Starting my web design business was one of the most rewarding and challenging things I’ve done. Like many people launching a service-based business, I was motivated by the idea of helping others and doing meaningful work. I knew how important a professional, well-designed website could be for a business, and I wanted to deliver just that.
But no matter how much preparation you do, running a business teaches you through experience. In those first few months, I made mistakes. Some were small, others had a bigger impact. Each one taught me something that has helped me refine how I work and deliver a better experience for my clients.
Whether you're running a new startup, growing a brand, or managing an established business, I hope these lessons give you insight into how I approach web design and client relationships today.
1. I didn’t fully believe in the value of what I offfered
When I first started, I struggled with pricing my services confidently. I found myself comparing what I offered to businesses advertising cheap website packages. It made me question whether clients would see the value in a more personalised, higher-quality service.
Over time, I realised that these cheaper services often came with limitations. They usually relied on standard templates, rushed delivery, and little to no support once the website was live. In contrast, I offer custom web design, take time to understand each client's goals, and provide ongoing support long after the site is launched. Once I recognised the difference I bring to the table, I stopped trying to compete on price and started focusing on offering real value. This shift helped me attract clients who value quality and long-term partnerships.
2. I didn't set clear expectations early enough
In the beginning, I assumed clients understood how the web design process worked. I jumped into projects without clearly explaining what was included, how long things would take, or what I needed from them. This led to confusion, misaligned expectations, and project delays that could have been avoided.
Now, I start every project by outlining the full process. I explain timelines, responsibilities, deliverables, and how communication will work throughout the project. I also clarify what is and isn't included in the package. This helps clients feel informed and confident, and it creates a much smoother and more professional experience from start to finish.
3. I focused too much on the visual side
At the start of my business, I was focused on making websites look as impressive as possible. I spent a lot of time perfecting layouts, colour schemes, and animations. But I wasn’t always thinking about how the site would function for the person using it, or how it supported the client's goals.
I’ve since learned that design is only one part of a successful website. The user experience, structure, messaging, and calls to action are just as important. Now, I approach every project with both design and function in mind. I ask questions about what actions the website should encourage, who the audience is, and how visitors should navigate through the content. This shift has helped my clients get better results from their websites and has led to more meaningful feedback and referrals.
4. I took on projects that weren’t the right fit
In my first few months, I said yes to every opportunity. I wanted to grow the business and prove myself. But not every project was the right fit. Some had unclear goals, others had unrealistic budgets or timelines. Taking on the wrong projects led to frustration and drained my energy.
I’ve since learned the value of qualifying potential clients before committing to a project. I now take the time to understand what someone needs, what stage they are at in their business, and whether I’m the right person to help them. If I am, great. If not, I am happy to recommend someone else. This approach helps ensure a better experience for everyone and allows me to focus on work where I can genuinely add value.
5. I let clients set the terms of communication
At the start, I wanted to be helpful and available. I let clients contact me however they preferred, including text, WhatsApp, social media messages, and late-night emails. This quickly became difficult to manage and blurred the lines between work and personal time.
I now set clear communication expectations from the start. I use email as the main point of contact and schedule calls in advance when needed. I also explain my working hours and response times. These boundaries help me stay focused, organised, and able to give every client the attention their project deserves. Clients appreciate the structure and know they’re working with someone who takes their work seriously.
Final thoughts...
Looking back at those first few months, it's clear how much I’ve learned from simply doing the work. Each mistake helped me identify what wasn’t working and pushed me to build better habits, clearer systems, and a more thoughtful way of working with clients.
Of course, I’m still learning. As my business grows, so will the challenges, and I know I won’t get everything right every time. But I’m committed to improving the way I work, refining my process, communicating more clearly, and always thinking about how I can deliver a better experience for the people who trust me with their website.
I’ll keep applying the lessons I’ve learned so far and keep building on them as I go. That’s all part of running a business and it’s a process I’m proud to be part of.
