How reasonable is to start a web design business

Many years of work designing websites and taking care of personal clients at home. I can create Magento 2 websites, and use WordPress, AWS, and some Shopify. But I do not feel like I have the energy to go home and start looking for clients because my workday now runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Last night, I realised that I have not made much side money this year, and that it is almost over.

Recent searches on Google reveal new web design “companies” in my NJ neighborhood, but they are unmistakable web pages created by Indian businesses. Many of the former “firms” have since closed.

Quite reasonable—if you’re competent. In the city I live in, demand has skyrocketed, and most elite agencies are turning me down because they are overworked. Only Covid has increased the popularity of this field!

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Is it a rejection of you as a customer?

After many years of designing websites and handling personal clients from home, I specialize in creating Magento 2 sites and using platforms like WordPress, AWS, and Shopify. However, my current job from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. leaves me too drained to pursue side gigs. Reflecting on my lack of side income this year, I noticed a surge of new web design “companies” in my NJ neighborhood, which are clearly run by Indian businesses. Many local firms have closed, making the market more competitive. To stay relevant and boost my side income, I plan to streamline my services and possibly collaborate with these new companies to leverage their reach and reduce my workload.

I recommend reaching out to previous clients or professional connections who may need web design services or know someone who does. Referrals can be a powerful way to generate leads.

I advice that you allocate specific blocks of time each week to work on your side projects or client outreach. This could be early mornings, weekends, or specific evenings dedicated to your business.

In my opinion, you should determine your primary goals and what you hope to achieve with your web design business. This could be additional income, building a portfolio, or eventually transitioning to full-time self-employment.