171 Building a Simple Funnel to Attract Higher-Paying Clients

Most designers think they need a fancy funnel to book high-paying clients. Freebies, automations, email sequences, nurture series. But the truth is, premium design clients are not waiting for your welcome email. They are actively looking for someone right now and they want clarity, confidence, and a clear next step. In this episode, I’ll show you how to build a simple funnel that actually works for a design business. One that positions you as the expert and gets more qualified inquiries without overcomplicating anything.You will learn:Why traditional funnels do not work for premium design servicesThe three parts your website must have to convert visitors into clientsWhat your call to action should say and where it should beHow to remove the friction that causes clients to ghostWhat to include on your site that builds trust instantlyClose the tabs, grab your favorite drink, and let’s upgrade how you attract serious clients.And if you want to start offering web design without dealing with code or tech stress, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Wix Studio⁠⁠⁠⁠. It’s built for designers like you who want to keep full creative control and add more value for their clients.Aventive Academy’s Resources:From Crickets to Clients: ⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/⁠⁠$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/⁠⁠⁠⁠Client Portal for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/⁠⁠⁠⁠Mockup Magic: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Brand Guidelines Template: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/⁠⁠⁠⁠ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/profit⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join My Weekly Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Creative CEO Accelerator: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator

Most designers think they need to learn more skills or work more hours to grow their income. But the truth is, your next level might be as simple as adding one high-value offer. In this episode, I share why web design is one of the smartest ways to grow your revenue without burning out. I’ll show you how to position it, how I structure my process, and why it can turn one-time clients into long-term partnerships.You will learn:Why web design is easier to sell than branding aloneHow to simplify your process and avoid tech overwhelmWhat makes web design naturally scalable and recurringHow to position websites as strategic solutions, not just designMy exact $9K to $12K web package structurePour your coffee, grab your notebook, and let’s rethink how you grow your design business with less stress and more strategy.And if you want to start offering web design without dealing with code or tech stress, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Wix Studio⁠⁠⁠⁠. It’s built for designers like you who want to keep full creative control and add more value for their clients.Aventive Academy’s Resources:From Crickets to Clients: ⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/⁠⁠$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/⁠⁠⁠⁠Client Portal for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/⁠⁠⁠⁠Mockup Magic: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Brand Guidelines Template: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/⁠⁠⁠⁠ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/profit⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join My Weekly Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Creative CEO Accelerator: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator

If your portfolio looks like a collection of everything you have ever designed, that might be exactly why high-paying clients are not reaching out.In this episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer, I am sharing the portfolio mistake that keeps talented designers stuck at low-paying projects. This is not about your design skills. It is about how you present your work, how you curate your portfolio, and how you guide potential clients to trust that you are the right designer for them.You will learn:Why showing less can help you book moreWhat high-paying clients actually want to see in a portfolioThe exact structure of a strong case studyHow to align your portfolio with the services you offerWhat to remove immediately if you want to attract better clientsGrab your coffee and your notes. It is time to turn your portfolio into a tool that sells.And if you want to start offering web design without dealing with code or tech stress, check out ⁠⁠⁠Wix Studio⁠⁠⁠. It’s built for designers like you who want to keep full creative control and add more value for their clients.Aventive Academy’s Resources:From Crickets to Clients: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/⁠$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: ⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/⁠⁠⁠Client Portal for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/⁠⁠⁠ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/⁠⁠⁠Mockup Magic: ⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/⁠⁠⁠ Brand Guidelines Template: ⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/⁠⁠⁠ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/profit⁠⁠⁠ Join My Weekly Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f⁠⁠⁠ The Creative CEO Accelerator: ⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator

If you’ve ever looked at a clean, elevated brand and thought, “How do they make it look so effortless?” - this episode is for you.I’m joined by Ayelet, a designer known for her intentional, minimal style and smart systems behind the visuals. We talked about how she approaches branding, her favorite tools (like Notion and Wix Studio), the role of AI in design, and how she keeps things creatively exciting even after years in the field.This episode is packed with perspective on staying inspired, building a brand system that actually works, and taking more creative control as a designer.You’ll learn:How to develop a signature aestheticAyelet’s go-to process for branding and web designHow to handle micromanaging clients with graceTools that make web design easier (yes, even if you don’t code)What’s next in design and how to stay aheadGrab your coffee and tune in - this one’s for designers who care about both beauty and impact.And if you want to start offering web design without dealing with code or tech stress, check out ⁠⁠Wix Studio⁠⁠. It’s built for designers like you who want to keep full creative control and add more value for their clients.Aventive Academy’s Resources:From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: ⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/⁠⁠Client Portal for Designers: ⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/⁠⁠ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/⁠⁠Mockup Magic: ⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/⁠⁠ Brand Guidelines Template: ⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/⁠⁠ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: ⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/profit⁠⁠ Join My Weekly Newsletter: ⁠⁠https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f⁠⁠ The Creative CEO Accelerator: ⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator

