Starting a web design company is an exciting move. You’ve got the skills, a solid portfolio, and you’re using a powerful website builder like UltimateWB to create fast, professional, and scalable websites for your clients. With the right tools and approach, you’re ready to build not just websites – but a thriving business.
Now comes the next challenge: finding clients.
Cold emailing can be a great way to land web design projects, especially when you’re just starting out. But there’s one common mistake that many new agencies make – and it’s the main reason their emails get ignored.
Mistake #1: Making It All About You
Here’s how most cold emails start:
“Hi, my name is Sarah and I run a web design studio. We specialize in responsive websites, SEO optimization, and branding…”
The issue? It’s focused entirely on you.
Even if you’re offering incredible websites using UltimateWB, potential clients don’t care about your background – at least not right away. They care about solving their own problems.
Why This Kills Your Response Rate
When your email reads like a resume, it puts the burden on the recipient to figure out how you’re relevant to them. And most of the time, they won’t bother.
People are busy. If you don’t quickly show how you can help them specifically, your email is headed for the trash folder.
What To Do Instead: Make It About Them
The key to a great cold email is relevance. Lead with something that shows you’ve done your homework and you’re focused on their business needs.
For example:
“Hi John, I noticed your website looks great on desktop but loads slowly on mobile – which could be affecting your Google rankings and costing you traffic. I specialize in optimizing site speed and mobile performance, and I use UltimateWB to help businesses like yours improve both.”
This approach instantly shifts the focus to their problem – and positions you as the solution.
How to Write a Cold Email That Gets Responses
Follow these five tips to write cold emails that actually get replies:
- Do your research. Look at the prospect’s website for issues – slow speed, outdated design, poor mobile experience, lack of clear calls-to-action.
- Start with their pain point. Make it clear you understand a challenge they’re facing.
- Offer a quick win. For example, a free audit or a 10-minute consultation.
- Keep it short. Aim for 3–4 sentences. Busy people won’t read a wall of text.
- Include a clear CTA. Ask if they’re open to a chat, audit, or review.
Example of a Great Cold Email for Web Design Clients
Subject: Quick idea to improve [Prospect’s Website Name]
Hi [Name],
I came across your site and noticed it loads slowly on mobile – something that can hurt both your user experience and Google rankings. I use UltimateWB to build and optimize websites for speed and mobile performance, and I’d love to offer you a free audit with a few quick suggestions.
Would you be open to a short call this week?
Best,
[Your Name]
Final Thoughts: Focus on the Prospect, Not Yourself
If you’re building websites with UltimateWB and want to land more clients, remember this: the best cold emails aren’t about your services or your tools – they’re about your prospect’s problems and how you can solve them.
Lead with value. Make it personal. Keep it short.
That one shift in your cold email strategy could be the difference between being ignored – and getting hired.
Got a techy/website question? Whether it’s about UltimateWB or another website builder, web hosting, or other aspects of websites, just send in your question in the “Ask David!” form. We will email you when the answer is posted on the UltimateWB “Ask David!” section.