STOP Offering (Just) Website Design

Web Design MBA

#Entrepreneur #Business #Podcasting Education #Steve Schramm #Web Design #Website Design

39:50

The truth is out West! We’re hopping on the ET Highway and venturing to the most notorious alien hot spots, including Roswell’s infamous crash site, Area 51’s eerie perimeter, and a mysterious desert watchtower. Join us as journalist Laura Krantz, host of the podcast Wild Thing , beams up to share stories from the front lines of UFO reporting—from strange sightings and quirky festivals to a mailbox where people leave letters to extraterrestrials. Maybe you’ll even decide for yourself: Is Earth a tourist stop for spaceships? UFO hot spots you’ll encounter in this episode: - UFO Watchtower (near Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado) - Roswell, New Mexico - Area 51, Nevada - Extraterrestrial Highway (aka State Route 375), Nevada - Little A’Le’Inn, ET Highway, Nevada - E.T. Fresh Jerky, ET Highway, Nevada - Alien Research Center, ET Highway, Nevada - The Black Mailbox, ET Highway, Nevada Via Podcast is a production of AAA Mountain West Group .…

about a year ago 9:21

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In this video, discover why shifting from merely offering website design to providing comprehensive business solutions can transform your web design business. Learn how focusing on solving clients' problems, embracing subscription-based marketing services, and creating compelling sales pitches can lead to increased client satisfaction and business growth. We discuss practical strategies, such as defining your service menu or using intentionally vague retainers, and the importance of separating marketing services from web design agreements. Tune in to find out how to grow your impact and income by evolving beyond traditional web design.

00:00 Introduction: Beyond Just Website Design
00:13 The Shift to Problem-Solving Solutions
02:14 Subscription-Based Marketing Services
02:26 Choosing the Right Services for Your Clients
03:23 Building a Team and Outsourcing
04:16 Getting Started: Frameworks and Retainers
04:22 Defining Your Service Menu
05:59 Intentionally Vague Retainers
07:16 Sales Pitches for Different Approaches
08:08 Pricing and Invoicing Tips
09:46 Conclusion: Growing Your Business and Impact

117 episodes

Web Design MBA

STOP Offering (Just) Website Design

Web Design MBA

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

117 episodes

#Entrepreneur #Business #Podcasting Education #Steve Schramm #Web Design #Website Design

All episodes

Web Design MBA

1
I Quit My Perfect Job in a Pandemic... Here's Why I’d Do It Again 12:50

5 weeks ago12:50

12:50

In this episode, I share my personal journey of quitting a secure full-time job during COVID to go all-in on my web design business. I explain why so-called "job security" is often a myth and how running your own business—with multiple clients—can actually offer more stability. I also break down the common mistakes freelancers make when transitioning, and why the subscription model is the future of sustainable web design. 00:00 – Intro & My Leap From Full-Time Job 03:45 – The Myth of Job Security 08:30 – Why a Full-Time Job = One Client 11:50 – Taxes & Compensation Packages Explained 17:10 – Trading One Job for Another 20:40 – Scaling vs. Staying Solo 24:15 – The Power of Subscription Web Design 30:10 – Why Websites Are a Service, Not a Product 36:20 – Moving From Transactional to Relational Clients 40:00 – Why Subscription Revenue Creates Real Freedom 45:00 – Final Thoughts & Next Steps…

Web Design MBA

1
Unlocking The Power of GREAT Relationships for Business Success 28:57

6 weeks ago28:57

28:57

In this episode of the Web Design MBA, we delve into the immense value of building strong relationships and how it impacts your business success. Understanding the concept, 'your network determines your net worth,’ we break down the key elements that make a relationship great using the acronym 'GREAT.' We explore the principles of giving, reciprocity, empathy, attention, and the importance of time. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, this episode aims to help you leverage relationships for long-term business growth. Whether you're watching on YouTube or listening to the audio, it's packed with insightful wisdom that can transform your approach to business and life. 00:00 The Power of Relationships in Business 04:12 The Importance of Adding Value 08:19 Understanding Giving in Business 19:10 The Role of Reciprocity 22:07 Empathy and Communication 23:29 The Significance of Attention 26:16 The Value of Time in Relationships 27:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts…

