Introduction
Are you a talented web designer trapped in the cycle of undercharging, chasing clients, and feeling overwhelmed by disorganized projects? Do you dream of running a streamlined, profitable business that gives you financial freedom and a lifestyle you love, but the path from freelancer to business owner seems murky and daunting? You’re not alone. Many designers possess the creative and technical skills but lack the business acumen to truly thrive. This is precisely the gap the Josh Hall Web Design Business Course is designed to fill. Created by Josh Hall, a veteran who successfully built and sold his own six-figure web design agency, this course is more than just a collection of tips; it’s a complete roadmap. It provides the exact systems, strategies, and confidence needed to transform your freelance hustle into a professional, scalable web design business. This comprehensive program will guide you step-by-step, from foundational business setup to advanced growth strategies, empowering you to build a venture that can sustainably reach the $100k to $500k revenue mark as a solopreneur or small studio, all without the stress and bloat of a traditional agency.
Course Description
The Josh Hall Web Design Business Course is a signature, in-depth video training program that serves as a complete guide to the business side of web design. It’s structured for clarity and actionable results, comprising seven core modules with a total of 42 video lessons, amounting to over 15 hours of focused content. Each lesson is accompanied by written outlines, ensuring you have both the visual and textual guidance to implement what you learn. The curriculum is meticulously crafted to cover the entire client lifecycle and business operations. From the initial stages of preparing your business and legally setting it up, to crafting irresistible proposals and pricing your services for profit, this course leaves no stone unturned. It also dives deep into the practicalities of client management, including onboarding, project workflow, handling revisions, and off-boarding for lasting client relationships. This is a holistic approach to building a web business, designed to give you a plug-and-play system for success.
What truly sets this course apart is its “web business in a box” philosophy. Josh Hall doesn’t just teach you the theory; he provides the tangible tools to execute immediately. You’ll gain access to a treasure trove of professionally crafted templates, scripts, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that you can customize and deploy in your own business. This includes client questionnaires, proposal templates, contract outlines, sales scripts, and even a custom Divi child theme for your own business website. Furthermore, the course is platform-agnostic. While Josh uses WordPress and Divi, the principles and resources are designed to work seamlessly whether you use Squarespace, Webflow, Showit, or any other web platform. This ensures that every student, regardless of their technical stack, can implement the business strategies to achieve profitability and growth.
Ideal Student
- Aspiring Web Designers: If you’re just starting out and feel overwhelmed by the business side of things, this course provides a foundational A-to-Z roadmap. It helps you avoid common pitfalls and build a professional business from day one, saving you years of trial and error.
- Side Hustlers: For those juggling a part-time web design gig with a full-time job, this course is the catalyst to help you make the leap. You’ll learn the systems needed to scale your operations, increase your pricing, and transition confidently into a full-time freelance business.
- Struggling Freelancers: If you’re already working full-time but feel stuck—undercharging, dealing with difficult clients, and lacking a streamlined process—the Josh Hall Web Design Business Course will help you restructure. It provides the frameworks to raise your rates, attract better clients, and implement efficient workflows.
- Established Designers Aiming for Growth: This course is perfect for freelancers who are successful but want to break through the 6-figure ceiling. You’ll learn how to move from a “me” to a “we” mindset, build a small studio, and implement strategies for scaling to the $250k-$500k range without burning out.
- Career Changers: For individuals transitioning into web design from another field, this course offers a structured, professional path into the industry. It demystifies the business aspects, giving you the confidence and tools to launch a new and rewarding career.
Learning Outcomes
- Establish a legally sound and professionally structured web design business from the ground up.
- Develop and price profitable web design packages and service offerings that reflect your value.
- Master the art of sales with proven scripts and strategies to find, qualify, and land high-value clients.
- Implement a seamless client onboarding and project management system to eliminate stress and scope creep.
- Build a library of professional templates for proposals, contracts, and questionnaires to save time and look professional.
