Mat Schramm

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Interview: Entrepreneurship in Web Design


 
 

Luke Miller is a web designer and developer in Sacramento, California. He works at a marketing firm and also runs his own business, Miller Marketing. There, he works with businesses and nonprofits in his area to develop a web presence that gets attention.

Were you a marketer first or a designer first?

I studied marketing in college. I think it was a valuable process for me personally, as it allowed me to explore and experiment in ways that I probably wouldn’t have if I had just gone straight into design/development. I can look at websites from that perspective and see things others might miss, which has come in handy when talking with clients and making course corrections mid-project.

What have you learned about the intersection of creativity and business?

Creativity and business are inseparable. Sure, you could operate your business the exact same, day in day out, with a safe, tried and true formula. But without passion, creativity, and the daring to try new things, experiment, and get messy, you won’t go nearly as far. Failing sucks, but if you aren’t failing, you aren’t trying hard enough.

How have you grown your audience?

I routinely reach out to others writing in my space, or even outside of it, and forge connections. Again and again I see that one of the most powerful things you can do is to simply talk to people. Whether they’re other bloggers or designers, your own audience, or those in other fields, just talk. Not everyone will be a gold nugget, but every connection you make has value.

What are some common mistakes/pitfalls you see with websites?

Not making your website responsive. Creating responsive designs should be integral to any website, and sites that are older and don’t have that functionality need to update. You're driving away traffic. Another common pitfall is when newer website try to do too much. A few design elements are great, but don't go overboard with rotators, rollovers, and multiple video backgrounds. Make sure your boldness isn’t overwhelming your content.

Who is doing web design well?

There’s an article on WPMUDEV’s website called “The 15 Wordpress Sites That Are Changing The Design Game” that showcases some jaw-dropping designs that I have spent way too long scrolling through. Some are big showy websites, some are subtle and simple, but all of them are some amazing examples of web design done well.

How does social media play a part in your business?

Social media has gotten me some of my bigger clients.  I use it to connect to my audience and other content creators, and I use it to connect with my local community. There are myriad ways to use social for your business, and just as many guides to tell you how to do it, but I always try to just communicate things I have energy and passion for and do it using my own voice. People will always sense when you’re being fake.

How do you stay on top of your craft?

I get to collaborate with other really talented people every day, and asking questions and learning from them is something I am always grateful for. I am always researching the latest strategies, the coolest new themes and plugins, and scouring blogs for new ways to accomplish various things. It can be overwhelming sometimes, and I inevitably want to run off in five directions to start new projects from the ideas I get, but inevitably this learning comes up in a project and I can contribute something new and fresh.

What challenges have you faced? How have you managed to overcome them?

I think anyone who has tried to start a business has faced quite a few challenges. I started my business focusing on social media and marketing, then refocused my business later after bombing hard on some projects. It took some failure to realize that my strengths and passions were elsewhere, and I and clients would be happier and get far more value if I focused there. No matter how many challenges I face, I always get through them by talking to others about them, being honest with myself about what went wrong, and working to grow.

Tell me about your forthcoming ebook. How did you develop the product?

My ebook, “The 6-Week Website Makeover” came from a discussion with my clients. They wished they knew more about their websites and how they could make some of the basic changes themselves. They felt sort of powerless over their websites, and didn’t want to ask for help to make minor changes. I decided to put together a guide that would help them feel empowered to take a more active role in their websites.

What advice would you give to someone who's just starting?

Don’t be afraid to fail! It's one of the best teachers you can have. When you experience failure, take some time to collect yourself, examine what happened, and see what you can change going forward. You might have made a mistake, but as long as you grow from it it was not a waste. 

Besides that, have fun and be passionate! If you aren’t having fun at least some of the time, and you aren’t passionate about what you’re doing, you're doing the wrong thing. You and those you work with will be far better off if you get yourself to a place where what you do every day excites you.


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