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Description
Ready to turn your web design dreams into a thriving business? Whether you’re just starting out or leveling up from side gigs to six figs (and beyond), Web Design Empire is your go-to podcast for actionable strategies, insider stories, and expert mentorship.
Hosted by John & Kelly - two seasoned web design pros who broke up with bosses, cubicles, commutes, and ditched the 9-to-5 grind over 15 years ago and never looked back. We’ve each built multiple six-figure freelance web design businesses—and we’re here to show you how to do the same. We’re not just designers; we’re also course creators, business coaches, web design store owners—and for more fun, Kelly manages real estate and John’s a touring musician. TL;DR: We know what it takes to build an empire.
What you can expect each episode:
- Actionable tips to start and scale your web design business
- Proven strategies to hit six figures or more
- Real-world stories from two mentors still in the game
- Tips for creating a thriving business plan and landing dream clients
If you’re ready to break free from the grind, build a business you love, and live life on your terms, hit subscribe. And when you’re ready to go all in, check out our courses and mentoring programs to fast-track your success.
Your empire isn’t going to build itself. Let’s do this together.
Hosted by John & Kelly - two seasoned web design pros who broke up with bosses, cubicles, commutes, and ditched the 9-to-5 grind over 15 years ago and never looked back. We’ve each built multiple six-figure freelance web design businesses—and we’re here to show you how to do the same. We’re not just designers; we’re also course creators, business coaches, web design store owners—and for more fun, Kelly manages real estate and John’s a touring musician. TL;DR: We know what it takes to build an empire.
What you can expect each episode:
- Actionable tips to start and scale your web design business
- Proven strategies to hit six figures or more
- Real-world stories from two mentors still in the game
- Tips for creating a thriving business plan and landing dream clients
If you’re ready to break free from the grind, build a business you love, and live life on your terms, hit subscribe. And when you’re ready to go all in, check out our courses and mentoring programs to fast-track your success.
Your empire isn’t going to build itself. Let’s do this together.
21 Episodes
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Inherited a mess of a website? In this episode, we weigh the pros, cons, red flags, and real-life stories of taking on web design clients with sites you didn’t build.
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What makes clients stick around for the long haul? In this episode, we break down the client retention strategies that have kept our web design businesses thriving for 20+ years—and why basic customer service is your ultimate secret weapon.
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Hiring a web developer can be game-changing—or a total nightmare.
In this episode, we break down when you actually need one, how to avoid common pitfalls, and how to collaborate like a pro.
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Ever had a client ghost you mid-project… or suddenly want "just one more thing"? In this episode, we share our best strategies for setting boundaries, managing client expectations, and keeping web design projects on track from start to finish.
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Sick of the hustle grind? Getting triggered by client emails?
In this episode, we’re getting real about web design burnout and how to beat it—with smarter systems, sanity-saving tips, and real talk from two seasoned freelancers who’ve been there (and back).
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Still sending clients a link and asking, “What do you think?” There’s a better way. In this episode, we share the exact design presentation process we use to get fast approvals and keep projects moving.
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Is it smarter to rely on referrals or build a full-blown sales machine to grow your web design business? In this episode, we unpack the strategy that’s helped us scale—without ads, cold calls, or fancy automation.
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What makes a homepage actually work? In this episode, we break down the strategy, structure, and surprising mistakes we still see on client sites—and what separates a generic homepage from one that sells.
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Struggling to figure out what to charge for websites—or when to raise your rates? In this episode, we’re breaking down the real-world pricing strategies that helped us build six-figure web design businesses.
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From site speed obsession to oversized logos and ADA panic—some web design worries are way overhyped. In this episode, we’re calling out the myths and sharing what actually matters when building great websites.
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Feeling creatively stuck or tired of recycling the same ol' web designs? We're sharing our go-to sources for fresh ideas and eye-catching inspo to get your creativity flowing again.
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Want to easily boost your web design revenue? We're revealing the exact upsells clients find irresistible, plus Kelly’s slam-dunk downsell that wins projects and preserves profits.
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From smooth migrations to website hosting nightmares—here’s what every web designer needs to know about managing hosting in your business.
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Thinking long-term? Here’s how to turn your freelance web design business into a valuable, sellable asset.
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Will AI replace web designers or make us unstoppable? We break down what every designer needs to know right now.
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From smart moves to epic mistakes—this is the real story of how we built multiple six-figure web design businesses.
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There’s more than one way to earn as a web designer. Let’s talk hosting, digital products, courses, and beyond.
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Sometimes you’ve got to let a web design client go. Here’s how to spot red flags, set boundaries, and break up like a pro.
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We recap 2024’s wins, lessons, and wild adventures—like Kelly’s real estate moves & John’s band featured on The Voice. They also share their 2025 game plan for their respective Web Design Empires.
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Want to hit six figures (and then some) as a freelance web designer? We're sharing the behind-the-scenes strategy that changed everything.
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Really enjoyed this read on skeleton screens! 😃 It’s crazy how much difference placeholder shapes make — showing a layout preview instead of a blank spinner feels so much more polished. The best practices you listed (like matching content hierarchy, ensuring smooth transitions, and being mindful of mobile UX) are spot on. I also liked the part about balancing perceived performance with actual performance — skeletons don’t shrink load times, but they totally improve how long users are willing to stick around. Thanks for the insights from Clay’s article: https://clay.global/blog/skeleton-screen— lots to apply in future projects!
Absolutely agree! I’ve been building my freelance web design business with that long-term mindset, focusing on systems, branding, and client retention. A while back, I took inspiration from https://abilenewebsitesdesign.com/ — their clean structure and professional presentation really showed me how a well-organized site can reflect a business’s value. It's all about creating something that can run without you and appeal to future buyers.