- Create systems for recurring revenue, such as maintenance plans, to ensure stable, predictable income.
Course Modules
p>The Josh Hall Web Design Business Course is structured into seven comprehensive modules, each containing six focused video lessons. This methodical approach ensures you build your business knowledge layer by layer, from foundational setup to advanced growth tactics. Below is a detailed breakdown of what you’ll learn in each module.Module 1: Preparing & Setting Up Your Business
This foundational module is all about laying the groundwork for a successful business. It moves beyond just building websites and focuses on building a sustainable company. You’ll start by mentally and practically preparing for the entrepreneurial journey, including crucial planning and goal-setting exercises to define your vision. A key lesson helps you decide between operating as a freelancer versus adopting a business owner mindset. The module then provides a practical business setup checklist, covering the technical and legal essentials like registering your business and setting up finances. You’ll also get guided advice on choosing the right tools for project management, invoicing, and communication, and finally, you’ll define a business model that aligns with your lifestyle goals.
- Preparing for Your Business
- Planning & Goal Setting
- Freelancer or Owner?
- Business Setup Checklist
- Choosing Your Tools
- Choose Your Business Model
Module 2: Web Biz in a Box
True to its name, this module arms you with a complete toolkit of templates, scripts, and resources to accelerate your operations. This is where you gain access to Josh’s proven business documents, saving you countless hours of creation. You’ll learn about special and often-overlooked website pages that enhance professionalism and lead generation. The module dives deep into creating effective client questionnaires that streamline the content collection process. You’ll receive expert guidance on structuring compelling proposals, rock-solid contracts, and professional invoices. A standout lesson gives you an exclusive look at Josh’s integrated 17hats template, which combines the proposal, contract, and invoice into one seamless workflow, impressing clients and simplifying your admin.
- Special & Hidden Website Pages
- Questionnaires
- Proposals
- Contracts
- Invoicing
- My 17hats Template – Proposal/Contract/Invoice
Module 3: Pricing & Offers
Pricing is one of the biggest challenges for web designers, and this module tackles it head-on. It provides an in-depth, strategic look at how to price your services for maximum profitability and confidence. You’ll begin by learning how to create compelling service offers that clients can’t resist. The course breaks down the key variables you need to consider when determining your prices, moving beyond simple hourly rates. You’ll explore industry-standard price ranges to understand where you fit in the market. The module also compares different pricing models—from project-based to value-based—so you can choose the best approach for your business. Finally, you’ll learn how to package your services into clear tiers and how to price ongoing work, like retainers and maintenance plans, to build recurring revenue.
- Creating Your Offers
- Pricing Variables – WHAT to Price
- Price Ranges – WHERE to Price
- Pricing Models – HOW to Price
- Pricing Your Packages
- Pricing Ongoing Work
Module 4: Sales & Getting Clients
A great business is nothing without a steady stream of ideal clients. This module is your masterclass in sales and marketing for web designers. It starts with “Sales 101,” teaching you the core principles of selling with confidence and integrity. You’ll then explore different sales strategies to find the one that best suits your personality and business model. A crucial lesson covers the art of “funneling and weeding out,” which helps you focus your energy on qualified leads and avoid time-wasters. The module provides a comprehensive guide to various channels for finding clients, both online and offline. You’ll also learn proven techniques for getting clients and, importantly, for attracting high-value clients who respect your work and have bigger budgets.
- Sales 101 for Web Designers
- Choose Your Sales Strategy
- Funneling & Weeding Out
- Finding Clients
- Getting Clients
- Getting High Value Clients
Module 5: Onboarding & Project Management
Once you land a client, the real work begins. This module delivers a detailed, step-by-step system for managing projects flawlessly from start to finish. You’ll learn how to create a smooth and professional client onboarding process that sets clear expectations and builds trust from day one. A key lesson focuses on setting firm but fair client boundaries to prevent scope creep and ensure a healthy working relationship. You’ll master the often-dreaded process of collecting content from clients with proven strategies that make it efficient and painless. The module also covers best practices for managing single and multiple projects simultaneously without dropping the ball, and provides essential tactics for avoiding the dreaded scope creep that eats into your profits.
