Let’s be honest. One of your biggest goals in becoming a web designer was learning how to get high paying web design clients. You didn’t start this thing so you could scrape together $300 landing page gigs from Craigslist.
You started because you believed you could make good money doing creative work that actually matters on your terms.
But somewhere along the way, maybe things got a little murky.
Clients ghosted you. Projects barely paid the bills. And you started wondering if the high paying web design clients everyone talks about are just a myth.
They’re not.
In fact, once you know where to look (and how to pitch), landing premium clients gets a whole lot easier.
So in this article, we’re gonna break down exactly how to get high paying web design clients using 14 real-world methods I’ve either used myself or seen other designers use to build thriving businesses.
1. The Field of Dreams Method
If you build it… they might just buy it.
This method flips traditional sales on its head. Instead of waiting for a client to ask you for a website, you build one first—then pitch it.
You find a local business with a mediocre or outdated site, redesign it on your own time, and reach out to offer it to them.
No vague proposals. No explaining what you might do.
Just: “Here’s a polished site I designed just for you. Want it?”
It removes friction. Shows initiative. And proves you understand their business.
Start with businesses that don’t need deep branding or custom tech like HVAC, electricians, personal trainers, or local cafes. Keep the build simple. Make it beautiful. Sell it for $1,000–$2,000. Then rinse and repeat.
Even if one business says no? Tweak it slightly and pitch it to the next.
I’ve seen designers use this strategy to bring in $10K+ a month, consistently.
2. How to Get High Paying Web Design Clients by Tapping Into Your Inner Circle
Most designers skip this step. Don’t be like most designers.
Grab a pen and make a list of 100 people you know. Family. Friends. Your old co-worker Dave. The lady who makes your latte.
Then reach out and say something like:
“Hey! I’m building my web design business. If you ever hear of someone needing a website, I’d be super grateful if you sent them my way.”
You’re not asking them to hire you—you’re recruiting them into your referral army.
No awkward sales pitch. No begging. Just a heads-up.
People love helping people they already know. Especially when it’s low pressure.
Want the full breakdown of this strategy? Check out my detailed guide on the First 100 Framework.
3. The Loom-Zoom-Boom
One of the fastest ways to stand out is by showing up with value before you ask for anything.
The Loom-Zoom-Boom method is exactly what it sounds like:
- Find a business with a not-so-great website
- Record a 2–3 minute Loom video giving helpful tips
- Send it with a friendly CTA like, “If you ever want to update this, I’d love to help.”
It works because almost no one takes the time to do it.
Most pitches are generic. But when you personalize and give something first, it builds trust instantly.
Even better? You can record a few every morning. It only takes 15 minutes a day.
4. How to Get High Paying Web Design Clients Without Any Clients Yet
That’s right—you don’t need a real portfolio to land real clients.
Use the FIG Portfolio Method: Fake it good.
Here’s how:
- Pick a niche (like yoga studios, coffee shops, or SaaS startups)
- Use ChatGPT to brainstorm 3 fake businesses in that niche
- Write their bios, services, and backstory
- Design full sites for them (not just homepages!)
Make it feel real. Don’t just slap a template up and change the logo.
When done right, this method helps you attract clients who already feel like you understand their space.
One of my friends, Ariel, built an entire new portfolio from scratch using fake clients and now she’s landing $30K projects on the regular.
5. Social Stalker (Not As Creepy As It Sounds)
You want to know how to get high paying web design clients who aren’t on Upwork?
Find them where they’re already talking: social media.
Start by following brands you’d love to work with. Like their stuff. Comment with helpful, thoughtful replies.
After a while, slide into the DMs:
“Hey! Saw you’re launching a new product. I’m a designer who helps brands like yours build killer websites. If you ever need help, I’d love to chat.”
It’s casual. It’s personal. And it works.
In fact, that’s how a guy named Happy (real name) reached out to me. We didn’t end up working together, but I didrespond and that’s half the battle.
