I must admit. It is hard to persuade or prove to fellow Filipinos that having a website will sky rocket their businesses’ growth. I always approach owners at stalls on the mall and ask them if they were interested in having a website for their business. I am amazed by how many people still don’t know what is the internet and how they can benefit from it. I am a bit surprised that most of them thought that I was a scammer. I find it funny though and I can’t blame them. I never dresses well like a salesman. I just approach someone upfront spontaneously. I mean, I wanted to help and I was just passing by.

The benefits of having a web site designed and developed for your business is crucial. Even for Philippine franchise that wants to sell their business, needs a web design. Have you ever searched the internet for a service and found that the one you found is located somewhere in the US or in Cebu? While you are in the opposite part of the country. Then you found out that the service you’re looking for is just around the corner? Businesses, big or small, needs a website. People will almost always search the internet first before they go ask a family, relative or a friend about their needs. Why? Because its easier!

Let’s breakdown the advantages and disadvantages of having a website for a business.

Advantages of a Business Website

• Customers will search the internet first before asking or searching offline.
• Business websites provides instant contact and connection with your customers or clients.
• Web sites for businesses are easy to set up and maintain.
• Almost anyone knows how to surf the internet.
• Anyone can access your business 24 hours a day.
• Having a business name on your domain will build trust to your clients.
• The whole world is your audience

Disadvantages of a Business Website

• You have to pay for a small price for the hosting and domain.
• You might need to update the page once in a while and if you don’t know how to code. This could be a problem. But most of the time, web designers and developers are willing to do this for you for free or a small price. The good thing is, there is another option, you may want to tell the developer to install a CMS (Content Management System) on the site that will let you edit the site without having to learn any coding.

Web design is a business. Freelancers are businessmen. Small time, yes. But still, they don’t have a boss to answer to so that makes them a businessman. In starting out as a freelance web designer, you are in charge of how far you can go, everything is up to you. Now, when you start to earn money from your web design works, always remember that in business, you need to invest in order to grow.

Always remember that the money you earn in web design as a freelancer is not totally yours. The government has part of it (tax) and most of it are for your business. Only allot 10% of your earnings as yours to be freely spent (living expenses). The rest, you should reinvest in your business. Here is a list of things that you should pay attention to and spend your money when you already have your web design business taking off the ground.

1. Invest On Stock Photos. Always remember that picture paints a thousand words. In web design, this is important, if you can replace a bunch of texts into a good looking picture, its golden. And besides, web designers are artist that wants to make the site look good. Purchasing lots of stock photos from the start is a good investment that you can never go wrong. Plus, you can keep them and use them again and again. Start collecting premium and high quality photos, don’t be afraid to buy them if its really good. That differentiate a good designer from a noob. Noobs only use google & find stock images, professional designers invest their money for high quality images.
2. Invest On Tools, Add Ons & Other Programs. If you’re using photoshop to make your web designs, you know that there are a lot of things that you can add on to it. Brushes, patterns that all comes in different varieties made by other web designers. Some of it are free, some of it are not. This is also a good investment as they can save you a lot of time rather than making the same effect over and over again.
3. Invest Icons, Eye candies. I definitely hate making icons. They are so small yet they take so much time to create. But the good thing is that they can be bought. If you think you are wasting time in doing these kinds of stuff, buying them is the best option.
4. Invest In Yourself. The best investment that you can never go wrong is yourself. Purchase videos, dvds, tutorials or training seminars & even subscription to design magazines to further enhance your design skills. Buy tickets to conventions like Graphika Manila where you can broaden your knowledge on the latest trends. There is no limit when it comes to web design. Since we are fueled by creativity, it has no limits. The best way to be on top of this industry is to always be aware of the latest trends, effects, and make sure that you have the money to grow your knowledge in the field.

I’m excited for my new dedicated server. They are still on the process of setting up things that I still have to wait for few more days. I was totally working like a dog all day with web design jobs and tried my best to NOT SLACK at home. This is really hard, see, when you are in the office, you can not slack because your boss will make rounds and you’re too scared to be caught. If you’re at home, no boss will gonna catch you so I always always find myself slacking, watching movies, videos and playing games.

Here are some of the things I did to lessen my slacking habits.

1. Make A To Do List - I always keep a handy dandy notebook by my side to put up my task for today. I divide them by 2. Those that are pending works and those that are needed to be done today. I always limit myself to only 5 tasks everyday so I will still have time to… slack off, take a walk or do some exercise. Since its been raining for the past couple of weeks, I just went and worked some more.
2. Cancel All Noise - I have with me a headset that can cancel noise. In the house, my siblings are all noisy and the television is a big distraction. I’ll play a soothing music or just put the headset on so I can hear silence. This keeps me focused.
3. Momentum Is King - Momentum is a powerful force. Basketball coaches knows that. So you should also. If I know I am hyped to work, and I already did all the tasks, I do some more. Momentum is great as it makes you feel like you’re on fire.
4. Keep Your Work Times - Allot time for your work. If you’ll work for 8 hours today, do it. Separate work from personal life. If 8 hrs should you work, try not to do anything for personal reasons by that time and let the whole family know about it. Put a “Shhh… Genius at work” poster on your office door so everybody would know. LOL
5. Always Keep A Bottle Of Water By Your Side - Standing up and going for a drink is a distraction. I get to past by the television to get some drink which distracts me and makes me want to sit down and watch the television. I see to it that my bottle is full so I won’t get interrupted.

This work ethics applies to any kind of work. Should it be home based business, freelance jobs or working in the office. How about you? Do you have some tips?