Not all website design projects are created equally. In reality, they all vary in terms of compensation, scope and the overall experience you have. But just about every project provides you with some type of advantage. They aren’t always monetary. And they aren’t necessarily obvious – at least not right away. It may require you to find out exactly what you gained.

Niche Knowledge

It will always look like every website you build has an unexpected challenge along the way. There will always be that one bit of functionality or design element that (temporarily, at least) derails your entire schedule. Nothing else gets done until the problem is resolved.

E-Commerce websites have always been famous for this. Clients tend to want their shopping cart to do something that goes against the grain. It complicates and frustrates the person when at the end of the day, you find the right solution.

The experience that you have gained for the first time around can be invaluable. Even if you aren’t assigned that exact same challenge again, a past struggle may provide just the insight you need. It will give you a solid foundation that you can be used to navigate some obstacles in future a little more smoothly.

A Boost in Confidence

Confidence can be a fleeting thing. One moment you have loads of it – but it might not be the same the very next moment. The right project may be just the thing you require  to get your groove back.

The great thing is that this can happen in infinite ways. Hearing (or reading) some appreciation from a client after a successful launch certainly provides a boost. But it’s often the little things that offer an unexpected good feeling.

Things like experimenting with a fresh design technique or writing a piece of code that does something cool are prime examples. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of surprising yourself and feeling that sense of pride in your work. And it’s a feeling that you can achieve again and again as a project moves forward.

Discovering What You Do (And Don’t) Like

You’ll work on a number of website projects in your career. They may span a number of industries and price points – not to mention all the different looks and functionality that goes around with them. Then, there are the personalities of those around you.

Each one provides a different experience. These are the types of projects that bring delight. Along with that goes the price range and technical requisites that you feel comfortable working within. Moreover, you will also develop a preference for the clients you work with and even the processes behind how you work with them.

There is a certain independence in knowing the types of projects you want. This enables you to bring a higher level of focus into your business. It can even lead to better project outcomes.

Relationships

Finally, among the biggest potential advantages of any website project are the relationships you gain. They are crucial for keeping your business going strong over the long term.

The most immediate payoff is that a good working relationship often leads to reiterate business. That client will return to you for maintenance, redesigns and maybe even another new website or two down the line.

And, because they’re satisfied customers, they might even help you find new clients. Referrals are a huge bonus, as they get your foot in the door with a distinguished reputation already in hand.

Money Isn’t Everything

Virtually every web designer is expecting to reap financial reward from each project. After all, we have rent to pay, too.

But money alone can be a short-term benefit. Once you’ve spent it, then what?

It’s those lesser-known perks that are the real drivers of growth. Gaining the right kind of experience and relationships will help you move up the ladder more than cash flow alone. They take time to build, but are more than worth the wait.