dissect the power of this personality assessment tool, showing how a five-question quiz can illuminate core behaviors and the true nature of a client's business. This episode is a goldmine for those seeking to integrate genuine, compelling branding into their work, surpassing the traditional process of mood boards and endless questionnaires.

Finally, we share the success story of Angie, a business owner who, with her vibrant endotype at the helm, reimagined her brand and watched her business soar. This compelling tale exemplifies the potential for web designers to infuse branding services with unparalleled value, elevating their clients' businesses to new heights. So tune in, take our endotype quiz, and begin the journey to brand enhancement rooted in self-discovery and authenticity.

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Is G.I.F. pronounced GIF or JIF? Join me, Cathy Sirvatka, as we dig into the amusing argument surrounding this well-known graphic format. We'll journey back to its beginnings, exploring the creators' original intent for its pronunciation. Spoiler alert: there's no wrong way to say it! 

We also get into its features as compared to the JPG and its historical role in web graphics. It's time to settle the debate. Sort of.  And remember, I'd love to hear your take on it and any other 'debatables' you encounter in your web design adventures.

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Ever wondered how your website design could impact someone with a disability? Join me as I chat with Vanessa Russo, a passionate web designer and WordPress UI/UX design teacher, who opens up a new perspective on website accessibility. She shares with us the often overlooked importance of creating accessible and inclusive websites.

Our enlightening conversation delves into different facets of website design - color contrast, fonts, link cues, and heading usage. Vanessa, with her unique approach and practical knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, educates us on the three parts of website accessibility. We delve into the significance of consistent design patterns, which can lead towards providing an inclusive experience.

Our chat with Vanessa wraps up with some practical advice for designers and developers. From viewing each webpage as its own mini book, maintaining correct tab order for accessibility, to dealing with clients with specific design ideas, Vanessa gives us useful tools and strategies. By the end, you'll be itching to connect with her online and learn more about her work. Tune in for a conversation that holds the potential to revolutionize your approach to web designing.

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There are a lot of questions surrounding AI (Artificial Intelligence), especially for those of us who work in web design. Is it ethical to use AI tools like ChatGPT in our workflow? Will AI replace the need for web designers? I address these questions and more today with my guest, Matt Gilliam.

Matt is an innovative and creative freelance graphic and web designer, and he’s been using AI in his web design business since 2021.

He has tried and tested several AI tools in a myriad of ways for page layout, graphic design, and writing copy.

Listen in to find out what he’s learned along the w ay and what HE has found to be the best uses for AI at this time.

https://opticcell.com
https://mattgilliamphotography.com/

Instagram: MattGilliam82

Sites/resources mentioned:

• Rytr.me
• BARD
• MidJourney
• Jasper
• Themeforest

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Today I talk with Kim Kopec, a freelance web designer in Kalamazoo, MI. Kim shares her experience and strategies for acquiring a clientele that she loves. 

Like many of us, Kim started out bartering her services with clients just to get work and grow her portfolio. She talks about how it was in the very beginning of starting her business and how her client acquisition evolved over the years to the point where she now just focuses on her desired niche. And she shares with us the strategies that got her there.

Kim has 20+ years of experience in marketing, design, and communications. Perfection-obsessed, Kim delights in crafting custom WordPress websites with story, style and strategy. Her motto is "Behind every great design, is a substantial amount of coffee!"

https://www.kalamazoo-webdesign.com/
https://lookamazingonline.com/

#Kimproved
#behindeverygreatdesignisasubstantialamountofcoffee

Other content management systems (CMSs) we talked about:

·        Joomla

·        Drupal

https://meetup.com