The part about charging 10k for a project instead of taking on 10 1k projects is so important. Less stress, less hours, more creativity . More time with family and friends.
F**k! this is super important. We are overwhelmed right now because we did not set the parameters and they keep coming and seems like it never ends. And the budget is over
Can totally relate to the undercharging for the first project part. However, sometimes you just have to in order to start building your portfolio. After all, earning peoples trust is one of the toughest parts when you are first starting out :)
Yup. Every big company start with entry level product to penetrate market and gaining some traction at the beginning. While his advice is good, it is not very suitable for beginners.
I'm not a web design agency founder but I made a similar mistake of not prioritizing our core product. Now that I am, I am finally seeing progress! Thank you for sharing your stories!
Probably the best simple advice I have heard on the subject. I have made all these mistakes in the exact same way. Now I'm starting afresh with a new brand and agency model. This advice was so timely! Thank you, man. Much love from Nairobi, Kenya.
If a business does not exist without the owner, it is not a successful business. Absolutely vital. Management and HR is so important, companies fall apart without proper processes. Thanks for this video dude!
I gotta say man, I am always skeptical of YT videos of agency owners when they have a list of points everyone needs to know, or mistakes they made. This was actually refreshing and something I never thought about, save the process. Looking forward to some more of this! Subbed.
Wooo man that was a big punch for me! I was doing everything wrong as you mentioned 😭😭... by the way thank you for the advices it will be game changer 🙏
Love this man. Very helpful. I'm in the systems and processes right now, and also hiring team members to help fulfill. It's tough. I'm about to watch your SOP video. New sub!
This is very helpful. I would love to watch more videos on how you scaled up taking baby steps. The reason is that it helps newcomers to better understand their way to becoming an agency.
Thanks John. I think for me my biggest mistake is getting caught up in those low bidding freelancing websites. It's basically a race to the bottom. Eventually I learned that if I take the time to build up a solid company, I can go out and find people who are willing to pay legitimate prices for my services. The people wanting the lowest price possible can be the worst clients to have.
Great advice, thank you. Regarding scope creep, my approach is: "Great idea for Phase 2", then if they push, I crowbar the hourly rate into the conversation.
I just recently started an Agency and these video and your channel are about to be my new guide to not messing it up. Do you have any videos on how to allocate different jobs to different team members. Also Should there be a hierarchy within an agency of 7 aside from the Founder that is? and last question would you recommend using agile methodologies for a team of 7?
Thank you for sharing! I would have to say biggest mistake is definatley under charging due to not fully understanding the persons business model. I now make sure I do a workshop with a new client to understand their business before providing a full quote. I have been working with a private client for a number of years who provide me constant work, I realised recently as my team grows I am reliant on this one client. What is the best way to connect with new ones, do you have any methods you could share?
Man, such a great video! I’ve only done a few websites but have experienced several of these issues. You speak like a great leader. Thank you for the help 👏🏻
A big one for me is starting projects with clients, and then the client doesn't have content ready for the website, and I have had to coach the content out of them, and make it appropriately formatted for the web. How do you approach this? My first project was more like copywriting, building content for the client's website. Great video brother.
I've owned my own agency for 14 years and these points are awesome. My question is how do I exit to be just the owner. I want the company to run itself.
I know this is old lol but UNDER CHARGING AND FALLING DEEP INTO THE HANDS OF IMPOSTER SYNDROME!!! My current issue but I am trying to research is... My current issue is setting certain monthly goals vs projects and having that flow right. Ex: Goal 10k a month.. project A. Pays that but it's spread over 4 months and half is paid at the beginning of the project and the other half is paid at the end. . My issue is filling in income between those months but also making sure I can balance extra projects during that time too. 🤦🏾♀️
0:40 - Not Prioritizing a Few Core Services 03:04 - Lacking Systems and Processes 06:12 - Scope Creep 09:20 - Undercharging for Work 12:37 - Too Many "Chefs" in the Kitchen
Nice advice ! Thank you for sharing this, I've recently started my Web design and development business and this is really helpful. I was wondering which project management tool / software do you prefer to use with your clients? ( I've tested Asana combined to Google drive with my first clients but I find it quite annoying in term of threads based messaging system .) Do you have any recommendation that you tried, tested and enjoy ? 😊
I have a question. What's your opinion when it comes to taking payments from clients. Is it better to have them pay everything upfront? At my agency we do a deposit and then they make payments but my personal concern is how to avoid a situation in which the client stops making payments on time. Howw do you handle it?
