How do you build a thriving freelance design business that stands out in the busy web design or graphic design market? Today we’re joined by Elizabeth Averyanova, an architectural designer, digital course creator, business coach, online entrepreneur, and world traveler. She’s built an amazing boutique design agency from scratch and will share her journey from an unemployed architect to a multi-six-figure freelance designer!   Podcast Outline: [0:42] Introduction to Elizabeth Averyanova and the topic of building a thriving freelance designer business - Elizabeth describes her journey from an unemployed architect to a multi-six-figure freelance designer. [5:45] How hitting a wall can lead to new opportunities, flexibility, and freedom you’d never have imagined [7:42] How to fit into the busy freelance design market, given the high volume of designers - the importance of finding a niche where you can serve a particular type of client. [9:36] How Elizabeth niched down - the strategies she used to figure out her audience and specialization in web design and branding design. [11:18] The importance of targeting an audience you’re interested in that has opportunities - some examples of how Elizabeth strategically chooses clients. [12:34] Main skills required to start a design business - examples of the crucial design skills and the business skills freelancers need. [14:31] The 3 C’s - how competency, character, and compatibility contribute to positive client relationships and communication. [15:41] Recommended design tools - some examples of key tools to master when beginning a design business. [16:55] Elizabeth’s thoughts about WordPress and other tools - some advice and recommendations from a web design standpoint. [19:15] The power of niching down - how to get clear on what you do and don’t do so your ideal clients can find you. [20:16] Pricing and packaging design services - recommended strategies for designers and thoughts about hourly vs. fixed packages. [22:40] How hourly is often the best starting point, but set packages eventually become more ideal - advice for communicating to clients when using hourly pricing. [23:36] How pricing is a progression - encouragement that it requires trial and error but will be refined over time. [25:22] Retainer services that designers can offer - examples of retainers, VIP Days, and multiple streams of income that help avoid feast or famine. [28:34] How to get to know Elizabeth and her business better [29:30] How to learn more about Freelance University   Resources and tools discussed in this episode: Freelance University  Kajabi Specialist course  Pricing Your Freelance Services course    Learn more about Elizabeth Averyanova: Free Resources: Free List of 175+ Services You Can Offer As A Freelance Designer:   Connect with Elizabeth:  Instagram:  Personal Website:  Her Branding & Design Studio Website:    Resources and Tools Upwork  PeoplePerHour  Guru.com Instagram  Shopify  Adobe Creative Cloud  Figma  WordPress  Squarespace  Wix  Kajabi  Showit