Web Design Empire

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.

21 - Inherited Websites Debate (the red-headed stepchildren of web design)

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. Episode info here! Never miss an episode drop Access ALL our training materials for $29 Need a Web Design Mentor (or 2)?

09-23
28:29

20 - How to Keep Web Design Clients (for Decades)

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. Episode info here! Never miss an episode drop Access ALL our training materials for $29 Need a Web Design Mentor (or 2)?

09-10
30:39

19 – Working with Developers as a Web Designer: What You Need to Know

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. Episode info here! Never miss an episode drop Access ALL our training materials for $29 Need a Web Design Mentor (or 2)?

08-27
38:04

18 - How to Tame the Scope Creep Monster (and Stop Projects from Dragging Out)

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. Episode info here! Never miss an episode drop Access ALL our training materials for $29 Need a Web Design Mentor (or 2)?

08-12
35:27

17 - Burnout Survival for Web Designers - Stay Sane and Paid

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). Episode info here! Never miss an episode drop Access ALL our training materials for $29 Need a Web Design Mentor (or 2)?

07-30
41:04

16 - The Right Way to Present Web Designs to Clients (and Avoid Endless Revisions)

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. Episode info here! Never miss an episode drop Access ALL our training materials for $29 Need a Web Design Mentor (or 2)?

07-15
44:31

15 - Referrals vs. Sales Machine for Web Designers: What Actually Works?

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. Episode info here! Never miss an episode drop Access ALL our training materials for $29 Need a Web Design Mentor (or 2)?

07-01
30:47

14 - There’s No Place Like Homepage: What Every Web Designer Needs to Know

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. Episode info here! Never miss an episode drop Access ALL our training materials for $29 Need a Web Design Mentor (or 2)?

06-19
45:21

13-How to Price Web Design Projects (Without Underselling Yourself)

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. Episode info here! Never miss an episode drop Access ALL our training materials for $29 Need a Web Design Mentor (or 2)?

06-03
54:36

12 - Web Design Worries That Don't Deserve the Hype

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. Episode info here! Never miss an episode drop Access ALL our training materials for $29 Need a Web Design Mentor (or 2)?

05-20
36:38

11 - Stuck in a Web Design Rut? How We Find Fresh Design Inspo

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. Episode info here! Never miss an episode drop Access ALL our training materials for $29 Need a Web Design Mentor (or 2)?

05-06
36:18

10 - Our Favorite Web Design Upsells & Downsells - Stop Leaving Money on the Table

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. Episode info here! Never miss an episode drop Access ALL our training materials for $29 Need a Web Design Mentor (or 2)?

04-23
46:46

9 - Website Hosting for Web Designers – The Good, the Bad & the Ugly

From smooth migrations to website hosting nightmares—here’s what every web designer needs to know about managing hosting in your business. Episode info here! Never miss an episode drop Access ALL our training materials for $29 Need a Web Design Mentor (or 2)?

04-08
38:22

8 - How to Build a Web Design Business You Can Actually Sell

Thinking long-term? Here’s how to turn your freelance web design business into a valuable, sellable asset. Episode info here! Never miss an episode drop Access ALL our training materials for $29 Need a Web Design Mentor (or 2)?

03-26
39:29

7. AI & Web Design – Threat or Opportunity?

Will AI replace web designers or make us unstoppable? We break down what every designer needs to know right now. Episode info here! Never miss an episode drop Access ALL our training materials for $29 Need a Web Design Mentor (or 2)?

03-11
40:09

6 - Our Best and Worst Decisions in Building a Web Design Business

From smart moves to epic mistakes—this is the real story of how we built multiple six-figure web design businesses. Episode info here! Never miss an episode drop Access ALL our training materials for $29 Need a Web Design Mentor (or 2)?

02-26
38:41

5 - Multiple Revenue Streams for Web Designers

There’s more than one way to earn as a web designer. Let’s talk hosting, digital products, courses, and beyond. Episode info here! Never miss an episode drop Access ALL our training materials for $29 Need a Web Design Mentor (or 2)?

02-17
38:40

4 - Breaking Up with Web Design Clients (And Why That’s a Good Thing)

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. Episode info here! Never miss an episode drop Access ALL our training materials for $29 Need a Web Design Mentor (or 2)?

02-16
48:32

3 - Web Design Wins & Lessons: 2024 Recap + Big Plans for 2025

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.  Episode info here! Never miss an episode drop Access ALL our training materials for $29 Need a Web Design Mentor (or 2)?

02-16
50:50

2 - How to Scale to Multiple Six Figures as a Freelance Web Designer

Want to hit six figures (and then some) as a freelance web designer? We're sharing the behind-the-scenes strategy that changed everything. Episode info here! Never miss an episode drop Access ALL our training materials for $29 Need a Web Design Mentor (or 2)?

02-16
37:40

Alex Arafat

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.

05-14 Reply

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