Hey there, developers! You\u2019re reading this because you know you\u2019re strengths! <\/p>

WHAT'S INSIDE<\/p>\nToggle<\/span>

Team Up to Take on New Clients<\/a>
- There\u2019s a Major Market for It<\/a><\/li>
- Two Heads Are Better Than One<\/a><\/li>
- Take On More Diverse Projects<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Tips on Scouting a Talented Sidekick<\/a>
  - Browse Online Platforms<\/a><\/li>
  - Networking<\/a><\/li>
  - Freelance Job Boards<\/a><\/li>
  - Design Schools and Programs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
  - 5 Steps to Starting Your Own Agency From the Foundations Up<\/a>
    - Step 1. Identify Your Niche and Target Audience<\/a><\/li>
    - Step 2. Craft a Captivating Brand Identity and Mission Statement<\/a><\/li>
    - Step 3. Register Your Business with the Appropriate Authorities<\/a><\/li>
    - Step 4. Set Yourselves Up for a Harmonious Partnership<\/a><\/li>
    - Step 5. Design and Develop Your Website!<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
    - Examples of Agencies Using MemberPress<\/a>
      - MoochyLou Designs<\/a><\/li>
      - Ark Design<\/a><\/li>
      - Integris Design<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
      - Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
        You\u2019re a problem-solving pro<\/strong> that turns pixels on the page into interactive engaging experiences, bringing the digital realm to life with your coding superpowers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
        You are not a designer<\/strong>. You don\u2019t want to be. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        But potential clients are missing out on your serious talent, what they need is a designer-developer dream team. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        It\u2019s time to join forces with your perfect sidekick<\/strong> \u2013 a creative, skilled designer \u2013 to show clients that two heads are better than one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
        In this blog, we\u2019ll guide you on your quest to find your ideal design partner<\/strong> and form a powerhouse duo that\u2019ll leave those elusive \u201cunicorn\u201d competitors in the dust. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        We\u2019ll also reveal the tips, tricks and tools to help you effortlessly sell your combined services on WordPress<\/strong>, and keep your clients coming back for more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
        <\/span>Team Up to Take on New Clients<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
        If you\u2019re in any doubt about whether starting your own agency is the way to go, here are just a few of the benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
        There\u2019s a Major Market for It<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
        Businesses want to deal with one entity <\/strong>to get their websites up and out into the world. They know what they want, but they don\u2019t want to spend time project managing the process alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
        They\u2019ve got stuff to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
        $\"A$ <\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
        Agencies to the rescue! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        As a collaborative dream team, you and your designer can work together to problem-solve and iron out the details without heavy involvement from your clients. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        This brings us to our next major benefit\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
        <\/span>Two Heads Are Better Than One<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
        Collaboration leads to innovation<\/a> and ensures your projects stand out in today\u2019s competitive market. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        By tackling challenges from multiple perspectives, together you\u2019ll unlock new ideas and solutions you wouldn\u2019t have come up with individually. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        That means a better final product<\/strong> for your portfolio, happier clients<\/strong>, and more inspiring work<\/strong> to keep you motivated day to day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        What do you know? That brings us to benefit number 3\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
        <\/span>Take On More Diverse Projects<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
        Merge your technical prowess with stunning visuals and BAM! Your dynamic partnership produces impactful, agile solutions that cater to both form and function<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        With your team members\u2019 complementary skill sets, your agency can take on a more diverse range of projects. You can cater to clients with varying needs and open up new opportunities for growth and success. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        <\/span>Tips on Scouting a Talented Sidekick<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
        Now that you know the benefits of partnering with a designer, it\u2019s time to find the perfect match for your skillset. Here are some tips for scouting exceptional design talent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
        <\/span>Browse Online Platforms<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
        Use websites like Dribbble<\/a>, Behance<\/a>, and LinkedIn<\/a>. You\u2019ll find all kinds of talented designers showcasing their portfolios, and you\u2019ll be able to connect with professionals in the industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
        $\"Dribbble$ <\/a>
        Dribble web design portfolios<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
        <\/span>Networking<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
        Attend industry events, conferences<\/a>, and meetups<\/a> to connect with designers in person and build relationships. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        Also, don\u2019t underestimate the power of your existing network. Reach out to friends, family, and colleagues for referrals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
        <\/span>Freelance Job Boards<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
        Browse job boards like Fiverr<\/a>, Upwork<\/a>, or Toptal<\/a> to find freelance designers with proven experience and a diverse range of expertise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
        <\/span>Design Schools and Programs<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