Web Design MBA

1
[REVISITED] 5 Advantages of Subscription Web Design Over Traditional Pricing Models 18:41

7 weeks ago18:41

18:41

Traditional website pricing is dead. That's a bold claim, but I don't see how you could beat the advantages of Subscription Web Design in any traditional model. Here are my thoughts!

Web Design MBA

1
I Work Less and Get More Done — Here’s My Daily System 25:59

8 weeks ago25:59

25:59

In this episode, I’m sharing 10 productivity hacks that have helped me get more done as a web designer, entrepreneur, and agency owner—without burning out. From using automatic time blocking (08:00) to delegating outcomes (13:00), checking email just once per day (19:00), and even listening to soundscapes instead of music to stay focused (03:00)—these are the real-world strategies that work. I’ll also show you how hiring early (11:00), using long-form writing (16:00), and spotting systemization opportunities (20:00) can transform your workflow. If you want to do more of the right things and less of the wrong ones, this one's for you. 00:00 - Intro & what productivity really means 03:00 - Hack #1: Soundscapes for focus 05:00 - Hack #2: Checklists & SOPs 08:00 - Hack #3: Automatic time blocking with Flow Savvy 11:00 - Hack #4: Hiring early 13:00 - Hack #5: Delegating outcomes, not tasks 16:00 - Hack #6: Long-form writing - meetings 18:00 - Hack #7: Focus modes to block distractions 19:00 - Hack #8: Check email once a day 20:00 - Hack #9: Systemization opportunity awareness 25:00 - Hack #10: Read about productivity 26:00 - Wrap-up & Substack mention…

Web Design MBA

1
[REVISITED] How to Start Charging More for Web Design Projects 23:55

9 weeks ago23:55

23:55

In this episode of the Subscription Web Design podcast, we delve into strategies for increasing your web design rates and eliminating the mindset blocks that hold you back. Starting with the importance of mindset, we discuss the concept of limiting beliefs vs. liberating truths and how journaling can help you identify and overcome these barriers. We also explore the significance of financial investment, advising how to handle projects either at full price or for free and highlighting the emotional investment tied to financial commitment. Finally, we offer practical advice on incrementally raising your rates, calculating your costs, and leveraging subscription models to create sustainable income. Tune in for actionable steps to enhance both your mindset and your business profitability. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 02:01 Sponsorship and Course Promotion 02:52 Mindset: The Key to Charging More 04:22 Overcoming Limiting Beliefs 07:24 Value Creation and Market Value 12:17 Financial Investment and Emotional Buy-In 16:24 Practical Strategies for Pricing 23:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts…

Web Design MBA

1
The Simple Content Strategy That Will Transform Your Web Design Business 16:56

10 weeks ago16:56

16:56

In this episode of the Web Design MBA Podcast, I’m diving into why content creation is a game-changer for web designers looking to grow their business. I’ll break down the simple 3-step content strategy that can help you get more clients, build trust, and drive monetization. You’ll learn why attention is everything, how to build an email list, and why consistency is key. If you’ve been struggling with getting noticed, this episode is your permission slip to start creating content today! 00:00 - Introduction 02:30 - Why Most Web Designers Struggle with Getting Work 06:00 - The Power of Content Creation 09:15 - Attention, Retention, and Monetization Explained 12:00 - Simple Action Steps You Can Take TODAY 15:30 - How to Build Trust with Your Audience 18:00 - Why Email Marketing Still Rules 20:00 - Final Thoughts & Call to Action…

