Here is a deadly mistake beginners make when starting a web design agency...

They think it's easy.

Starting a web design agency is often perceived as a straightforward endeavour: learn a skill, create a service, and the clients will come knocking. However, this couldn't be further from the truth. The harsh reality is that web design alone won't sustain your business or automatically bring in clients. As someone who has walked this path, I can tell you that the journey is far more intricate and demanding.

My Story: The Struggles of Starting Citi Ad Agency

I founded Citi Ad Agency with high hopes and a solid set of skills honed at Project X, where I was the top student. Despite my technical prowess, my agency didn't make money for two years. Instead, I was haemorrhaging funds, pouring R1000 I didn't have into ads that yielded no results. The turning point came when I shifted my focus from desperately seeking clients to building a robust portfolio. I invested time in creating exceptional work, which significantly enhanced my skills over the next year.

The Real Challenge: Sales and Marketing

No matter how good you are at web design, if nobody knows you exist, you won't make money. The most crucial aspect of any business is marketing and sales. These are the skills that turn your proficiency into profitability. Marketing creates awareness, but sales convert that awareness into revenue. The most successful businesses are those that master both.

Falling in Love with Sales and Marketing

To succeed, you need to fall in love with sales and marketing. Understand that people love buying but hate being sold to. This paradox means your approach must be subtle yet effective. Learning to market and sell your services is a game-changer. It was only when I grasped these concepts that my fortunes began to turn.

The Importance of Standing Out

What separated me and made Citi Ad Agency stand out wasn't just finding a niche—it was doing what most companies are afraid to admit: with the right processes, you can create websites or solve most digital service needs in less than three days if possible. Our unique value proposition (UVP) is that businesses can get their website or digital needs met in just a few days. Our mission is to empower businesses to achieve this rapid deployment and get up and running swiftly.

Our Vision and Goals

Our vision at Citi Ad Agency is to become a leading technology company globally, helping businesses with comprehensive service needs—from negative publicity cleanup and DMCA takedowns to all web-related requirements. We aim to be the number one choice for businesses seeking efficient and effective digital solutions.

Building Success

After redefining our approach and focusing on rapid turnaround times, Citi Ad Agency began to thrive. We closed last year with six figures in revenue and this year, we're on track to approach seven figures. This success is a testament to perseverance, continuous learning, and strategic planning.

Building a Portfolio and Networking

After failing to acquire clients initially, I focused on building a compelling portfolio. I showed my work to business contacts, and eventually, I landed a client who had multiple companies. This was a breakthrough moment. Despite earning only R2000, it was my first income from doing what I loved. This client’s trust opened doors to high-profile clients and allowed me to raise my prices and expand my reach.

Learning and Mentorship

Throughout this journey, I sought mentorship and continuously educated myself on marketing, sales, and business management. This guidance was invaluable. Learning from those who have succeeded before you can provide insights and shortcuts that save you time and resources.

Reflecting on Financial Management

In my early days, I made the mistake of mixing personal and business finances, which led to numerous banking issues. Separating these accounts is crucial for clear financial management and avoiding complications. Now, as I approach my fourth year in business, I’ve learned from these mistakes and have systems in place to ensure financial health and stability.

Conclusion: Learn from My Journey

Starting a web design agency is far from easy. It requires more than just technical skills. You need to master marketing and sales, find your niche, build a solid portfolio, form strategic partnerships, and manage your finances wisely. Learn from my journey and understand that while the path is challenging, with determination and the right strategies, success is within reach.

Feel free to check out Citi Ad Agency at citiadagency.co.za. We are a leading web design agency in South Africa, trusted by high-ticket clients to handle all their online needs. Let’s connect, learn, and grow together in this ever-evolving digital landscape.