        Local design schools and universities can be an excellent source if you\u2019re short on cash and just getting started. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        They\u2019re a great source for finding up-and-coming talent looking to get a foot in the door. You might also be able to partner with design programs for collaborations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        In either case, the price will be lower than it would working with a seasoned professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
        <\/span>5 Steps to Starting Your Own Agency From the Foundations Up<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
        Before you and your designer partner can conquer the world, you\u2019ve got to lay the groundwork for your powerhouse agency. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        Here\u2019s your action plan:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
        <\/span>Step 1. Identify Your Niche and Target Audience<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
        Determine your agency\u2019s focus and the types of clients you want to serve. By specializing in a particular niche, you\u2019ll be able to better understand your clients\u2019 needs and swoop in with tailored solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
        \n\n $\"Read$ <\/a>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
        For example, you might specialize in ecommerce<\/a>, HIPAA-compliant healthcare sites<\/a>, fitness sites, restaurant and takeaway services<\/a>, or online publications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        All these different niches have specific needs for your agency to specialize in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        <\/span>Step 2. Craft a Captivating Brand Identity and Mission Statement<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
        Develop a mission statement that reflects your agency\u2019s core values and purpose. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        \n\n $\"\"$ <\/a>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
        Use this mission statement as a kind of brief for your name, logo<\/a>, and design elements. Together, these will communicate your unique offerings and help you stand out from the competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
        When choosing a name for your new agency, check that a suitable domain name is available and register it right away. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        BlueHost<\/a> is a great option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
        $\"Bluehost$ <\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
        <\/span>Step 3. Register Your Business with the Appropriate Authorities<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
        Here\u2019s the serious bit. Ensure you\u2019re operating legally by\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
        \n
        Registering your agency with the relevant government authorities<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        Getting any necessary licenses<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        Taking care of tax requirements<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
        For most small businesses in the US, all you\u2019re legally required to do is register your business name with state and local governments and get a federal tax I.D.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
        The Small Business Association has a super helpful, clear and thorough guide<\/a> to help you through the process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        To LLC or not to LLC?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
        Since you\u2019ll be starting your agency with a partner, you\u2019ll most likely want to register as either a general partnership or an LLC<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        A general partnership doesn\u2019t operate as its own legal entity. Each partner is responsible for paying their taxes on personal tax returns. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        Any income losses pass through the partners individually, and you\u2019re both personally liable for any lawsuits or debts your business may incur. That\u2019s why it\u2019s seriously worth considering starting an LLC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
        With an LLC, each owner gets limited liability. This means that in most states and in most circumstances, your personal assets will be protected. Only the business will be impacted by lawsuits, liens, and debts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        Set Yourself Up For Tax Compliance<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
        Selling online has its own set of headaches when it comes to tax compliance<\/a>. If you\u2019re selling your service as a subscription with MemberPress, there\u2019s an easy workaround to ensure you\u2019re always tax compliant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
        MemberPress integrates seamlessly with Stripe Tax<\/a>, which automatically applies the correct tax amount to each sale based on your customers\u2019 addresses. It works across different states and internationally too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        Stripe Tax also automatically provides your with comprehensive reports, ensuring your records are accurate, and always up-to-date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
        \n\n $\"Stripe$ <\/a>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
        <\/span>Step 4. Set Yourselves Up for a Harmonious Partnership<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
        It takes two to tango, but you\u2019ve got to make sure you don\u2019t tread on each other\u2019s toes. Switching from freelance work <\/a>to working in a partnership comes with a few challenges. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        To make your partnership a smashing success, it\u2019s crucial to sync up with your design partner and ensure you\u2019re a well-oiled machine. Here are some tips to fine-tune your collaboration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
        Establish Clear Expectations and Roles<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
        Sit down and define each person\u2019s responsibilities within the agency. With crystal-clear roles, you\u2019ll dodge misunderstandings, balance your workloads, and boost your teamwork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
        Create a Partnership Agreement as Your Shield<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