Web Design MBA

1
I Made These Unconventional Deals and Got More Clients 21:55

12 weeks ago21:55

21:55

In this episode of the Web Design MBA Podcast, I’m diving into the Spring 2025 edition of my "How I Got My Last Five Clients" series. Instead of focusing on theory, I’m sharing the actual, behind-the-scenes details of how I landed my most recent clients—giving you real insights into the projects, the lessons learned, and how I made these connections. From an unconventional Airbnb-style booking site to a Christian apologetics ministry, I’m sharing how networking, building relationships, and sometimes even making unconventional deals have helped grow my business. Tune in to hear the specifics and grab practical lessons you can apply to your own web design journey. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro to the episode and the "How I Got My Last Five Clients" series 03:10 – Client #1: Entertainment media company (metaverse music videos) 10:30 – Client #2: Pool booking business 16:45 – Client #3: AI tool e-commerce project 22:55 – Client #4: Medical training organization 28:00 – Client #5: Christian apologetics ministry 35:00 – Key lessons from these clients and the importance of community in business…

Web Design MBA

1
The 5C's of Attractive Marketing 37:12

13 weeks ago37:12

37:12

In this episode, I break down the 5C's of Attractive Marketing—a framework designed to help web designers and agency owners attract clients instead of chasing them. I share personal experiences, mindset shifts, and practical steps to implement these five key strategies: Create, Consistently, Call to Action, Culture, and Community. If you’re looking to build a predictable client acquisition system, this is for you! Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction & personal journey [02:00] The problem with unpredictable marketing [06:00] Mindset limitations holding you back [15:00] The 5C’s explained [30:00] Common mistakes & how to avoid them [35:00] Final thoughts & next steps 🔗 Join the Web Design MBA Newsletter: webdesignmba.substack.com…

Web Design MBA

1
Why You’re Not Getting Clients (And How to Fix It Fast) 16:27

14 weeks ago16:27

16:27

Why do some business owners succeed while others struggle? In this episode, I reveal the mindset shift that can change everything: Activity equals Opportunity. I share personal insights, practical strategies, and actionable tips to help you break through and start seeing real results in your web design business. Plus, I outline three activities that don't generate opportunities—and three that do! Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction & the key question 02:15 - Why "80% done is 100% awesome" 05:40 - The power of massive action in business 08:10 - Activity vs. opportunity: What really works 12:45 - Three time-wasting activities to avoid 16:30 - Three high-impact activities for success 21:00 - A simple system to create opportunities 24:15 - Final thoughts & next steps 🚀 Need help growing your web design business? Book a free coaching call: webdesignmba.com/coaching…

Web Design MBA

1
Stop Working for Free! 27:08

15 weeks ago27:08

27:08

In this episode of The Web Design MBA , I dive into the game-changing concept of paid discovery -why you should stop doing it for free and start charging for your time. I break down the biggest mistakes web designers make, how to eliminate tire-kicker clients, and why this simple shift can boost your income. Plus, I share real-world strategies to integrate paid discovery into your sales process. Don’t miss this one! Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & why discovery matters 01:00 – Why clients always ask, "What does a website cost?" 05:00 – The hidden cost of free discovery 10:00 – How paid discovery filters serious clients 15:00 – Why paid discovery is an easy sale 20:00 – How to implement it in your business today 25:00 – What to charge for paid discovery 27:00 – Final thoughts & free coaching opportunity 🔗 Need help implementing this? Book a free 50-minute coaching call: webdesignmba.com/coaching…

