Web Design MBA

Hosted by Steve Schramm

Business Entrepreneurship Education

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Episodes

117

Latest episode

May 2025

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About the show

Are you sick and tired of the "feast or famine" grind of website design? Or, are you looking for a profitable side hustle that will lead you to full-time self-employment so you can finally do life on your terms? Most podcasts don't talk about the BUSINESS of web design. This one is different. In this podcast, Steve Schramm will show you how to build the life business of your dreams. Featuring value-packed training sessions and success stories of others who've been where you are and built a stable web design business that fuels their lifestyle.

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May 1, 2025Episode 11712 min

I Quit My Perfect Job in a Pandemic... Here's Why I’d Do It Again

In this episode, I share my personal journey of quitting a secure full-time job during COVID to go all-in on my web design business. I explain why so-called "job security" is often a myth and how running your own business—with multiple clients—can actually offer more stability. I also break down the common mistakes freelancers make when transitioning, and why the subscription model is the future of sustainable web design. 00:00 – Intro & My Leap From Full-Time Job 03:45 – The Myth of Job Security 08:30 – Why a Full-Time Job = One Client 11:50 – Taxes & Compensation Packages Explained 17:10 – Trading One Job for Another 20:40 – Scaling vs. Staying Solo 24:15 – The Power of Subscription Web Design 30:10 – Why Websites Are a Service, Not a Product 36:20 – Moving From Transactional to Relational Clients 40:00 – Why Subscription Revenue Creates Real Freedom 45:00 – Final Thoughts & Next Steps

April 24, 2025Episode 11628 min

Unlocking The Power of GREAT Relationships for Business Success

In this episode of the Web Design MBA, we delve into the immense value of building strong relationships and how it impacts your business success. Understanding the concept, 'your network determines your net worth,’ we break down the key elements that make a relationship great using the acronym 'GREAT.' We explore the principles of giving, reciprocity, empathy, attention, and the importance of time. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, this episode aims to help you leverage relationships for long-term business growth. Whether you're watching on YouTube or listening to the audio, it's packed with insightful wisdom that can transform your approach to business and life.00:00 The Power of Relationships in Business04:12 The Importance of Adding Value08:19 Understanding Giving in Business19:10 The Role of Reciprocity22:07 Empathy and Communication23:29 The Significance of Attention26:16 The Value of Time in Relationships27:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

April 17, 2025Episode 11518 min

[REVISITED] 5 Advantages of Subscription Web Design Over Traditional Pricing Models

Traditional website pricing is dead. That's a bold claim, but I don't see how you could beat the advantages of Subscription Web Design in any traditional model. Here are my thoughts!

April 10, 2025Episode 11425 min

I Work Less and Get More Done — Here’s My Daily System

In this episode, I’m sharing 10 productivity hacks that have helped me get more done as a web designer, entrepreneur, and agency owner—without burning out. From using automatic time blocking (08:00) to delegating outcomes (13:00), checking email just once per day (19:00), and even listening to soundscapes instead of music to stay focused (03:00)—these are the real-world strategies that work. I’ll also show you how hiring early (11:00), using long-form writing (16:00), and spotting systemization opportunities (20:00) can transform your workflow.If you want to do more of the right things and less of the wrong ones, this one's for you. 00:00 - Intro & what productivity really means 03:00 - Hack #1: Soundscapes for focus 05:00 - Hack #2: Checklists & SOPs 08:00 - Hack #3: Automatic time blocking with Flow Savvy 11:00 - Hack #4: Hiring early 13:00 - Hack #5: Delegating outcomes, not tasks 16:00 - Hack #6: Long-form writing - meetings 18:00 - Hack #7: Focus modes to block distractions 19:00 - Hack #8: Check email once a day 20:00 - Hack #9: Systemization opportunity awareness 25:00 - Hack #10: Read about productivity 26:00 - Wrap-up & Substack mention

April 3, 2025Episode 11323 min

[REVISITED] How to Start Charging More for Web Design Projects

In this episode of the Subscription Web Design podcast, we delve into strategies for increasing your web design rates and eliminating the mindset blocks that hold you back. Starting with the importance of mindset, we discuss the concept of limiting beliefs vs. liberating truths and how journaling can help you identify and overcome these barriers. We also explore the significance of financial investment, advising how to handle projects either at full price or for free and highlighting the emotional investment tied to financial commitment. Finally, we offer practical advice on incrementally raising your rates, calculating your costs, and leveraging subscription models to create sustainable income. Tune in for actionable steps to enhance both your mindset and your business profitability.00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview02:01 Sponsorship and Course Promotion02:52 Mindset: The Key to Charging More04:22 Overcoming Limiting Beliefs07:24 Value Creation and Market Value12:17 Financial Investment and Emotional Buy-In16:24 Practical Strategies for Pricing23:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