        Draft a rock-solid partnership agreement that outlines the terms of your alliance. Include things like profit-sharing, intellectual property rights, and how you\u2019ll tackle disputes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        $\"Two$ <\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
        This agreement will safeguard both parties and provide a clear framework for smooth sailing success. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        Be Open to Changes as Workflow Intensifies<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
        These expectations and roles may need to be revised as you adjust to workload patterns and as your business grows. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        Use a project management tool like nTask<\/a> to help you track each other\u2019s workload and availability on each project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
        $\"Ntask$ <\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
        As your business grows and the offers come pouring in, you may want to expand your team. In the meantime, you can outsource to freelance employees. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        A website like Fiverr<\/a> can help you find freelance employees without all the administrative effort of drawing up contracts. It\u2019s a quick fix to help ease heavy workflow until you\u2019re in a position to take on employees. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        <\/span>Step 5. Design and Develop Your Website!<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
        Now\u2019s the time to shine! Your first project together will be creating a stand-out website for yourselves. It\u2019s time to pull out all the stops and show your clients what you\u2019re capable of. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        Now, you\u2019re a developer, so we\u2019re not here to teach your grandmother to suck eggs. But here are some points worth extra consideration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
        Portfolio<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
        It goes without saying that you\u2019ll need an ace portfolio to showcase your work. Use anything you can from your past work as a freelancer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        If you want to showcase work you did whilst under employment it can get a little tricky. If they own the copyright then you\u2019ll need to ask permission for portfolio display rights. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        If you had a good relationship with your employer, this usually isn\u2019t a problem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        First Contact<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
        Consider whether you want to offer an initial consultation<\/strong>. It\u2019s a great way to develop a closer relationship with your potential client from the starting block. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        Simply Schedule Appointments<\/a> is a super easy-to-use plugin that adds a booking calendar to your WordPress website. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        With their Plus account, you can sync it to your Google calendar to automatically set your availability. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        $\"Simply$ <\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
        Payment Model<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
        Consider offering a subscription service<\/a> to spread payments over multiple months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
        This is an especially attractive payment option<\/a> for small businesses that may balk at the upfront cost of a new, professional website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
        You can also use this option to enable your clients to automatically pay for ongoing maintenance<\/strong>, or create bundles<\/strong> for design, development, and maintenance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        MemberPress is perfect <\/strong>for doing just this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        With MemberPress, you can set up multiple payment tiers<\/a> <\/strong>for different services. That way, you don\u2019t have to worry about sending out a bunch of manual invoices to your clients. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        It also means fewer payment delays and errors<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        Plus it\u2019s super convenient for your clients. MemberPress supports PayPal and Stripe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        Client Portal<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
        You can also use MemberPress to create a password-protected portal<\/strong> for your clients!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
        A client portal provides a professional, centralized space<\/strong> where your clients can communicate with you, sign agreement forms, access their files, and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        WP Beginner has a step-by-step guide on how to create a client portal with MemberPress.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
        Here are a list of useful MemberPress add-ons and integrations to help you customize your client portal<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
        BbPress<\/a> \u2013 add a forum to your client portal to enable easy communication between you and your clients<\/p>\n\n\n\n
        MemberPress Downloads<\/a> \u2013 Upload files for your clients to access from the client portal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
        Jotform<\/a> \u2013 Easily create terms of service agreements for clients to sign with Jotform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
        $\"Jotform$ <\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
        With MemberPress\u2019s Jotform integration<\/a>, you can set up event-based triggers. For example, trigger a terms of agreement form each time someone new subscribes to your maintenance service, or signs up to the client portal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        Even better? MemberPress is highly customizable. <\/strong>Our developers are constantly creating snippets to help you easily customize MemberPress. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        Check out examples of our commonly used action<\/a> and filter <\/a>hooks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        Plus, with the free WPCode plugin<\/a>, the process is easy, and you get access to a library of useful snippets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        $\"WPCode$ <\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
