Start a Web Design Business: Start This for Under £300
Startup Cost: £50–£300 | Difficulty: Beginner | Time to Start: 7 Days | Business Type: Local
Introduction
Start a web design business without competing on price. Web design isn't saturated; it's misunderstood. Most people think they're competing with students charging £50 for a site. But the real money is in positioning, packaging, and pitching, not pixels.
If you've ever built a site, even just for yourself, you're already ahead of most small business owners. They don't want to learn design. They want results.
What is Selling Pre-Made Websites? Selling pre-made websites is a low-cost business idea that involves creating and selling websites that are already designed and built. This can be a great option for those who don't have extensive coding skills or experience in web design.
With the right tools and a bit of effort, you can create and sell websites that bring in a decent profit.
What is Selling Pre-Made Websites?
Selling pre-made websites is a low-cost business idea that involves creating and selling websites that are already designed and built. This can be a great option for those who don't have extensive coding skills or experience in web design.
With the right tools and a bit of effort, you can create and sell websites that bring in a decent profit.
Video Breakdown
This video covers the basics of selling pre-made websites, including how to find a profitable niche, create a website template, and market your product to potential buyers. You'll learn how to position yourself as a web design expert without needing to know how to code.
Watch the full video on YouTube for the full walkthrough.
Key Takeaways
- Web design isn't saturated; it's misunderstood.
- You don't need to know how to code to start a web design business.
- Positioning, packaging, and pitching are key to earning a decent profit.
- Find a profitable niche and create a website template that meets the needs of your target market.
- Market your product to potential buyers using a variety of strategies.
Startup Costs in the UK
MicroBiz365 keeps costs under £300; free tools and our PDF where possible.
| Item | Approx. Cost (UK) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Branding | £0-40 | Create a simple logo and brand identity. |
| Tools and Software | £0-50 | Use free or low-cost tools to create and manage websites. |
| First Materials or Checks | £30-100 | Purchase initial materials or pay for a trial period. |
| Website and Hosting | £0 | Use free tools and our PDF to create and host websites. |
| Branding Basics | £0-£40 | Create a simple logo and brand identity. |
| Contract/Template | £0-£50 | Use free or low-cost tools to create and manage websites. |
In practice, you can get to your first paying client for a total setup spend of roughly £100–£250, well under the £300 mark, then upgrade tools and protection as the business grows.
Tools & Equipment Needed
- Website builders like Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress.
- Graphic design tools like Canva or Adobe Creative Cloud.
- Project management tools like Trello or Asana.
- Marketing tools like social media scheduling software.
How to Start
- Find a profitable niche and create a website template that meets the needs of your target market.
- Use free or low-cost tools to create and manage websites.
- Market your product to potential buyers using a variety of strategies.
- Position yourself as a web design expert without needing to know how to code.
- Offer maintenance contracts and recurring income.
- Partner with hosting companies or accountants to refer clients.
- Use cold calling, flyers, forums, advertising, and affiliate marketing to find clients.
Earnings & Scaling
You can earn a decent profit from selling pre-made websites, but the amount will depend on your niche, marketing strategies, and pricing. In the UK, you can expect to earn between £500-£2,000 per month, depending on the size and complexity of the websites you create.
Pros, Cons and Risks
Pros:
- Low startup costs.
- Flexibility to work from home.
- Potential for recurring income.
Cons:
- Competition from other web designers.
- Need to continuously update skills and knowledge.
- Risk of clients not paying on time.
Risks:
- Dependence on a single client or niche.
- Need to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
UK-Specific Tips
- Register your business with HMRC and obtain necessary licenses.
- Use UK-specific platforms like Etsy or Facebook Marketplace to sell your websites.
- Comply with UK data protection and privacy laws.
- Use UK-friendly payment gateways like PayPal or Stripe.
FAQ
Q: Do I need to know how to code to start a web design business?
No, you don't need to know how to code to start a web design business. You can use free or low-cost tools to create and manage websites.
Q: What are the startup costs for a web design business in the UK?
In practice, you can get to your first paying client for a total setup spend of roughly £100–£250, well under the £300 mark, then upgrade tools and protection as the business grows.
Q: How much can I earn from selling pre-made websites in the UK?
You can expect to earn between £500-£2,000 per month, depending on the size and complexity of the websites you create.
Q: What are the benefits of selling pre-made websites?
The benefits include low startup costs, flexibility to work from home, and potential for recurring income.
Q: What are the risks of selling pre-made websites?
The risks include competition from other web designers, need to continuously update skills and knowledge, and risk of clients not paying on time.
Conclusion
Starting a web design business in the UK can be a lucrative and low-cost venture. By following the steps outlined in this article and using the right tools and strategies, you can create and sell websites that bring in a decent profit. Browse more ideas on MicroBiz365 to find the perfect side hustle for you.
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