March 27, 2025Episode 11216 min

The Simple Content Strategy That Will Transform Your Web Design Business

In this episode of the Web Design MBA Podcast, I’m diving into why content creation is a game-changer for web designers looking to grow their business. I’ll break down the simple 3-step content strategy that can help you get more clients, build trust, and drive monetization. You’ll learn why attention is everything, how to build an email list, and why consistency is key. If you’ve been struggling with getting noticed, this episode is your permission slip to start creating content today!00:00 - Introduction02:30 - Why Most Web Designers Struggle with Getting Work06:00 - The Power of Content Creation09:15 - Attention, Retention, and Monetization Explained12:00 - Simple Action Steps You Can Take TODAY15:30 - How to Build Trust with Your Audience18:00 - Why Email Marketing Still Rules20:00 - Final Thoughts & Call to Action

March 13, 2025Episode 11121 min

I Made These Unconventional Deals and Got More Clients

In this episode of the Web Design MBA Podcast, I’m diving into the Spring 2025 edition of my "How I Got My Last Five Clients" series. Instead of focusing on theory, I’m sharing the actual, behind-the-scenes details of how I landed my most recent clients—giving you real insights into the projects, the lessons learned, and how I made these connections. From an unconventional Airbnb-style booking site to a Christian apologetics ministry, I’m sharing how networking, building relationships, and sometimes even making unconventional deals have helped grow my business. Tune in to hear the specifics and grab practical lessons you can apply to your own web design journey.Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro to the episode and the "How I Got My Last Five Clients" series03:10 – Client #1: Entertainment media company (metaverse music videos)10:30 – Client #2: Pool booking business16:45 – Client #3: AI tool e-commerce project22:55 – Client #4: Medical training organization28:00 – Client #5: Christian apologetics ministry35:00 – Key lessons from these clients and the importance of community in business

March 6, 2025Episode 11037 min

The 5C's of Attractive Marketing

In this episode, I break down the 5C's of Attractive Marketing—a framework designed to help web designers and agency owners attract clients instead of chasing them. I share personal experiences, mindset shifts, and practical steps to implement these five key strategies: Create, Consistently, Call to Action, Culture, and Community. If you’re looking to build a predictable client acquisition system, this is for you!Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction & personal journey[02:00] The problem with unpredictable marketing[06:00] Mindset limitations holding you back[15:00] The 5C’s explained[30:00] Common mistakes & how to avoid them[35:00] Final thoughts & next steps🔗 Join the Web Design MBA Newsletter: webdesignmba.substack.com

February 27, 2025Episode 10916 min

Why You’re Not Getting Clients (And How to Fix It Fast)

Why do some business owners succeed while others struggle? In this episode, I reveal the mindset shift that can change everything: Activity equals Opportunity. I share personal insights, practical strategies, and actionable tips to help you break through and start seeing real results in your web design business. Plus, I outline three activities that don't generate opportunities—and three that do!Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction & the key question02:15 - Why "80% done is 100% awesome"05:40 - The power of massive action in business08:10 - Activity vs. opportunity: What really works12:45 - Three time-wasting activities to avoid16:30 - Three high-impact activities for success21:00 - A simple system to create opportunities24:15 - Final thoughts & next steps🚀 Need help growing your web design business? Book a free coaching call: webdesignmba.com/coaching

February 20, 2025Episode 10827 min

Stop Working for Free!

In this episode of The Web Design MBA, I dive into the game-changing concept of paid discovery-why you should stop doing it for free and start charging for your time. I break down the biggest mistakes web designers make, how to eliminate tire-kicker clients, and why this simple shift can boost your income. Plus, I share real-world strategies to integrate paid discovery into your sales process. Don’t miss this one!Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome & why discovery matters01:00 – Why clients always ask, "What does a website cost?"05:00 – The hidden cost of free discovery10:00 – How paid discovery filters serious clients15:00 – Why paid discovery is an easy sale20:00 – How to implement it in your business today25:00 – What to charge for paid discovery27:00 – Final thoughts & free coaching opportunity🔗 Need help implementing this? Book a free 50-minute coaching call:webdesignmba.com/coaching