How to Find Higher-Paying Web Design Clients
One of the most effective ways to grow your web design business is to work with higher-paying clients. Pursuing clients with bigger budgets helps you increase your income, boost your portfolio, and expand your network—giving you the freedom to reinvest back into your business.
Whether it’s upgrading your tools and systems, hiring additional team members, or being able to dedicate more time to passion projects, higher-paying clients often open doors that some smaller projects can’t. Ahead, I’ll share practical steps I’ve taken with my own web design agency, by Crawford, and shared in my Six-Figure Design Club, my program for designers looking to scale sustainable businesses. With these tips, you can start attracting higher-paying clients and scaling your business whilst working smarter, not harder.
Niche down for high-value clients
Choosing a niche is one of the most effective ways to attract higher-paying web design clients. A niche is a specialized segment of the market that a web design agency or designer focuses on and is defined by unique needs, interests, and characteristics such as industry, demographics, and aesthetics.
If you're selecting a niche based on how much a client would be willing to spend, it may be beneficial to specialize in industries that prioritize high-quality web design and have larger budgets (e.g., finance, healthcare, or real estate). This expertise helps you create more tailored, effective designs and build trust with potential clients who value and are willing to invest in a specialist.
Your niche doesn’t necessarily have to be industry-specific to attract higher-paying clients. In fact, positioning your platform expertise (e.g., Squarespace) as your niche empowers you to serve a variety of industries while appealing to a high-end clientele. Many clients seek a website builder that saves them time while prioritizing design—especially in the luxury space—making Squarespace an ideal niche in itself. And with so many integrated tools that are part of the Squarespace suite, specializing in Squarespace web design services positions you to take on multi-layered projects that go beyond design.
This approach has been pivotal to the success of thousands of website designers in the Six-Figure Design Club. With such ample proof of concept, the case for platform-specific niching gets stronger every day.
Showcase ROI-driven work
Your portfolio is a critical part of finding and securing clients. And for clients with bigger budgets, it’s all about results. Your portfolio should tell a clear story about what you’ve achieved for past clients, such as improved conversions, streamlined operations, revenue growth, and lead generation.
Create detailed case studies of your most successful clients, especially those who have employed services beyond web design (i.e., setting up Email Campaigns or Acuity Scheduling, copywriting, and search engine optimization). Share your client’s goals and how your expertise in web design, digital marketing, content strategy, and online business optimization helped achieve them. Include visuals from the project along with key metrics that quickly highlight the impact.
Leverage social proof and referrals
Showcase testimonials from previous clients to further demonstrate your ability to deliver results. High-paying clients seek designers with a proven track record, and positive reviews from respected brands can be the deciding factor. After all, how can you expect them to be willing to invest large sums in you if they can’t see a clear example of what they’ll get for their money?
Position yourself as an industry authority
Higher-paying clients aren’t just looking for someone who can build a website—they want an expert who can deliver results and provide unique insights.
In addition to marketing yourself as a well-rounded designer with many skills and services, there are other ways you can stand out and establish your credibility:
Publishing valuable content
Speaking at industry events
Offering exclusive insights via memberships or consultations
Offer full-service, high-touch solutions
Demonstrate the value of your web design services by expanding your offerings beyond just web design. By incorporating services like SEO, UX design, and ongoing web support, you position yourself as an essential partner in your client’s online success. Offer a suite of specialized services, including payment integration, email marketing setup, and more—all of which create new opportunities to increase your earnings per client.
Clients with a lot of revenue coming through their websites (including traditional ecommerce, service providers, and others) value a comprehensive approach and prefer long-term partnerships to one-off projects. By marketing yourself as someone who can handle everything from design and support to copywriting and brand development, clients will see your value and be more willing to invest in a premium, ongoing relationship.
Network among decision-makers
Networking is key to growing your business and attracting higher-paying clients, but you need to do it in the right place. Target decision-makers—those with the budgets and power to say yes (think business owners and founders, marketing directors and CMOs, and creative directors and brand managers). Join business communities, attend industry events, and build relationships with fellow professionals who serve similar clients.
Engage with decision-makers on professional social media platforms and consistently share insights into your work. Use this space to showcase case studies and testimonials, making your expertise visible to your target audience.
Social media is a balancing act—avoid direct selling and instead focus on providing value. When connecting with new people, introduce what you do naturally rather than pitching your services upfront. Share updates on past and current projects to subtly establish your expertise. Over time, they’ll associate you with high-quality work, and because you weren’t pushy, they’ll be more likely to trust and reach out when they need a designer. The result? More authority, more warm leads, and more income.
Sell value, not price
To attract higher-paying clients as a web designer, focus on selling value, not price. Rather than emphasizing the cost of your services, highlight the impact and benefits you bring to the table.
High-paying clients aren’t just buying a website—they’re investing in a tool that drives revenue, strengthens brand authority, and engages customers. Frame yourself as more than just a service provider; become a strategic partner in their brand’s success. This value-driven approach helps clients recognize the long-term return on investment, making them more willing to pay premium rates for your expertise.
Upgrade your brand presence
Your website, social media profiles, and any client-facing communications should reflect a high-end, polished brand that aligns with the level of clients you want to attract. Premium clients expect a premium experience. From the very first interaction, your online presence should showcase design skills, attention to detail, and professionalism.
Learn how to build a powerful web design portfolio.
Create exclusive, high-ticket offerings
Create bespoke offers and packages that are specifically tailored to VIP clients. Premium packages appeal to serious investors who are willing to pay more for a tailored, high-touch experience. They may include personalized services, custom solutions, more access to you or your team, and speedier turnaround times.
Learn more about packaging your web design services.
Set (and stick to) higher rates
High-paying clients associate price with quality, so undercharging can undermine your perceived expertise and value. Confidence in your skills is key—sell yourself as a top-tier web designer by setting rates that reflect your expertise and the full scope of services you provide. Avoid discounts or sales; instead, stand firm in your pricing. If you don’t believe in your own value, how can you expect clients to?
Learn more about pricing your Squarespace services.
Catch high-paying clients with the right strategy
Attracting premium clients as a web designer is all about establishing yourself as a high-value expert. By leveraging strategic networking, marketing, and value-driven selling, you’ll attract clients who see web design as a powerful investment in their brand. Offering a range of complementary services—such as SEO, email marketing, conversion optimization, and business automation—positions you as a one-stop solution, making it easier to command higher rates without overextending yourself. When clients recognize the full scope of value you bring, they’re more likely to invest in a long-term partnership rather than just a one-time project.
Want more?
Check out Squarespace Circle, Squarespace’s program for professional designers and web design agencies. 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.
