Starting a business from scratch can be a daunting task. With so many moving parts and uncertainties, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and lost in the process.

After 6 years of entrepreneurship, I have learned a lot of lessons, but one of the most influential things I have learned is how important your strategy and mindset is when diving into the world of entrepreneurship. My journey into entrepreneurship was rocky and I definitely was not an overnight success, but I do now have a design studio I am completely obsessed with. I work with amazing clients, really fun projects and have a small team to support me so I can spend time traveling, with my family and doing things outside of work that are important to me. To me, that is the most important thing that matters when building a business.

I recently reflected on my journey to building a multiple six-figure design studio and in this blog, I’ll go into five essential steps that can set you on the path to success, drawing insights from real-world experiences and valuable lessons that I have learned along the way.

You can also listen to Episode 91: What I’d Do If I Were Starting My Business From Scratch for valuable lessons on navigating entrepreneurship, setting up for success, and living your purpose.

01. Focus on Your Core Service

One common mistake many new designers make is trying to do too much at once. I was SO guilty of this (and still have to fight the urge to this day!). While it’s tempting to offer a wide range of services or products, spreading yourself too thin can dilute your brand and hinder your ability to establish authority in your niche.

Instead, focus on honing one core service or product that you excel at. By becoming known for your expertise in a specific area, you’ll attract the right clients and build a reputation as the go-to person in your field. For example, get really good at brand and website design. Once you have experience working with at least 10-20 high-value clients on projects you’re obsessed with, consider adding another service like copywriting or photography (just examples!).

02. Curate Your Portfolio

Your portfolio is a reflection of your capabilities and the types of clients you want to attract. Rather than showcasing a diverse range of projects, focus on curating a portfolio that aligns with your ideal clients and the work you’re passionate about.

Quality trumps quantity here—include projects that resonate with your target audience and demonstrate your skills effectively.

Don’t have enough work to showcase? Don’t be afraid to create conceptual projects to fill gaps in your portfolio and showcase your vision to potential clients.

03. Master One Marketing Platform

In the digital age, there are countless marketing channels available, from social media to email marketing to SEO. However, trying to be everywhere at once can lead to burnout and ineffective results.

Instead, focus on mastering one marketing platform where your target audience spends their time. Whether it’s Instagram, TikTok, or another channel, invest your time and resources into creating compelling content and engaging with your audience consistently without overwhelming yourself.

04. Implement Systems and Processes

As your business grows, having efficient systems and processes in place becomes crucial for scalability and client satisfaction. From client onboarding to project management to invoicing, having standardized procedures ensures a seamless experience for both you and your clients.

Invest time upfront to develop and refine your systems, as they will save you time and headaches in the long run. You can grab any of my design process templates in my shop HERE.

05. Network, Network, Network

This is something all high-level entrepreneurs know, yet no one is offering it as business growth advice. Building genuine connections with other professionals and potential clients is invaluable for growing your business. Attend networking events, join industry groups, and engage with your online community to expand your network and discover new opportunities.

Remember, networking is not just about selling yourself—it’s about building relationships and offering value to others. By fostering genuine connections, you’ll open doors to collaborations, referrals, and long-term partnerships.

Building brand and website design business requires dedication, perseverance, and a strategic approach. By focusing on your core service, curating your portfolio, mastering one marketing platform, implementing efficient systems, and networking effectively, you’ll be well on your way to building a thriving business.

Remember, success doesn’t happen overnight, but with patience and persistence, you can turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality. So roll up your sleeves, take action, and embrace the journey ahead!

If you found this post helpful, you can also listen to Episode 91: What I’d Do If I Were Starting My Business From Scratch for valuable lessons on navigating entrepreneurship, setting up for success, and living your purpose.

P.S. if you have questions or need guidance in building your design studio, come say hi on instagram (@byoliviaaustin) and we can chat there!