Did you know that 28% of small businesses still don't have a website in 2023?

Even those who do often have websites that are far from effective in generating business.

If you're passionate about no-code tools and are looking to start or expand your own business, then creating websites for local businesses might just be the perfect opportunity for you. In today's post, we’ll walk through this business idea, discussing its strengths, tools you can use, how to get clients, and ways to scale.

Watch the video and read on:

The Problem Many Businesses Face

Most business owners are experts in their field, not in web development or online marketing.

Moreover, many don't have the time or interest to acquire the technical skills necessary for creating a professional online presence.

This is where you can add tremendous value. From mom-and-pop shops to professional service providers like CPAs and attorneys, the need for robust, functional websites is ever-present and growing.

Why This Is a Strong Business Idea

Think about all the local businesses that you come across daily—movers, cleaning companies, restaurants, salons, etc.

The fact that many of these don't have an online presence or have outdated websites makes this a ripe opportunity. Convincing them of the need for a quality website is often not difficult; they already know that an online presence can add credibility and lead to more business.

Tools of the Trade

Creating a website without coding skills is easier than ever thanks to no-code tools.

These platforms are intuitive and offer various levels of customization. Here are some you might consider:

Carrd

Carrd is excellent for one-page websites and is perfect for portfolio websites or landing pages for those who don't need a multi-page website.

This could be for photographers, artists, and some service businesses.

Squarespace

Squarespace allows for more complexity, from "About Us" pages to blogs, and it’s excellent for scalability, offering e-commerce solutions as well.

Once you get used to the design process, it's a tool that is easy to use.

Many people have heard of Squarespace which can help.

Webflow

If you’re after maximum customization, Webflow is your best bet.

Though it comes with a steeper learning curve, the platform is robust and versatile, allowing for more dynamic websites.

Shopify

For local businesses with significant online sales, Shopify is a good option, particularly when you're thinking about e-commerce.

Which tool you use is down to you, your experience, and your clients.

Learn more about no code tools here:

Finding Clients

While it's true that every business needs an online presence, not all businesses understand the value of a well-crafted website. Finding clients will require a mixture of proactive outreach, strategic networking, and building a strong online presence.

1. Local Networking Events

Participate in local networking events, such as chamber of commerce meetings, business association forums, or entrepreneur meetups. These events are often filled with business owners looking for services, or those who can introduce you to potential clients.

2. Social Media Outreach

Use platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook to reach out to local businesses:

• LinkedIn: Connect with local businesses, join local business groups, and participate in discussions. Regularly post about your services, sharing the benefits of a well-designed website.
• Twitter: Engage with local businesses, retweet their content, and introduce your services in a non-pushy manner.
• Facebook: Beyond your personal posts, join local business groups and communities where you can offer advice, share testimonials, and advertise your services.

3. Leverage Online Platforms

• Google My Business: Set up your profile so local businesses searching for web design services can easily find you.
• Freelancer Platforms: Sites like Upwork and Fiverr can be a good starting point to gain initial clients and build a portfolio.

4. Engage with Local Media

Local newspapers, radio stations, or community newsletters often have business sections where you can introduce your services, share tips on web design, or offer special promotions to readers/listeners.

5. Direct Outreach

Identify local businesses with outdated or non-existent websites. Reach out to them directly via email or even a personal visit. Offer an initial consultation for free to demonstrate the value you can provide.

Additionally, don't neglect email marketing. Here is a playlist we made on this:

Monetization

Let's now discuss how to monetize this type of no code business.

We're going to break this down into different sections.

Initial Setup Fee

Determining the right pricing model for your initial website setup is crucial.

Think about factors like the complexity of the website, the no-code platform you're utilizing, and any additional features the client may require.

One approach is to introduce bundled packages. For example, offer a basic website setup for starters, progress to an advanced package that incorporates more pages and features, and then peak with a premium package that introduces e-commerce capabilities.

Maintenance & Updates

In the digital age, having a static, unchanging website doesn't cut it.

This is where your monthly maintenance packages come into play. These packages can cover a set number of content updates, regular performance checks, and software updates.

But remember, not all updates will fall within the confines of these monthly plans. For those ad hoc changes and updates, have a separate pricing structure based on the effort and time required.

Hosting & Security

Website hosting can be bundled with your design services.

By handling the hosting aspect for your clients, you not only add another revenue stream but also offer clients a hassle-free solution.

Additionally, in the age of cyber threats, offering security packages that incorporate SSL certificates, regular backups, and security audits can be a game-changer.

Diversify with Additional Services

The website is just the start. Clients often need help with SEO and content marketing to improve their search engine ranking.

This can either be an initial setup or an ongoing service. Moreover, helping businesses claim and optimize their Google My Business listings can be a significant value addition. But why stop there? Delve into email marketing by aiding clients in setting up email lists, designing catchy newsletters, and framing effective email campaigns.

Upselling: The Art of Offering More

While it’s great to provide basic website setups, the real growth comes from offering more.

Introduce clients to the idea of regular blogs and content creation to keep their site updated and SEO-friendly. With the rise of social media, integrating and even managing social media feeds on websites can be a boon. Advanced features, be it chatbots, booking systems, or e-commerce functionalities, can provide enhanced user experiences and better business results for your clients.

Scaling Beyond the Basics

Let's say you get the idea off the ground and have gained some traction.

Well, the next step, if you want to go this route, is to scale. Here is how.

Building Your Team

As your clientele grows, it's impossible to remain a one-person army.

Collaborating with freelancers can offer a flexible solution. You can maintain your core team while expanding and contracting based on demand. Additionally, having specialists on board, be it for SEO, content, or e-commerce, can allow your business to cater to a broader clientele.

Specialization vs. Expansion

There’s an allure in becoming the go-to person for specific industries.

By focusing on specific sectors like restaurants, salons, or real estate, you can refine your marketing efforts and cater to industry-specific needs more effectively. However, once you’ve achieved dominance in one local market, there’s nothing stopping you from replicating that success in other towns or cities.

Embracing Technology & Offering More

Automation can be a lifesaver.

From client onboarding to invoicing, numerous tools can streamline operations and save precious hours. Moreover, a well-curated portfolio showcasing your best work can be a magnet for bigger clients or challenging projects.

Yet, the key to lasting success and continuous scaling is diversification. Transitioning from merely offering web design to providing a comprehensive range of digital marketing services, like social media management and PPC campaigns, can lead to exponential growth. Another avenue? Offering training workshops on the ins and outs of website management, no-code tools, or even basic digital marketing can set you apart in the market.

Here is a case study that goes through how to automate tasks for businesses:

Forging Ahead with Partnerships

Collaborations can lead to new opportunities and increased revenues. Partnering with popular no-code platforms might earn you affiliate commissions or even a spot as a preferred service provider. Additionally, forging joint ventures with other agencies or businesses can help tap into a more extensive clientele or take on larger projects.

Conclusion

Creating websites for local businesses using no-code tools offers a tremendous opportunity to solve a real-world problem while making good money. If you're interested in diving deeper into the world of no-code tools, be sure to check out our courses and community here.