Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in web design but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Candice Scott, a web designer based in Fernie, BC, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I’m a Website Designer helping solopreneurs and small business owners create beautiful, hard-working websites that connect with their ideal clients and help their businesses grow with alignment and ease. I mainly work with women who are coaches or consultants in the health, well-being, yoga, business, and marketing spaces.

Tell us about yourself

Before web design, I was an architectural designer. I loved designing thoughtful spaces for people (and still do- just online spaces now!). After my eldest son was born with a chronic health condition, I pivoted into digital design with the dream of creating an online business that allowed a more flexible lifestyle than corporate allowed me at the time. I feel so lucky to have found my way into web design - I love the mix of creativity and strategy it requires, and the clients I get to work with are a constant source of inspiration to me.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is always contributing to my clients’ success. A new website gives so much energy and inspiration to clients to put themselves and their offerings out into the world with confidence. Whether they are brand new to online business and just starting up their online presence, up-levelling an existing website to increase functionality and professionalism, or simplifying an unwieldy business and website to bring more ease into their lives. Every client has a unique set of needs and desires, so to be able to understand and meet each client’s needs individually and help them succeed in exactly the way they need is my biggest accomplishment.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

One of the hardest things is taking the time and energy to work on your own businesses! Online service providers spend so much energy and focus on their client’s projects, it’s very hard to turn around and then focus on our own business development and growth when needed.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Dream big but start small - when you’re first starting out, it’s so easy to get excited and then overwhelmed with all the pieces that go into an online business. Start with only the basics of what you need to get going while you test out your ideas. Your website doesn’t have to be as robust right away as the industry leaders who’ve been up and running for years. Test your ideas with real clients, allow for flexibility and change within your services based on what you learn, and continue to update your website and build your online presence steadily from there.
  2. Own your piece of online space - I always recommend purchasing your name as a domain as soon as possible! Even if you end up naming your business something else, it will help with SEO to have your name linked to it in Google searches. Social media is fantastic, but it doesn’t replace a website (even just a simple one) where you’re in full control and ownership of your own content, and you’re steadily building domain authority over time.
  3. Ask for help - know your DIY limits, and don’t waste days/weeks/months trying to figure everything out all by yourself. When you get professional help for things like websites, you can spend your precious time and energy in your own zone of genius doing the work that only you can do to serve your clients and move your business forward.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.candicescott.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candicescottdesign/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.