Many businesses are becoming aware of the importance of having a website as a marketing tool. Besides being affordable, the website has more potential to reach out to many people as the modern generation is becoming more accustomed to looking for goods and information on the Internet.

Many businesses are becoming aware of the importance of having a website as a marketing tool. Besides being affordable, the website has more potential to reach out to many people as the modern generation is becoming more accustomed to looking for goods and information on the Internet.

According to Jake Bock and Chris Mahungo, the masterminds behind www.ruralbrands.co.za, a web design and branding agency of note, "websites are fast becoming the 21st century's advertising, corporate communication and company marketing tools like traditional good-old TV, newspaper, radio and outdoor tools".

What do web designers do for their clients?

As a website designer, you should create websites that include designing layout, navigation, easy-to-read pages and well-mixed colours.

But, for you to make money in this cut-throat industry, you need to go an extra mile and create more web presence for your clients, coupled with value-added services.

You will need to go beyond just designing only a good-looking website. You must be in possession of at least some of the following skills to achieve that: design skills, XHTML skills, Asp, .Net, dynamic script knowledge, search engine knowledge, marketing skills, copywriting skills as well as graphic skills.

But you don't necessarily have to have all these skills yourself as you can also partner with someone who has the same skills or skills that complement yours.

The guys at ww.ruralbrands.co.za use technologies that allow for accurate web analysis and detailed reporting of clients' websites activities so as to differentiate themselves in the market and achieve online success.

"With these technologies, we are able to offer our clients analytical solutions that provide them with the answers to questions like: who is visiting my website? how often? from where? when are they visiting? looking for what? browsing which pages? how do I make money from this? and lots more.

"When required, clients can get latest statistics and customised reports about their website and related online campaigns.

With this, clients can realise true return on Internet investment (ROII)," says Jake Bock, the technical guy at www.ruralbrands.co.za

How do you market your web design business?

The first thing you must do to promote your web design business is to create your own professional website which highlights and displays your skills.

Looking at www.ruralbrands.co.za, the guys did a notable job in ensuring that their skills are demonstrated in their own website. You also need to identify your niche and try to channel all your energy towards dominating that market.

You must also create an online portfolio of websites that you have designed. You may even ask your clients to put links to your websites as an acknowledgement and recognition for the design work you have done for them.

Make sure you also include the location of your business in your website information. Many businesses prefer to use the services of someone in their vicinity. Showing your location can also earn you most clients in your surroundings.

Finally, get yourself connected to other leading web agencies like Microsoft's MSN, Yahoo, Google and so on, to learn the latest web trends, technologies and ideas to keep yourself ahead of the pack.