@@5fourdigitalmarketing Thank you so much for answering this. Definitely will consider this method. 5Four has earned another subscriber and I am eager to eventually join your courses. Thank you for sharing your insight and expertise :)
great content going through almost everything you mentioned in the video. I work as a freelancer at the moment, can you create or refer me to any of your content that talks about writing good proposals, and also contracts
The part about charging 10k for a project instead of taking on 10 1k projects is so important. Less stress, less hours, more creativity . More time with family and friends.
so so true, Diane!
BIG FACTS!
F**k! this is super important. We are overwhelmed right now because we did not set the parameters and they keep coming and seems like it never ends. And the budget is over
The worst feeling!
Can totally relate to the undercharging for the first project part. However, sometimes you just have to in order to start building your portfolio. After all, earning peoples trust is one of the toughest parts when you are first starting out :)
Yup. Every big company start with entry level product to penetrate market and gaining some traction at the beginning.
While his advice is good, it is not very suitable for beginners.
I'm not a web design agency founder but I made a similar mistake of not prioritizing our core product. Now that I am, I am finally seeing progress! Thank you for sharing your stories!
Glad you enjoyed our content. Man, finding a niche is CRUCIAL. Great to see you've found your pocket of success!
Probably the best simple advice I have heard on the subject. I have made all these mistakes in the exact same way. Now I'm starting afresh with a new brand and agency model. This advice was so timely! Thank you, man. Much love from Nairobi, Kenya.
Glad I could help!
This is actually a very smart and sharp video, all the others seem like self advertisement.
If a business does not exist without the owner, it is not a successful business.
Absolutely vital. Management and HR is so important, companies fall apart without proper processes.
Thanks for this video dude!
I know it's been a while, Jacob! Thank YOU for watching!
bruh this video has so much sauce!!!
appreciate ya!!!
I gotta say man, I am always skeptical of YT videos of agency owners when they have a list of points everyone needs to know, or mistakes they made. This was actually refreshing and something I never thought about, save the process.
Looking forward to some more of this! Subbed.
Wow, that means a lot thank you!
Damn. I've been struggling with Scope Creep for too long. Almost killed my agency. Thanks for the advice
Wooo man that was a big punch for me! I was doing everything wrong as you mentioned 😭😭... by the way thank you for the advices it will be game changer 🙏
BOOM! Thanks for the tips!!!
Happy to help!
Love this man. Very helpful. I'm in the systems and processes right now, and also hiring team members to help fulfill. It's tough. I'm about to watch your SOP video. New sub!
Thanks!!!
How can I apply?
This is great, thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome!
Grate video, but I'm keen to check out the contract, you might of forgot to add.
This is very helpful. I would love to watch more videos on how you scaled up taking baby steps. The reason is that it helps newcomers to better understand their way to becoming an agency.
Good point! Will do!
Great Video John! Thank You!
Real value here. Thank you.
Thanks John. I think for me my biggest mistake is getting caught up in those low bidding freelancing websites. It's basically a race to the bottom. Eventually I learned that if I take the time to build up a solid company, I can go out and find people who are willing to pay legitimate prices for my services. The people wanting the lowest price possible can be the worst clients to have.
SO TRUE!!
It is not enough for me watch this video just one time. I download it and will be watching over and over
Great insight John. Thanks for your humility and for sharing.
you're welcome!
Great information here. Thanks John!
you're welcome!
You earned a new subscriber Sir!
Great advice, thank you. Regarding scope creep, my approach is: "Great idea for Phase 2", then if they push, I crowbar the hourly rate into the conversation.
Literally gold thankyou
Great stuff, thanks!
You’re welcome! Thanks for taking a look!
Scope creep is real😅 learning from experience right now. Setting expectations at the beginning is key!
Great video!! Did add the link to the contract? I can't see it
Always giving us the keys to be our best ! I appreciate you ! 🙏🏾🙏🏾
thanks!
I loved all of your suggestions
Thanks, Cliff!
Processes win! Definitely experienced all of these!
Always!!!
