When I founded my web development business, all I did was websites. By itself that's a fine way to make a living - if you have a lot of new business beating a path to your door. It didn't take long to realise however that while I was making a name for myself I would need to do more if I was going to survive the first twelve months. Fortunately, the answer came to me in a question from my next customer. "Can you organise my business cards too?"
Now my first reaction was to say no, after all I was a high-flying-wannabe web designer. I didn't have time to waste on any non-website matters. But upon thinking about it I realised that there were a whole lot of services out there that weren't really that far removed from the essence of web design. The essence, I hear you ask? Well, think about it from the average startup business' point of view. It's all about marketing their image so as to generate sales. So what else can a small time web designer do to help market their clients' image? Lets make a list...
Firstly, would have to be the web site itself, right? Wrong! There's probably a graphic artist in your company already, otherwise how are you making eye catching websites? Ok, maybe you contract that out. That's fine. By the time we're done, you might be contracting a few more things out too. Anyway the point is that your graphic design could start with a new logo for the startup business or the business undergoing a full re-branding. And once you have their logo contract, they'll no doubt be wanting to produce business cards, letterheads, with compliments slips, etc. See where we're going here? How hard would it be to introduce yourself to a few local printing firms and develop a repeat business relationship on behalf of your customers. Play your cards right and you'll be getting trade discount sufficient enough to give your customers no reason to shop elsewhere. And you thought you only did websites! There's no reason why you can't also offer large format printing too if your printer offers it for banners and presentation displays. Your customers will be thrilled that you can do everything they need.
But getting back to the website, which is probably why your customer came to you in the first place. The website is no good without a domain name registration, web hosting, search engine optimisation and maybe even a pay-per-click advertising campaign to really get them off and racing. All value added services to your client and all very achievable by you.
So the point is to be in tune with your customers needs. Have a look at your business and see how you might best leverage the skills and resources available to you to provide your clients the best and most comprehensive service possible.