It is said that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, I beg to differ and instead say beauty is in the eye of a web designer. Have you ever looked at a web banner and you were left in awe? Personally, I have, not once or twice but on several occasions. Admittedly, professional web designers are among the most creative beings in existence. This would make you think that it is an easy platform to make it. Right? Well, you are wrong. As creative as they may be, competition is equally stiff hence the need to stand out. Leaving the question, how do I become a successful web designer?
1ST COMMANDMENT
Unique sticks in the human mind longer, that’s just how we are wired. Therefore, this is the first command to being a successful web designer. Be unique. Establish yourself in uniqueness. Offer what other web designers are not offering. Stand out and own your identity, from your brand, colors to content creation. Ensure your content provides a solution to a certain problem in the market that other web designers have not worked on.
2ND COMMANDMENT
Thou shall ensure your communication skills are top notch. Web design revolves around communication, and if the prospective client is not able to get your message, then you are doomed to an unsuccessful and agonizing journey in this career. In short, communication can be your greatest strength or weakness. As much as you want to be unique and creative, ensure that you communicate through informative and error-free content.
3RD COMMANDMENT
Proper planning is a must. Any business requires prior adequate planning and strategy. This is a concentrated market. Consequently, you must plan on how to penetrate and launch effectively. Come up with a custom strategy that works for you. This will enable you to prospect on challenges and will also help you manage your logistics in a better way. If you haven’t, Start Planning!
4TH COMMANDMENT
Research. This is the fourth commandment and is as important as the first. The web is continuously on evolution, and therefore things change more rapidly in the cyberspace than in the real world. Don’t perceive yourself as all-knowing, give yourself room for learning and sharpening your skill. Research materials and resources are available in numerous online resources. Cultivate a culture of craving to be better.
5TH COMMANDMENT
At number five comes order. This is more of a virtue in web design. Organize your work in a neat manner that is easy to follow and easy on the eye. Avoid cluttered and clumsy web pages with information and graphics mix up. This is a great turn off to a potential client. Simplicity also counts, leave some white space between your content and make it easy on the eye.
6TH COMMANDMENT
Make sure you network. Unlike most careers, web design is all about teamwork. Learn to work with others. The networks you create are the people who give you referrals to their circles. This is a do-me-i-do-you situation; refer others as well, and through that, you will generate a strong network of broader clientele base than you would have if you opted to be a lone ranger.
7TH COMMANDMENT
Make an appropriate portfolio. No matter which field you are in, a portfolio is a key instrument. This is basically a compilation of your past works and past clients you have partnered with in projects. Try as much as you can to put renowned clients first in your portfolio, reputation sells. All clients want to have their work done by someone who’s worked for a reputable company. However, if you are not yet there: you will get there. Rome was not built in a day. Take a step at a time and use what you have.
8TH COMMANDMENT
Eighth is quality. Ensure that your services are quality and delivered on time. A good web designer is a reflection of his or her work. Strive to go out of your way to deliver up to the bar services to your client. Do not take jobs or contracts that you are not good at. This will result to delivering substandard work and just like that your reputation will be in ashes.
9TH COMMANDMENT
The ninth commandment entails evaluation and analysis. Always get feedback after a project. This enables you know where you outdid yourself or flopped. Feedback also helps you offer better services to the next client. And this enables you to grow bigger and better.
10TH COMMANDMENT
Finally, the tenth and final commandment which happens to be the greatest of them all: Take heed to the above guidelines. Simple, right?
