What I’d Do Differently If I Started My Design Business Today

for designers

Mar 18

Written By Odalys

Less guessing, more strategy (and way fewer “just posting and hoping” moments)

The Past GIFfrom The Past GIFs

If I could go back to day one of my design business…

I wouldn’t change everything.
But I would move a lot smarter.

Because I didn’t fail.
I just took the long way in a few areas.

So if you’re starting (or feeling stuck), here’s exactly what I’d do differently.

1. I’d get painfully clear on who I’m for

I used to think:
“If I can design anything, I can serve everyone”

Respectfully… no.

The more general you are, the harder it is for people to see themselves in your work.

Now I know:
Clarity = conversions.

If I started today, I’d choose:

A specific type of client
A specific problem
A specific outcome

And build everything around that.

2. I’d stop underpricing just to “get experience”

This one hurts a little.

I thought charging less would:

Bring in more clients
Help me build confidence

What it actually did?

Attract misaligned clients
Drain my time
Slow down my growth

You don’t need 50 projects to be credible.
You need a few good ones that actually reflect the level you want to be at.

3. I’d build my website like a sales tool, not a portfolio

My early site was basically:
“Here’s what I’ve done :)”

Which is nice… but not effective.

If I started today, my homepage would:

Speak directly to my ideal client
Call out their problems
Show them what’s possible
Lead them to one clear next step

Basically I’d implement my Revenue Flow Framework from day one.

Because your website should be working for you, not just sitting there looking pretty.

4. I’d prioritize conversations over content

I spent way too much time thinking:
“I just need to post more”

Meanwhile… I wasn’t actually talking to people.

Content builds awareness.
But conversations build trust.

If I started today, I’d:

Engage more in DMs
Ask better questions
Actually connect with people

Not in a forced way —
just in a “hey, I see you” kind of way.

5. I’d focus on one offer before trying to do everything

At one point I had:

Custom websites
Semi-custom websites
VIP Days
Branding
Templates
Random add-ons
A little bit of everything

It was… a lot.

And confusing for people.

If I started today, I’d build:
👉 One strong, clear, results-driven offer

Then refine it.
Then scale it.

Simplicity sells. Always.

If you’re feeling behind, you’re not.

Most of us just learn these things after we’ve already been in it for a while.

But if you can take anything from this:

You don’t need to do more.
You need to do the right things, on purpose.

That’s what actually builds a business that lasts.

Meet the Author

Odalys Ogma

Hi there, Odalys here.
Grab your preferred comfy drink (my go-to is an iced mocha) and check out these quick insights to pick my brain as a designer and self-made business owner. Let me know if anything helped you out, feedback is what helps me grow!

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