- Client Onboarding
- Setting Client Boundaries
- Collecting Content
- Managing Projects
- Managing Multiple Projects
- Avoiding Scope Creep
Module 6: Revisions, Client Training & Off Boarding
The end of a project is a critical phase for client satisfaction and future business. This module guides you through finishing a project like a seasoned pro. You’ll learn the best way to present your design concepts to clients to maximize approval and minimize confusion. The course provides a clear framework for handling client revisions and feedback constructively, preventing endless revision cycles. A vital part of this module is dedicated to training clients on how to use their new website, empowering them and reducing your future support requests. Finally, you’ll master the client off-boarding process, including how to create a comprehensive launch pack, move the project forward, and strategically ask for the testimonials and reviews that are crucial for social proof.
- Presenting Your Designs
- Handling Client Revisions & Feedback
- Training Clients
- Client Off-Boarding & Moving Forward
- Client Launch Pack
- Getting Testimonials & Reviews
Module 7: Growing & Marketing Your Business
With a solid project workflow in place, this final module shifts focus to long-term growth and sustainability. It’s about moving from a project-based business to a thriving brand. You’ll learn effective strategies for promoting your work to attract your ideal clients. The module also covers how to market your web design business holistically, building a brand that stands out. A major focus is on creating recurring revenue streams, which provide financial stability and predictability. You’ll discover techniques for getting repeat work from happy clients, turning one-time projects into long-term partnerships. The course also guides you on when and how to raise your rates confidently and concludes with a lesson on the power of choosing a niche to dominate a specific market.
- Promoting Your Work
- Marketing Your Web Business
- Recurring Revenue
- Getting Repeat Work
- Raising Your Rates
- Choosing a Niche
Real-World Applications and Success Stories
The true power of the Josh Hall Web Design Business Course lies in its immediate real-world applicability. This isn’t an abstract academic exercise; it’s a practical toolkit for your business. The moment you finish a lesson on contracts, you can download and customize the provided template for your very next client. After watching the module on sales, you can implement the scripts on your next discovery call, approaching it with newfound confidence and structure. The Client Roadmap Checklist serves as a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that you can use for every single project, ensuring a consistent, high-quality delivery that wows clients every time. This course is designed for immediate implementation, allowing you to see tangible improvements in your professionalism, efficiency, and profitability from day one.
The success stories from students are a testament to the course’s transformative impact. Ayanna, a graduate, aptly calls it “web business in a box,” highlighting its all-encompassing nature. Alexis states, “I would never have the confidence I have now without this course,” a common refrain among those who previously felt scattered and insecure. Matt emphasizes how it provided clarity: “Now, I know exactly what to do, when to do it, how to do it and it’s been a game-changer.” Perhaps most powerfully, April Ray, with a master’s degree, claims, “this course is more valuable than ANY college course I’ve ever taken.” These aren’t just reviews; they are stories of real designers who have used the course to build confidence, increase their income, and build businesses they are proud of.
Pricing
The Josh Hall Web Design Business Course is not sold as a standalone product. Instead, it is included as a core component of the Web Designer Pro™ membership. This model provides incredible value, as your subscription grants you access not only to this signature business course but to Josh’s entire library of courses, trainings, and community resources.
- Monthly Subscription: For a single monthly fee, you get unlimited access to the Web Design Business Course and all other courses within the Web Designer Pro library. This allows you to learn at your own pace and explore other topics like web design processes, SEO, and maintenance plans as your business grows.
There is no long-term commitment, and you can cancel your subscription at any time. This pricing structure makes the comprehensive business education within the Josh Hall Web Design Business Course accessible to designers at various stages of their journey, providing a flexible and high-value investment in their professional future.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers every aspect of running a web design business, from legal setup to advanced marketing, leaving no critical knowledge gaps.