6. How to Get High Paying Web Design Clients Using Freelance Platforms
Upwork. Fiverr. Toptal.
Some designers turn their noses up. But these platforms have paid me over $80K.
And my friend Morgan used Upwork to build a six-figure design business.
The secret?
- Stand out: no copy-paste proposals
- Be fast: apply within 5 minutes of job posting
- Filter smart: only go after jobs in your zone of genius
Want a leg up? Here’s my guide to using Upwork to get web design clients.
7. Job Boards: The Hidden Goldmine
Job boards aren’t just for 9-to-5 gigs.
Sites like We Work Remotely, AngelList Talent, and Design Jobs Board often list contract or freelance opportunities.
Check them daily. Set alerts. Be quick.
You’d be surprised how many people have found their first $10K client just from browsing their morning job board emails.
Also, don’t miss this giant list of 52 places to find freelance web design jobs. You’ll thank me later.
8. Use ChatGPT to Do the Prospecting For You
Want an AI assistant that finds leads and writes pitches?
Welcome to the AI Overlord method (kidding… kind of).
You can ask ChatGPT to:
- Identify 5 local businesses that likely need a better website
- Summarize their current web presence
- Draft a friendly pitch tailored to their brand
Boom. Done in 5 minutes.
Thanks to Joy from this video for the idea.
9. How to Get High Paying Web Design Clients in Your Own Backyard
Local leverage is one of the easiest wins most designers ignore.
Add yourself to Google Business. Join your Chamber of Commerce. Walk into local shops with confidence.
You’d be shocked how many businesses are still looking for a “local web guy.”
Even just getting 5-star reviews from friends can push your profile to the top of search results. (And no, you don’t need an office just set a service area.)
10. Collaborate With Other Creatives
Designers. Copywriters. Brand strategists. Social media managers.
You don’t have to compete. You can team up.
Reach out and say:
“If you ever need a reliable web designer for your clients, I’d love to collaborate. I’ll send folks your way too.”
They land a big branding client? You become their go-to web expert.
Bonus: Connect with other designers who are booked out. Offer to take their overflow.
11. The Secret Santa Strategy
Send a thoughtful, unexpected gift.
A book. A resource. A QR code that links to a custom landing page you made just for them.
You’re not bribing. You’re surprising.
It shows you care, you listen, and you’re paying attention.
Just make sure you include a note. Don’t be like the person who sent me a book with no explanation. I still don’t know why it’s on my shelf.
12. Content Marketing (Even If You’re New)
You don’t need to be an expert to teach what you know.
Start a blog. A YouTube channel. An Instagram account.
Talk about:
- Common web design mistakes
- Homepage tips
- How to choose a designer
You’ll attract clients who say, “I saw your post and knew I needed to hire you.”
SEO tip: Use long-tail keywords like “how to get high paying web design clients” throughout your content.
13. Get Active in Online Communities
Join entrepreneur groups. Freelance forums. Slack channels.
Be the helpful person who answers web questions without pitching.
Over time, you’ll become “the web person” in that group—and when someone needs a site, guess who they’ll call?
Shoutout to Anthony Tran who built a business this way. Listen to our convo here.
14. Mix and Match Until It Clicks
This is the secret sauce.
Don’t just try one method and give up.
Stack them. Test them. Rotate them based on how much time or energy you have.
My recommendation? Start with:
- A solid fake portfolio
- A Google Business profile
- 3 Loom videos per week
Then scale from there.
Eventually, you’ll build a client engine that never runs dry.
Final Thoughts: You’re Closer Than You Think
Landing high paying web design clients isn’t about luck. It’s about stacking small wins, staying consistent, and playing the long game.
You can do this. You just need the right method—and the willingness to test until something sticks.
And hey, if you ever feel stuck, don’t forget: you’ve got a whole community of Self-Made Web Designers here to help.
Want a shortcut? Join my free newsletter and get weekly tips, hand-picked freelance jobs, and behind-the-scenes strategies I’m using right now.
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