Today, we’re joined by Justin Gerena, a digital marketing and software entrepreneur. His journey started when a friend introduced him to a web development business, where Justin would go on to work after completing his education.
Eventually, something about this business dawned on him: they were doing the same thing over and over again for their clients, and there had to be a better way to get it done. It wasn’t long before he and his co-founder Bobby would branch out to focus on building websites for small businesses.
They opened a website-building business called SiteSwan in 2011. The platform they created was unique in that it allowed them to create their sites in a more streamlined way. They also could offer their services for a cheaper price point, and that’s how they ended up getting hired by other marketing agencies.
Solving a problem is the best way to start a business. Justin has also found that allowing clients to try out what you’re offering before they buy it helps reel them in. Spending time with potential clients in this way can also help you build trust and credibility.
AI has had a significant impact on the web development world recently. It’s much easier to go from initial concept to launch than ever before because content generation is so much easier. However, helping the client understand what their site can do and how it’s been created is what helps close deals.
Business owners love being walked through a site with explanations as to why the site has been created in a specific way. Justin also connects it to how visitors—who are the client’s potential clients—will interact with the site. If you can answer their questions before they even ask, you’ll have the site sold.
SiteSwan attracts people looking to scale or grow their web design agency. For anyone who comes on board, they offer a 14-Day launch plan. It’s a plan that walks people through how to sell their sites efficiently. SiteSwan is also great for anyone interested in technology and who wants to start a side hustle.
SiteSwan was also created with simplicity in mind. Designers who want to move something by a pixel or two may reject the idea of not being able to do that. On the other hand, not having intricate control can be a good thing because it allows you to avoid over-optimizing, and it allows for greater consistency overall.
When you tell a business owner that you can’t do something, you’re not just saying no—you’re helping them say yes to something else. For example, if they ask to add fancy design elements, you can let them know that it is possible with a different, much more expensive design platform.
How do you make money as a web designer in 2024? It’s a competitive market, so you need to stand out. Justin’s advice is to focus on scalability and set a goal on how many sites you want to sell. The majority of the people who use SiteSwan don’t need a team to sell dozens or even hundreds of sites. If your clients love your service and their site, they’ll be happy to stick with you.
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