Wk23-Build Recurring Revenue
Steady Income
One of the best decisions I ever made in my business was creating a recurring revenue stream. As web designers, we often focus on one-off projects—but sustainable, predictable income comes from ongoing services. This week’s habit can change your business.
Habit of the week:
Wk23-Build Recurring Revenue
This week, take a hard look at how you can build predictable, monthly income into your business. For me, that’s WordPress care plan services—something I’ve steadily grown for more than a decade. These plans give my clients peace of mind and give me financial stability.
Why it matters:
Project work is inconsistent. Recurring services fill in the gaps. They reduce feast-or-famine cycles and support your business growth over time. Plus, they help you stay connected to your clients after launch—which often leads to more work down the road.
Quick Start Guide:
- Start Small: Begin with a basic website care plan—updates, backups, and restoration services.
- Use the Right Tools: I use ManageWP to streamline my care plan services, but you might also look at MainWP or WPUmbrella.
- Define Your Offer: Be clear about what’s included. I don’t include design or content changes in my care plans—they’re for essential WordPress maintenance only.
- Price for Value: Make sure your monthly rate reflects the time and tools required.
- Use Contracts and Automation: Set up recurring billing and agreements so you don’t have to chase payments each month.
Cami's Tips
- Be Careful with Blocks of Time (Unless You Have Them): I’ve learned this the hard way—if you don’t have extra time in your week, don’t offer it. If you do, make it “use it or lose it” to avoid messy tracking.
- Offer Add-Ons Carefully: Some designers bundle in SEO, copywriting, or even consulting time. If you go that route, make sure the price covers your time.
- Allow Annual Payments: Bigger payments each month add up. Offering a slight discount for annual payments work well!
- Offer a Free Trial: Give every new client a free month of care to see what the service is all about!
Routine Checkpoint:
Remember, start by looking at what clients already come to you for. Is there a way to package and price that on a monthly basis? What services could you turn into a recurring offer?
What's Your Take?
Do you offer a care plan or other recurring service? How has it helped your business? Share your wins or questions using #WebDesignerHabits and join the conversation!
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Podcast Episode:
The WebCami Podcast is on hiatus until further notice!
about the author
Cami MacNamara is a web designer and owner of WebCami LLC, a Seattle-based agency since 2002. She created Web Designer Habits to help solopreneurs build smarter systems, stay productive, and run a business that works for them.