Five Ways Professional Web Designers Can Attract Clients This Summer
With summer just around the corner, your clients are likely gearing up for a shift in their own businesses. While some may slow down, others will be actively looking to boost their online presence and capitalize on increased summer traffic. That’s where you come in.
During this season, you have a prime opportunity to attract new clients and serve existing ones in fresh ways. From website audits and design updates to seasonal promos and local collaborations, here are five ways to embrace the season and turn what might otherwise be a lull into a lift for your web design business.
1. Highlight seasonal promotions and offers
Discounts on web design projects can serve as a powerful incentive for both new and existing clients to invest in enhancing their online presence before the busy fall and holiday months. Promotions can include lower rates, package deals, or complimentary add-on services. For example:
Offer a flat percentage discount on all projects booked from June through August
Create a discounted website overhaul package, including responsive design updates, content upgrades, and search engine optimization
Combine web design services with add-ons such as logo design, social media branding, or content creation at a bundled price
Encourage existing clients to refer new business by offering a discount or bonus service for each successful referral
To get the word out about these seasonal offers, use social media, email marketing, and your own website. Consider paid advertising to reach a broader audience, targeting demographics and interests that align with your preferred industries. Finally, tap into your existing client base. Word-of-mouth marketing is often the most powerful form.
Pro tip: Create a sense of urgency to encourage conversions. Remind prospective clients that upgrades made during the summer months will help them eventually prepare for the holidays.
2. Leverage social media engagement
Once you’ve defined your summer promotions, get the word out across your social media platforms. Focus your efforts where your target audience is most active and your content will resonate best. While some platforms are better for promoting services through case studies and testimonials, more visual platforms are great for showcasing your portfolio. Be discerning as you decide where and how you show up online.
Have fun with your content—it’s summer, after all. Share summer-inspired designs, tips and tutorials, and even behind-the-scenes footage of your web design process. Most importantly, engage with your audience by asking questions, running polls, and promptly responding to comments, messages, and inquiries. Building trust is the ultimate goal and can lay a strong foundation for future client relationships.
3. Showcase the power of responsive design
Responsive design is especially important during the summer season when website visitors are more often on the go, using smartphones or other devices to access your website. Businesses need websites that look great and function seamlessly on all devices to cater to the needs of mobile users.
For example:
A responsive commerce site ensures customers can quickly browse and purchase products from their smartphones or tablets
A responsive restaurant website helps customers view the menu conveniently, no matter where they are
Emphasize the importance of responsive design by showcasing case studies and before-and-after examples on your website, social media, and through targeted outreach campaigns. Highlight the many benefits, including better user experience and higher conversion rates. Learn more about designing a responsive website on Squarespace.
Pro tip: Offer special promotions for responsive design projects to incentivize new clients to commit.
4. Collaborate with local businesses
If you haven't already, consider teaming up with complementary businesses to expand your client base not only this summer but throughout the year. Partnerships with other designers, photographers, and copywriters give you the opportunity to provide more holistic solutions to potential clients. Take it a step further by organizing joint webinars, workshops, or networking events to spotlight your expertise and attract potential business. The Squarespace Circle community serves as a great example. Collaboration with other creatives opens the door to new opportunities and enhances the overall quality of work.
5. Optimize SEO for summertime keywords
Strategically optimize your content with summer-specific keywords to cater to those actively looking for help with their websites this summer season.
To start, conduct thorough keyword research to identify relevant terms that align with the season and your target audience's interests. For example, “seasonal website refresh” or “how to increase website traffic in the summer.” Then, incorporate these keywords strategically into your website content, blog posts, and meta tags. Focus on creating summer-themed blog posts or resources that address the unique needs of businesses during this time, such as tips for refreshing their online presence or seasonal design trends.
Set the stage for summer success
Don’t wait to make the most of the long summer days. Implement these strategies to attract and serve clients, and set yourself up for a strong finish to the year.
Want more?
Check out Squarespace Circle, Squarespace’s program for professional web designers, developers, digital entrepreneurs, and creatives. Along with exclusive content, discounts, and other perks, Circle brings professionals together from across the globe to exchange advice while connecting with new clients and collaborators.