Outstanding video, thank you
I just recently started an Agency and these video and your channel are about to be my new guide to not messing it up. Do you have any videos on how to allocate different jobs to different team members. Also Should there be a hierarchy within an agency of 7 aside from the Founder that is? and last question would you recommend using agile methodologies for a team of 7?
Great information John, blessings.
Thanks!
Keep the content coming broo
will do!
I can relate with all of 😅
Very useful advice, especially on #2 and #3.
Thanks!
Thank you for sharing! I would have to say biggest mistake is definatley under charging due to not fully understanding the persons business model. I now make sure I do a workshop with a new client to understand their business before providing a full quote.
I have been working with a private client for a number of years who provide me constant work, I realised recently as my team grows I am reliant on this one client. What is the best way to connect with new ones, do you have any methods you could share?
These are great tips. You have a new subscriber!
Man, such a great video!
I’ve only done a few websites but have experienced several of these issues.
You speak like a great leader. Thank you for the help 👏🏻
This was a really helpful video, thanks 🙏
you're welcome!
Nice advice, thanks
you're welcome!
Great info! Thanks for sharing!!
You’re welcome!
Really good stuff in here. Thank you for your video.
Great advice
A big one for me is starting projects with clients, and then the client doesn't have content ready for the website, and I have had to coach the content out of them, and make it appropriately formatted for the web. How do you approach this? My first project was more like copywriting, building content for the client's website. Great video brother.
i had the same escenario happen to me, absolutely mind numbing
thank you
you're welcome!
Thanks a lot, but where is sample contract you mention?
thank you dude - this is great
Happy to help!
Very valuable
I've owned my own agency for 14 years and these points are awesome.
My question is how do I exit to be just the owner. I want the company to run itself.
Working on that now!
I know this is old lol but UNDER CHARGING AND FALLING DEEP INTO THE HANDS OF IMPOSTER SYNDROME!!!
My current issue but I am trying to research is... My current issue is setting certain monthly goals vs projects and having that flow right.
Ex: Goal 10k a month.. project A. Pays that but it's spread over 4 months and half is paid at the beginning of the project and the other half is paid at the end. . My issue is filling in income between those months but also making sure I can balance extra projects during that time too. 🤦🏾♀️
0:40 - Not Prioritizing a Few Core Services
03:04 - Lacking Systems and Processes
06:12 - Scope Creep
09:20 - Undercharging for Work
12:37 - Too Many "Chefs" in the Kitchen
thanks
Great content. Love what you're doing. How did you create your case studies? Can it be a PDF for starters or must it be hosted somewhere on the web?
Built native on the website, but you can def do a pdf, just host it on drive and share the link
@@5fourdigitalmarketing Thanks for your response
Nice advice ! Thank you for sharing this, I've recently started my Web design and development business and this is really helpful. I was wondering which project management tool / software do you prefer to use with your clients? ( I've tested Asana combined to Google drive with my first clients but I find it quite annoying in term of threads based messaging system .) Do you have any recommendation that you tried, tested and enjoy ? 😊
Hey isabelle! Ty, we use Asana! I actually did a training on this you can find here - th-cam.com/video/SZhV0HXkFeQ/w-d-xo.html
I have a question. What's your opinion when it comes to taking payments from clients. Is it better to have them pay everything upfront? At my agency we do a deposit and then they make payments but my personal concern is how to avoid a situation in which the client stops making payments on time. Howw do you handle it?
Good question. We take 50% upfront, 25% when wireframes are approved and 25% upon completion. This helps get rid of any issues!
@@5fourdigitalmarketing Thank you so much for answering this. Definitely will consider this method. 5Four has earned another subscriber and I am eager to eventually join your courses. Thank you for sharing your insight and expertise :)
great content going through almost everything you mentioned in the video. I work as a freelancer at the moment, can you create or refer me to any of your content that talks about writing good proposals, and also contracts
Definitely! We actually have a course on this - bit.ly/thewdsacourse
I starting out as web designer and recently finished my first project. My mistakes were charging too low and set wrong deadlines.
Happens to the best of us!
7:32 Still waiting for that contract
More mula! I like 👏👏👏
100% true
Made every single one mistake 😳
haven't we all!!!
Amazing Content!!!! Thank you so much, "SCOPE CREEP" amazing advice
you're welcome!