Web Design MBA

1
Why I Never Let Go of This Process (Even During Hard Times) 20:11

16 weeks ago20:11

20:11

In this episode, I’m diving into the heartbeat process-the simple, yet powerful method that keeps my web design business running smoothly. Whether you're a solo designer or scaling a team, this process has helped me stay organized, keep projects on track, and avoid chaos. I’ll break down how I use it, why it works, and why it’s a game-changer for web designers. 00:00 - Introduction to the Heartbeat Process 02:30 - The struggle: "Where does everything stand?" 04:45 - Why simple project management tools are key 06:10 - The importance of subjective vs. automated updates 08:20 - The Heartbeat Process: A tool to keep you organized 10:50 - How the Heartbeat Process helps solo operators and agencies alike 13:15 - Adapting the Heartbeat Process for weekly check-ins 15:30 - Who should write the Heartbeat? Project Managers or Assistants 17:00 - What goes into a Heartbeat update? 19:25 - The benefits: Staying grounded, managing multiple projects 22:00 - Using Basecamp alongside the Heartbeat for project tracking 25:10 - The “Move the Needle” tool and its role in tracking project status 28:15 - The Hill Chart and Weekly Check-Ins in Basecamp 30:00 - How the Heartbeat Process keeps the business ‘pulsing’ 32:10 - Why you should implement this process before scaling 34:50 - Final thoughts: Implementing the Heartbeat to improve your business flow…

Web Design MBA

1
Dealing with Overwhelm and Anxiety in Your Web Design Business 26:02

17 weeks ago26:02

26:02

In this episode of the Web Design MBA podcast, I share an update on my unexpected break and return with insights on dealing with overwhelm and anxiety in your business. After losing my biggest client, I discuss how I bounced back by closing several new deals and taking on coaching clients. I emphasize the importance of sharing true experiences, staying relatable, and not portraying myself as an unattainable guru. The episode dives into handling mental health struggles, the illusion of control, saying no for a season, and the value of having a support system. I also highlight focusing on effective inputs, identifying what's working, and the power of locking in to move forward with determination. If you're dealing with stress or uncertainty in your web design business, this episode offers practical advice and encouragement to help you navigate these challenges. 00:00 Welcome Back to the Web Design MBA Podcast 01:06 Overcoming Setbacks and Finding Success 02:05 The Importance of Honesty and Real Experience 03:14 Dealing with Overwhelm and Anxiety 04:45 Lessons from Russell Brunson 05:57 Personal Struggles and Client Challenges 13:05 Strategies for Managing Anxiety and Overwhelm 16:06 The Year of Saying No 17:51 Building a Support System 20:56 Focusing on What Works 23:45 Locking In and Moving Forward 25:41 Conclusion and Invitation for Coaching…

Web Design MBA

1
I Lost My Biggest Client (Here's What I Learned) 26:13

26 weeks ago26:13

26:13

In this very REAL episode of the Web Design MBA podcast, I share some recent challenging news about losing my biggest client, which accounted for a significant portion of my income. I discuss the importance of being real and transparent about the struggles we face as business owners. You'll learn about the risks of having too many eggs in one basket, the necessity of having data to back up your value, and the importance of maintaining strong client relationships, even when contracts end. I'll also provide actionable advice on how to handle such situations and ensure your business's financial stability. Join me as I share lessons from the trenches to help you build and sustain a successful web design business. 00:00 Welcome to the Web Design MBA Podcast 00:29 A Real Episode: Facing Bad News 02:08 Losing the Biggest Client 05:13 Lessons Learned from Losing a Client 10:31 Adapting and Moving Forward 15:20 Practical Advice for Web Designers 25:11 Final Thoughts and Future Plans…

Web Design MBA

1
RANT: Don’t Ghost Your Clients!! 8:36

28 weeks ago8:36

8:36

In this episode of the Web Design MBA podcast, we dive into the critical issue of ghosting clients. I discuss why it's vital for web designers to maintain communication and professionalism with their clients at all times. You'll learn the negative impacts that ghosting can have on your business reputation and how to handle difficult client situations appropriately. Remember, your success as a web designer hinges on your ability to keep clients happy and engaged. Join me for some real talk on the importance of professionalism and client communication. 00:00 Introduction and Warm Welcome 00:37 The Importance of Not Ghosting Clients 02:39 Handling Client Expectations and Pricing Issues 06:03 Professionalism in Client Relationships 07:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts…

Web Design MBA

1
How to get started in web design without a portfolio... 18:29

29 weeks ago18:29