If you are a self-employed web designer, developer or webmaster, you just may have noticed the current worldwide recession and seen your business and income drop. Or perhaps your downtime periods are longer than you want them to be. Well, don’t despair, because Alyssa Gregory has 7 ways to turn downtime into uptime. My tip would be to develop services where there’s scope for continuous income.
And if you are thinking of redesigning your business from the ground up, or just giving it a makeover, I can recommend one of sitepoint’s excellent courses. The web design business kit is produced by Brendon Sinclair, who owns and manages one of the most successful web design firms in Australia. It packed full of terrific advice.
The contract you sign between yourself and your client is crucial, especially if anything goes wrong. Now might be a good time to examine 7 clauses you should consider adding to your contract. It takes a legal mind sometimes to consider the implications to your business, but prevention is better than cure every time. It’s not profit until it’s in your bank account.
How long ago did you design your business site? You know, the one that showcases your work. One year? Two years? Longer? Is it time for a redesign? As Lea Alcantara says redesigning your own site could be an exercise in masochism. But it could also be essential if you are not showcasing what you are selling. Technology and trends move so quickly you could be ‘old hat’ without realising it.
And what better way to showcase your professional expertise than have a well-designed portfolio. This is especially true for designers but applies to every self-employed professional in the Industry. You must have a well-designed portfolio to attract potential clients. They expect it. So, here are 50 beautiful and creative portfolios to inspire you.
Recession doesn’t have to mean a drop in your business. Not if you develop a strategy to get more business and keep working at it until it yeilds positive results. Oh, and don’t watch all the bad news on TV.
