If you're a freelance web designer (or even if you own a web design firm), you undoubtedly know how competitive the web design landscape is. One of the best ways to differentiate your brand and command higher fees is to specialize in a niche. But which web design niche is best for you? The best design niches are lucrative, certainly, but they also center around specific and measurable results. Specialize in any of the following five web design niches, and you'll be in business (and well-paid for it) for a long time.
1. Landing page design
Landing pages are a numbers game: your client works to direct traffic to the landing page, and it's up to you to convert as many visitors as possible into customers. Increasing conversion rate by as little has half a percent can lead to tens or even hundreds of thousands (or even millions) of dollars in increased profits.
The key to commanding top dollar for landing page design is to establish yourself as being able to deliver real results. When you can maximize conversions through design, you can maximize your fees.
2. UI and usability design
User interface and usability place huge roles in online profits. The more usable a service, the more likely people are to use it. If they have to hunt for the links and information they need, they'll abandon the site without making a purchase or taking other action. Master the fine art (and, perhaps, science) of designing for usability, and you'll be a valuable tool for serious web-based companies who understand the correlation between usability and profits.
3. Email design
Like landing pages, emails need to convert customers. If you can design compelling emails that get opened, get clicked and then convert, you'll be well on your way to establishing yourself as an in-demand designer. Study what makes a great email pitch, and then develop a formula for designing emails that sell. When you can provide measurable results, you'll be a sought-after designer.
4. Accessibility design
Making the web accessible to those with disabilities is a major design priority, but few companies do it well. Learn what goes into accessible web designs and how to make them more accessible to different types of people. Understand what Section 508 is and how to comply with it. Companies don't want to miss sales to a large segment of the population or appear insensitive, and many would be happy to have you ensure their sites are completely accessible.
5. Social media design
Companies that truly care about their brand images want custom-designed Facebook covers and Twitter backgrounds. They need custom-designed avatars. They also need custom-designed photo posts that help brand their companies. If you can design these things, you can help companies promote their brands, products, services and specials via social media. Make social media presences more powerful and profitable, and you could carve out a lucrative niche in the web design world.
What other web design niches can earn top dollar?