Reginald Chan

Tag: freelance website developer

  • Simple Website Builder: Which is the best?

    Simple Website Builder: Which is the best?

    Simple Website Builder. According to Google, this three letter word is searched over a million times in a month. If you are reading this, you are one of those who are looking for simple website builder. Regardless if you are a freelance website developer or an experienced, full time web developer, this article is definitely worth reading (for you and your business) especially when you are looking to maximize your earnings (and in search for the top free website builders).

    Before we start, let’s understand the term “simple website builder.”

    ​What is considered a simple website builder?

    ​For me, a simple website builder must be beginner friendly. This is the single, most important factor which will affect my decision. After all, would you use a website builder which takes forever to learn (and master)?

    Here are a few more criteria which must be in a simple website builder:

    • ​Super easy to use (a simple website builder must be really simple)
    • ​Low learning curve (or no learning required)
    • ​Has to be newbie/beginner friendly
    • Easily to install or deploy
    • ​Able to use right after installing
    • Doesn’t create conflict with other WordPress themes and plugins

    ​Simple Website Builder #1 – Thrive Themes

    is thrive themes worth it

    ​When it comes to simple website builder, Thrive Themes is definitely at the top of the chart.

    Why Thrive Theme is a simple website builder?

    • ​Your ultimate marketing tool box (10 WordPress themes and 9 Thrive plugins)
    • ​​Standalone website builder (Thrive Architect) is great by its own
    • ​No hassle in buying and testing various WordPress plugins to build a website
    • ​Easy to install
    • ​Comes with over 200 ready-made templates ready to import directly into your WordPress website
    • ​Uninstalling Thrive Themes doesn’t break the website (no other website builders can offer this feature at this moment)
    • ​​One time yearly payment or one time purchase for standalone plugin (with lifetime license)
    • Bonus: 24/7/365 support on forum and email

    ​The biggest advantage using Thrive Themes is the hassle free in usage. This means that you don’t have to hunt high and low for the best plugins to build a website. 

    ​Here are some resources for you to learn more about Thrive Themes:

    ​You can also see Thrive Themes in action here (demo).

    ​Simple Website Builder #2 – Divi

    Divi by Elegant Themes

    ​Divi by Elegant Themes is one of the most popular simple website builder for freelance developers.

    Why is Divi such a popular choice?

    • ​Divi is a WordPress theme that comes with everything under one roof (no additional plugin installation required)
    • ​Low earning curve and constantly updated library allows easy website development
    • ​Integrated with all the marketing features (lead in boxes, call to action elements etc.)
    • ​Over 100 different elements you can choose from when building a website
    • ​Universal library allows freelance website developers to 1-click change everything on the website
    • ​Super easy payment plan (one time yearly payment for unlimited access or one time payment for lifetime support)
    • ​Bonus: Subscribing to Divi theme will also unlock all the themes and plugins offered by Elegant Themes (which is an awesome bonus)

    ​Here are some resources to help you decide:

    ​You can also try Divi by Elegant Themes here (demo).

    ​Now, it’s your turn!

    ​Which is your favorite (and simple) website builder? Leave a comment below and tell me what you think!

  • Website Design Proposal: Your ULTIMATE Guide To Close More Sales

    Website Design Proposal: Your ULTIMATE Guide To Close More Sales

    How do you create (if that’s the right team) a great website design proposal?

    As an entrepreneur, I’m always finding for quick ways to make money online, on the side and without leaving my day job.

    Managing a website design company on the side is definitely one of the easiest ways to achieve such. It is also one of the highly recommended tips especially if you are looking for small business ideas under $50 and something that you can start this weekend.

    Without further adieu, let’s dive right into creating a website design proposal.

    What is a website design proposal?

    There are many versions to this and for me, the definition of a website design proposal is simple.

    A web design proposal is your opportunity to sell yourself as well as your work.

    This is the only platform you need to convince your potential client on your skills, expertise and knowledge in this field.

    And your website design proposal will determine whether you make it (or you don’t).

    How to create a website design proposal?

    website design proposal

    These are the steps you need to do before, during and after creating a website design proposal.

    Step 1: Creating a website design proposal template

    Template creation allows you to churn out web design proposals fast and without needing to spend hours creating one from scratch.

    The template should includes information such as:

    • Introduction of yourself (and your team)
    • Advantages/Benefits working with you
    • What you can offer
    • check-circle-oSamples of your work (or mock ups)
    • check-circle-oContacting you for quote

    Step 2: Getting started with the website design proposal

    professional photo

    You should start by introducing yourself. A professional photo of yourself and your team is critical to create the great first impression.

    In this part, avoid selling yourself or the services. Instead, focus to be as human as possible and being real is important.

    Give a short and interesting summary to avoid your potential clients getting bored.

    Step 3: What are the benefits working with you?

    Website development projects are always similar and what makes them different is the experience before, during and after the project.

    If you want to be a successful freelance website developer, you need to wear many hats including being a sales person.

    Always remember that having the best skills is not effective if you are unable to produce sales.

    Here are some of the benefits you can consider:

    • Fast turnover
    • Affordable prices
    • Addons and perks which are free of charge
    • checkMultiple website design revisions without charge
    • checkInclusive of web hosting and domain name
    • checkSSL certificate and other security features
    • checkInstallation of plugins

    Step 4: What are you offer (more than your competitors)?

    You are not the only one in the market and you should know your competitors.

    In this case, your website design proposal should include offers and benefits which are not offered by your competitors.

    unique selling point

    These are your unique selling points (or known as “USP”) which can possibly make your clients say “Yes!”

    Include these USP in your website design proposal to ensure that you stay a higher chance of closing the deal.

    Step 5: Samples of your previous web designing work or provide web design mock ups

    The next step is to show your clients on your previous works. If you are brand new in this industry and struggling to get your first web design client, consider using web design mock ups to portray your skills.

    How to create your web design portfolio?

    • 1Purchase a domain from Namecheap
    • 2Get a web hosting service from BlueHost
    • 3Install WordPress as your website content management system (CMS)
    • 4Install a professional website theme (I recommend Thrive Themes)
    • 5Create a landing page that serves as your portfolio

    Important note: I recommend Thrive Themes because it is easy to use and comes with 9 Thrive plugins that allows you to market your website and help you increase your sales. Read my 2018 Thrive Themes review or click here to see the Thrive Themes demo page.

    Step 6: Make it easy for your clients to contact you

    This is one of the biggest mistakes done by web developers when they are sending their website design proposal. They did not provide a point of contact for the clients!

    I’m a huge believer in making it easy for your clients to contact you. You need to provide these in all your website design proposal:

    • 1-click email (use mailto:email@yourwebsite.com)
    • Direct number
    • WhatsApp or WeChat phone number
    • check-square-oPhysical address (if applicable) for clients to find you

    There are clients who are less ‘techie’ and therefore, you need to make it really easy for them to reach you.

    Take a look at my digital marketing agency website, Marketing Lancers. There’s an automated chat box for them to contact me or my team at any time!

    The whole idea is simple. You need to reduce any barriers or reasons for them NOT to contact you for further discussion.

    Are you ready to send your first website design proposal?

    I hope you find this guide useful especially in creating your own freelance website design business.

    Need help in starting a web design business? Click here to read the guide!