Hey there! If you’re reading this, chances are you’re in the same boat as us here at Wise Choice Web Design. We officially launched on March 20th, 2025, right here in beautiful Whitby, Ontario. We’re a family owned and run web design company, and we’re buzzing with excitement to help small businesses and entrepreneurs in the Durham Region shine online.
We truly believe that every business, no matter its size, deserves a fantastic website and amazing service that doesn’t cost a fortune. That’s our mission, and we’re passionate about making it happen for businesses throughout the Durham Region, including Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, Clarington and Port Perry.
But let’s be real. Launching a new business, especially in the competitive world of web design, comes with some serious challenges. Right now, one of the biggest things on our minds (and probably yours too!) is: how do we get the ball rolling and land those first few customers?
So, as we navigate these early obtacles ourselves, we thought we’d share some of the strategies we’re putting into action. Consider this your friendly guide—a mix of tried-and-true methods and some fresh perspectives to help you build that initial client base and get your name out there.
I know what you’re thinking. Why would we share this information with other website development companies? Aren’t they our competition? The simple answer is, we’re a different kind of company. We believe that being 100% transparent is the only way. We believe that helping others is never a bad thing. If another website development company finds our information helpful and is able to land their first few customers, that’s amazing! We’re cheering right along with them. There is nothing wrong with healthy competition and there are many customers out there. We’re very confident in our abilities and secure in the belief that we will be successful. Now with that out of the way…
Let’s dive in!
1. Start Right in Your Own Backyard – The Power of Local
When you’re just starting out, trying to cater to every single business in every possible location is like shouting into a hurricane. Your message will get lost. Think of it this way. The web development ocean is vast and full of well-established players. The whales, if you will. They have the resources, the portfolio, and the brand recognition to attract a wide range of customers. As a new minnow, trying to compete directly with these giants for the same broad audience is a recipe for getting swallowed whole.
We are currently a minnow ourselves and we’re navigating these treacherous seas right along with you. So we have decided to focus our attention on small businesses and entrepreneurs right here in the Durham Region. Our first step is to connect with our local community. Don’t underestimate the power of face-to-face interactions!
- Networking Events: Keep an eye out for local business meetups, chamber of commerce events, and industry specific gatherings in your city and the surrounding areas. Introduce yourself, chat with people, and genuinely learn about their businesses. You never know where a conversation might lead.
- Local Business Associations: Consider joining local business associations. This can provide networking opportunities, potential referrals, and even a listing in their directory.
- Community Involvement: Get involved in local initiatives or sponsor community events. This isn’t just good for visibility. It also shows you’re invested in the success of your community.
- Direct Outreach (The Friendly Way): Identify small businesses in your local community that you genuinely admire or feel could benefit from your services. Send a personalized (not generic!) email introducing yourself and offering a free website consultation or audit. Focus on how you can help them achieve their goals.
2. Leverage the Digital World (It’s What We Do, Right?)
As a web design company, your own online presence is paramount. It’s your digital storefront and a powerful way to attract potential clients.
- Optimize Your Own Website: Make sure your website is not just visually appealing but also user friendly, informative, and optimized for local search (think keywords “web design Whitby”, “web design Oshawa”, “web design Ajax”, “web design Pickering”, “web design Clarington”, “web design Port Perry”, “web design Durham Region”, etc.). Showcase your services, what makes you different from the rest and include a clear way for potential customers to contact you (call to action).
- Content Marketing is Your Friend: Start a blog (like this one!). Share valuable insights, tips, and advice related to web design, online marketing, search engine optimization (SEO) and how a strong online presence can benefit small businesses. This positions you as an expert and attracts potential customers searching for this information.
- Social Media Presence: Choose the platforms where your target audience is likely to be. For small businesses, LinkedIn, Facebook, and even Instagram can be valuable. Share your blog posts, showcase your work (once you have some!), and engage with local businesses online.
- Local SEO is Key: Make sure your Google My Business profile is complete and accurate. Encourage satisfied customers (once you have them!) to leave reviews. This significantly impacts your visibility in local search results for “web design” and related terms.
3. Tap into Your Existing Network (You Know More People Than You Think!)
Don’t forget the connections you already have.
- Friends and Family: Let your friends and family know about your new venture. They might know someone who needs web design services or be willing to spread the word.
- Past Colleagues and Professional Contacts: Reach out to former colleagues or professional contacts. They’ve worked with you before and can vouch for your skills and work ethic.
- Ask for Referrals: Once you land a client and they’re happy with your work, don’t hesitate to ask for referrals. Word of mouth marketing is incredibly powerful.
4. Consider Strategic Partnerships
Collaborating with other businesses that serve the same target audience but offer different services can be a win-win.
- Marketing Agencies: Partner with local marketing agencies that don’t offer web design in house. You can become their go to web development experts.
- Graphic Designers: Collaborate with graphic designers who might have clients needing website development.
- Business Consultants: Connect with business consultants who work with small businesses and can recommend your services.
- Printers and Signage Companies: These businesses often work with clients who are also establishing or revamping their brand, which includes a website.
5. Offer Value and Build Trust
In the beginning, it’s critical to demonstrate your value and build trust with potential customers.
- Free Consultations or Website Audits: Offering a no obligation consultation or a free website audit can be a great way to get your foot in the door and showcase your expertise.
- Portfolio (Even a Small One Matters): Even if you haven’t built many customer websites yet, showcase personal projects, mock-ups, or websites you’ve created for friends or family. This gives potential customers a glimpse of your skills.
- Testimonials and Case Studies: As soon as you complete a project that you’re proud of, ask for a testimonial. Even a short positive quote can go a long way. Once you have a few successful projects, create case studies that highlight the problem, your solution, and the results.
- Be Transparent and Communicate Clearly: From the initial consultation to the final delivery, ensure you communicate clearly, set realistic expectations, and be transparent about your process and pricing.
Our Journey Begins Too!
So, there you have it! Some of the key strategies Wise Choice Web Design will be focusing on as we work to build our client base here in Whitby and the Durham Region. We’re excited about the journey ahead and connecting with the amazing small businesses and entrepreneurs in our community.
We know that building a business takes time, effort and a lot of patience, but we’re in it for the long haul and 100% committed. Exciting times lay ahead for sure!