- “Business-in-a-Box” Resources: Provides a massive library of templates, scripts, and SOPs that save time, reduce stress, and ensure professionalism from day one.
- Platform Agnostic: The business principles taught are universal and applicable regardless of whether you use WordPress, Squarespace, Webflow, or any other platform.
- Taught by a Proven Expert: Josh Hall has real-world experience building and selling a successful agency, offering insights that are practical and battle-tested.
- High Value Membership: Access to this course plus all other Josh Hall courses for one monthly fee provides exceptional return on investment.
- Focus on Systems and Scalability: The course is designed to help you build a business that can grow beyond just yourself, teaching you how to implement systems for sustainable growth.
Cons
- Subscription Model: Some individuals may prefer a one-time payment for lifetime access rather than an ongoing subscription.
- Not a Technical Design Course: The focus is 100% on the business side; you won’t learn how to code or use a specific page builder within this curriculum.
- No Refund Policy: As stated clearly, due to the vast amount of instant-access value, there are no refunds, which requires commitment before joining.
- Potentially Overwhelming: The sheer volume of content and resources could feel overwhelming for absolute beginners who are new to business concepts.
- Tool-Specific Examples: While adaptable, some examples and templates are based on Josh’s specific tool stack (like 17hats), which may require adjustment for users of different software.
- Pace is Self-Directed: Without a formal cohort or strict deadlines, some students may struggle to stay motivated and complete the material without self-discipline.
FAQs
Do I have to use your tools like WordPress and Divi?
No, you do not. While Josh uses WordPress and the Divi theme, the course is designed to be platform and tool agnostic. Over 50% of students use other platforms like Squarespace, Webflow, or Showit. The business principles and templates can be adapted to the tools you prefer.
Does the course cover how to build recurring revenue with maintenance plans?
Yes, it introduces the concept of recurring revenue and provides a great overview of how to price and offer ongoing services. For a deeper dive into building and marketing website maintenance plans specifically, Josh has a dedicated course on that topic within the Web Designer Pro library.
Will I learn the technical process of building a website?
No, this course focuses entirely on the business, sales, and project management aspects of running a web design company. It assumes you have the design and development skills to build a site. For the technical process, Josh’s “Web Design Process Course” is the perfect companion.
Is this course suitable for a complete beginner with no business experience?
Absolutely. In fact, it’s ideal for beginners because it provides a complete roadmap and helps you avoid the common mistakes that cost most designers years of time and money. The step-by-step nature is perfect for someone starting from scratch.
What is the time commitment to complete the course?
The course contains over 15 hours of video content across 42 lessons. You can move at your own pace, but a dedicated student could feasibly work through the core material in a few weeks. The real value comes from implementing the lessons, which is an ongoing process.
Is there a community or support included with the course?
Yes, by joining through the Web Designer Pro membership, you gain access to the exclusive community of other web designers. This is an invaluable resource for networking, asking questions, getting feedback, and finding support from peers who are on the same journey.
Final Verdict
The Josh Hall Web Design Business Course is, without a doubt, one of the most comprehensive and practical business training programs available for web designers today. It successfully demystifies the complex world of entrepreneurship and provides a clear, actionable path to building a profitable and sustainable business. Josh Hall’s teaching style is relatable and grounded in real-world experience, making the content both inspiring and easy to implement. The “business-in-a-box” approach is its greatest strength, offering an incredible shortcut to professionalism with its library of templates and scripts. This course is not for those looking for a get-rich-quick scheme or a purely technical design tutorial. It is for serious designers who want to invest in themselves and build a legitimate, long-term business. While the subscription model may not appeal to everyone, the sheer value of gaining access to this course and all others in the library makes it a worthwhile investment for anyone committed to their growth. If you’re tired of the freelance feast-or-famine cycle and are ready to build a business that gives you freedom, profit, and pride, the Josh Hall Web Design Business Course is an essential resource that will pay for itself many times over.