You can be the best designer on the planet—if your offer is limited, your income will be too. I see it all the time. Talented designers stuck at $1K projects because they’re only offering a logo or a brand board. But the clients who pay $10K? They’re not hiring someone to make things look nice. They’re hiring someone who can lead.In this episode, I’ll walk you through three high-value services you can add right now—without hiring a team or reinventing your business. These aren’t fluff. They’re the exact services that helped me go from $65 logos to $10K packages… and they can do the same for you.You will learn:Why high-paying clients look for more than just visualsThe top 3 services that attract premium clients (and how to add them)How to increase your rates without doing more workHow to combine services into irresistible offersWhat to do if you don’t want to do it all yourselfGrab your coffee, your notes, and let’s build a more profitable offer together.And if you want to start offering web design without dealing with code or tech stress, check out ⁠Wix Studio⁠. It’s built for designers like you who want to keep full creative control and add more value for their clients.Aventive Academy’s Resources:$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/⁠Client Portal for Designers: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/⁠ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/⁠Mockup Magic: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/⁠ Brand Guidelines Template: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/⁠ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/profit⁠ Join My Weekly Newsletter: ⁠https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f⁠ The Creative CEO Accelerator: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator

Most designers focus on making things look good, but that’s not what high-paying clients are actually looking for. They want clarity, confidence, and someone who understands how design impacts their business. In this episode, I’m breaking down what clients really care about when they’re hiring a brand or web designer and how you can stand out by showing up differently. You’ll learn how to position yourself as more than just a designer, build trust instantly on your website, and shift from selling deliverables to selling real outcomes. Whether you’re still undercharging or ready to start landing premium clients, this episode will show you what actually closes the sale.You will learn:What clients really want when they hire a designerWhy brand and web together create higher-value offersHow to sell strategy without calling it strategyWhat to show on your website to build fast trustThe mindset shift that helps you book premium clients with confidenceGrab your notebook or go for a walk. This episode will change how you talk about your work.And if you want to start offering web design without dealing with code or tech stress, check out ⁠Wix Studio⁠. It’s built for designers like you who want to keep full creative control and add more value for their clients.Aventive Academy’s Resources:$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/⁠Client Portal for Designers: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/⁠ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/⁠Mockup Magic: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/⁠ Brand Guidelines Template: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/⁠ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/profit⁠ Join My Weekly Newsletter: ⁠https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f⁠ The Creative CEO Accelerator: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator

Most designers only see the output of design platforms, but today we’re talking to someone who actually helps build the tools we use every day.Miri from the Wix Studio product team joins me for a conversation about what freelance designers and agencies really need to grow their businesses. We talk about workflows that make a difference, how platforms are evolving, and what premium clients are actually looking for right now.You will learn:What most designers overlook when choosing platforms and toolsHow to start thinking like a studio, even if you’re working soloHow AI can enhance your creativity rather than replace itWhat makes a designer stand out to high-paying clientsWhy web design is more accessible than most designers thinkThis episode is full of insights. Grab your notes and hit play. Let’s talk about building a design business that’s made to grow.And if you want to start offering web design without dealing with code or tech stress, check out ⁠Wix Studio⁠. It’s built for designers like you who want to keep full creative control and add more value for their clients.Aventive Academy’s Resources:$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/⁠Client Portal for Designers: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/⁠ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/⁠Mockup Magic: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/⁠ Brand Guidelines Template: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/⁠ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/profit⁠ Join My Weekly Newsletter: ⁠https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f⁠ The Creative CEO Accelerator: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator

Most brand designers are underpaid. Not because they lack talent, but because they’re offering deliverables instead of solutions. If you’re still charging $1K or $2K for full brand identity packages, this episode is going to shift the way you think about your value. I’m walking you through the three income levels most designers operate in, what premium clients actually want, and how to offer web design without needing to learn code. We’ll also look at exactly what goes into a $10K plus project so you can start creating more profitable offers.You will learn:The three income tiers for brand designers and how to move upWhat premium clients are really looking for in a designerHow to offer web design services without learning to codeWhat to include in a $10K plus brand and web packageHow to build confidence in selling higher-priced projectsOpen your notes and get ready to rethink how you price andpresent your work.And if you want to start offering web design without dealing with code or tech stress, check out Wix Studio. It’s built for designers like you who want to keep full creative control and add more value for their clients.Aventive Academy’s Resources:$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/Mockup Magic: https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/ Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator

If you’re still doing everything yourself, this episode is your wake-up call. I’m sharing how I went from working nonstop to running my design business in just 4 hours a day. You’ll hear exactly what changed, how I started delegating, and how tools like Wix Studio can help you simplify without hiring a developer.You will learn:How to identify which tasks to delegate firstWhat systems you need to hand off work easilyWhy doing less can actually increase your revenueHow platforms like Wix Studio streamline website design for your clientsWhat mindset shift helped me finally let goPour your favorite drink, open your notes, and start thinking like a Creative Director.Aventive Academy’s Resources:$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/Mockup Magic: https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/ Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator

The reason most freelancers struggle is not because their design skills are not good enough. It is because they are thinking like freelancers, not business owners. If you are tired of chasing projects, lowering your prices, and constantly starting from scratch, it is time to fix this.Today, I am breaking down exactly why most designers stay stuck and how to shift into building a profitable design business that finally pays you what you are worth.You will learn:Why better design skills are not the answerHow your pricing model is keeping you brokeThe mindset shift you need to stop freelancing and start building a businessWhat systems actually help you work less and make moreFor your next website design project check out wix.com/studioAventive Academy’s Resources:$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/Mockup Magic: https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/ Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/profit Join My Weekly Newsletter: https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator