Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Lorenzana.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I always had an interest with the web and anything tech related growing up.
When I was in high school, they were offering a web design course that I had to sign up for. After that, I knew this was something that I enjoyed doing and wouldn’t mind having a career out of.
Although, when I got out of high school I wanted to make money and put my passion to the side. So, I went into Real Estate, only to get burned out after so long.
I told myself at one point that I’m going to follow my passions and see where it leads me. So, I signed up for a digital media certification program at Northwest Vista College. From there I learned more about websites, graphic design and social media marketing. Although, it still wasn’t enough to get me to where I wanted to be. So, I started taking a lot of courses online to further my skill set and come up with a solution that I could offer to clients here in San Antonio.
I took on a couple of projects from local companies, where I was able to gain much needed experience. I then applied at a local SEO agency and quickly became the lead web designer. I was employed for 2 and a half years and gained a wealth of experience working on multiple projects on a monthly basis.
Although, I always wanted to have my own business and have the freedom to work where I want and with who I wanted. I kept my business as a side hustle, until I started getting too busy on the side. This was my opportunity to take a risk and go off on my own! So, far it’s been pretty rewarding and learning more about being a business owner.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
As a business owner, I’ve learned that you have to wear a lot of different hats in order to be successful in growing your business and can be very stressful. There’s going to be good times and there’s going to be bad times, as things change during seasons and have to think of ways to promote the business during the slow times.
There are clients sometimes that will want to take advantage of the services you have to offer, but setting up a clear scope of work with the client early on, helps prevent most hiccups down the line.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Southtown Web Design?
My vision is to help people grow their businesses and reach a wider audience through tailored web services. The most important first step is having a professionally made website that can showcase your business and what you do. Although, in order to get found online and get noticed, requires a form of marketing.
At Southtown Web Design we offer quality web services. Our services include: Website Design specifically with WordPress, Organic SEO, Local Search Optimization, Hosting/Maintenance and Paid Ad services.
What sets me apart from other businesses is that I work one on one with my clients through the entire process. The person that they talk to on the phone, is the one that will be providing the service as well. Since, I do this full time I’m always available to answer any questions that a client may have or need to be done in a timely manner.
What also sets me apart, is that not only do I know how to build websites, I know how to optimize them for SEO. Most freelance web designers don’t know much about search engine optimization and if they do it’s very minimal. It’s important that a site is set up properly from the start than making costly changes later down the road when you want to start marketing your business.
I’m most proud that companies have entrusted me with helping them build their web presence. I wouldn’t be where I’m at if it wasn’t for them.
I’d love people to know that a website is more than a website, it’s your first impression. When people are looking to do business with a company in today’s world, they first go to your site to learn more. So, it’s important that it sends the right message to your target audience and shows that you’re a credible business. From there, in order to grow your business naturally/organically is through search engine optimization. When you’re ranking high in Google’s search engines, it will create more online visibility and brand awareness towards your business. With an increase in visibility, means more potential traffic going to your business online and offline. More traffic, means more potential leads!
Also, website maintenance is just as important to the success of your online presence. Sites are not a set and forget anymore and need to be constantly updated and maintained for protection against hackers and to ensure your site is up and running smoothly at all times and in the best light.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I’d say, surround yourself with people that are doing what you want to do. It will help develop the mindset needed in order to be successful. At one point you may even become like them but with your own style.
Offering some services for free in the beginning really helped me. Even if it was free, those people referred me to other people and it helped develop a portfolio of work that got me even more exposure.
Contact Info:
- Email: michael@southtowndesigns.com
- Website: https://www.southtowndesigns.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southtowndesigns/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/southtowndesigns/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/southtowndesign
