“I was scared of pretty girls and starting conversations.”
—Vance Joy, Riptide
Same, Vance.
Starting conversations used to terrify me. As a textbook introvert, the idea of attending networking events gave me sweaty palms and irrational hopes that my car might break down en route.
And yet—I’ve built a successful design business anyway.
I didn’t “push through” by forcing myself into uncomfortable situations. I found a way to grow my business that worked for me. No sleazy sales calls. No awkward mixers. Just smart, intentional strategy from the comfort of my office in Oslo.
Here’s how I created a steady flow of clients—without having to be the loudest person in the room.
1. Do Great Work (Then Let It Speak for You)
When I was starting out, I knew one thing for sure: if I wanted people to refer me, I had to do excellent work.
Even with just one client, I poured everything I had into delivering high-quality design and a smooth, professional experience. That effort led to glowing testimonials and referrals—which turned into more clients.
Pro tip: Ask happy clients for a testimonial you can share on your Webflow site or social media. Let their words build your reputation.
2. Choose Clients Who Need You Long-Term
One-off projects are fine, but recurring work is where stability lives.
I focused on clients who needed ongoing design support—like retainer work, site updates, and recurring content design. Annual reports, digital ads, packaging updates, Webflow maintenance… all those needs repeat.
If you can solve recurring problems, you become indispensable.
3. Stay in Touch Without Small Talk
I’m a big fan of email. Why? Because it lets me keep relationships warm without ever needing to hop on a call unless I want to.
I send out a simple newsletter that keeps past clients, colleagues, and prospects in the loop. Updates, insights, recent projects—it keeps me top-of-mind without being in-your-face.
Set up a sign-up form on your Webflow site and start collecting emails. You don’t need a big list—just the right people.
4. Own Your Expertise
When you define your niche, people know where to place you in their mental Rolodex. “Oh, Mo? She’s the Webflow designer in Oslo who builds clean, conversion-focused sites for creatives.”
That clarity makes referrals easier and helps you stand out in a crowded field. Get specific. Plant your flag.
5. Make Friends with Google
SEO has been a total game-changer for me.
My Webflow site is optimized to rank for phrases like “Webflow designer Oslo” and “Oslo web developer”. That’s not accidental—it’s intentional. I’ve built a site structure Google loves and paired it with high-quality content through blogging.
The result? Leads that find me—without the awkward intro email.
6. Connect in the Right Online Spaces
I don’t go to networking events, but I do connect online—on my terms.
Platforms like LinkedIn, creative communities, and even Slack groups can be powerful when you know who you help and what you offer. Bonus: you can engage when it feels right, not because the clock says “happy hour.”
If you design for musicians? Hang out in online music spaces. If you serve nonprofits? Find the communities where they’re already asking for help.
You Don’t Have to Network to Succeed
If traditional networking makes your stomach churn, I’ve got good news:
You don’t have to do it anyone else’s way.
I’ve grown my design business in a way that respects my energy, my boundaries, and my personality. And it’s worked—beautifully.
Yes, over time, you may find it easier to talk about your work in person. (I’ve even spoken at events now—something past-me would never believe.) But you don’t have to wait until you “get brave” to start building something powerful.
You just need the right tools—and a strategy that works for you.