        <\/span>Examples of Agencies Using MemberPress<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
        The proof is in the pudding, right? Check out some real life web design and development businesses using MemberPress right now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
        <\/span>MoochyLou Designs<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
        MoochyLou Designs<\/a> is a web design and development agency based in Melbourne Australia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        They use MemberPress to manage their client portal<\/strong> and offer maintenance packages on their sites. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        $\"MoochyLou$ <\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
        Clients can choose from a starter pack with basic plugin and software updates, to the \u201cDynamic\u201d package which includes backups, speed checks, optimization, and security monitoring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        <\/span>Ark Design<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
        Dutch web agency Ark Design also uses MemberPress to offer web maintenance services<\/a>. Their most advanced package includes daily backups and security scans as well as WooCommerce support and weekly reports. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        $\"Ark$ <\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
        <\/span>Integris Design<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
        Integris is a web design, development, and marketing agency based in Asheville, North Carolina. They use MemberPress<\/a> to offer split and recurring payment options<\/strong> for their clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
        $\"Integris$ <\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
        <\/span>Conclusion<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
        Starting your own agency is all about finding the right designer<\/strong> to team up with. From there, focus on building a strong brand<\/strong> and a jaw-dropping website<\/strong> to showcase your work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        By following these steps, you\u2019ll have the ability to cater to a diverse range of clients<\/strong> and offer a full spectrum of services. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
        Here\u2019s a recap of the steps involved in starting your own agency and setting up a strong foundation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
        \n
        Step 1. Agree on a niche and target audience.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
        Step 2. Work together on creating a captivating brand identity and mission statement.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
        Step 3. Register your new agency with the appropriate authorities<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        Step 4. Define your roles for a harmonious partnership.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
        Step 5. Design and develop the perfect website to showcase your skills.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
        Elevate your website with MemberPress to offer split repayments and repeat services like website maintenance. You can also a develop a client portal to centralize your client communications and give them access to key documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
        Now\u2019s your chance to expand your career<\/strong> and maximize your earnings<\/strong>. Start building your own thriving agency today!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
        Do you have any questions about starting your own agency on WordPress? Let us know in the comments section below<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
        \n\t\n\t\t
        \n\t\t\t $\"cta$ \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
        \n\t\t\t
        Get MemberPress Today!<\/h3>\n\t\t\t
        Elevate your client experience and set up recurring revenue streams with MemberPress.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t
        \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tGet MemberPress Now\n\t\t\t\t\t $\"arrow\"$ \n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t See All Features<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
        Hey there, developers! You\u2019re reading this because you know you\u2019re strengths! You\u2019re a problem-solving pro that turns pixels on the page into interactive engaging experiences, bringing the digital realm to life with your coding superpowers. You are not a designer. You don\u2019t want to be. But potential clients are missing out on your serious talent, [\u2026]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":73814,"featured_media":54360,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_strive_editorial_status":"complete","_strive_copy_of":0,"inline_featured_image":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","_FSMCFIC_featured_image_caption":"","_FSMCFIC_featured_image_nocaption":"","_FSMCFIC_featured_image_hide":"","_strive_checklists":"[\"62cf4e42c2f82\",\"z8uot84m6gw0\",\"18o9kbsg7v1c\",\"wt2cyqvgnfk0\",\"bmbtjxcx9bs0\",\"3nwjz39y0xk0\",\"lyfu6qus0ts\",\"62cf51436474d\",\"85o2tiaxclw0\",\"goln292usf40\",\"62l2hqk0cgs0\",\"2sdi4hj3ngo0\",\"z311yx8bthc0\",\"fi0py4p30y80\",\"6faj3orznps0\",\"9pi65jqoq0c0\",\"xtdwba9kmo00\",\"lhcizi8va1s0\",\"ag433l69le00\",\"hg5i4rf6z3c0\",\"932oeotkzyg0\",\"bw5zcz90w340\",\"xuz1h6qsikw0\",\"ofen32da5w00\",\"imgft6dvzpc0\",\"68t63oqaxf40\",\"ls5v512cwf4\",\"w09fdtiheww0\",\"j8ttqaki8yg0\",\"amsydqjslcs0\",\"xiprixgfenk0\",\"8irevronbqo0\",\"o9213wmqhps0\",\"y4ubk5h7qo00\",\"7bbagpozn7g0\",\"9d7ydn8032o0\",\"5d7a2mbevas0\",\"q2ibdmuujn40\",\"scb5a77eyuo0\",\"ej3lg592vhs0\",\"h15p8mgbrbc0\",\"onhxghsdbgg0\",\"doerp2s98xc0\",\"gpn58teazkg0\",\"jeyuqoj6fio0\",\"4ukpajzxgug0\",\"si6h17g1yz40\",\"scvgepwerhs0\"]","_strive_active_checklist":"62291e2bb2422","_strive_post_notes":"KW: starting your own agency KD:26% GV:210\r\n- Everyone wants a unicorn (designer & developer) but they\u2019re in short supply. \r\n- Team up with an amazing designer and focus on your strengths to level up your offerings and get new clients.\r\n- Use MemberPress to sell your services","footnotes":""},"categories":[69,144,134,145],"tags":[297,1071,322,622,998],"class_list":{"0":"post-53279","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-advice","8":"category-business","9":"category-how-to-2","10":"category-tools","11":"tag-developer","12":"tag-developer-tips","13":"tag-online-business","14":"tag-small-business","15":"tag-wordpress-business","16":"entry"},"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t