What You Need to Make Money with Divi

by | May 9, 2020 | Tips & Tricks | 0 comments

Divi is a powerful theme that’s helped a lot of people start their own business. In a previous article, we looked at lots of ways to make money with Divi. The most popular method is to build websites for clients. In this article, we’ll explore this further and see what you need to make money with Divi. I will focus on building websites, but most of this information helps with any type of Divi business you want to build.

1. Basic Hardware

You won’t need expensive hardware to build with Divi. Most modern desktops and laptops work just fine. Those that can handle graphics apps are best. Powerful tablets will work too, but I recommend something with a larger screen.

For advanced users, Divi works best with:

  • Windows 10 (Pro or Home)
  • OS X 10.8-10.11
  • Ubuntu 16.04+
  • Fedora 25+

2. WordPress Knowledge

You need to know your way around WordPress. Know how to make pages, posts, menus, backups, how to use the theme customizer, how to use themes and plugins, and how to use the theme code editor. Knowing how to use FTP and how to build a local host are also good to know. You’ll also need to know how to test the site.

3. Knowledge of Divi Basics

You’ll need a strong knowledge of Divi. Know how to use the Divi Builder, theme builder, Divi options, how to create layouts, save to the library, use the theme customizer, import and export designs, where to place code, etc.

There are lots of ways to learn Divi. I recommend loading the Divi Builder and start tinkering. You can also learn a lot from the various Divi blogs, YouTube videos, podcasts, and courses that are available on the web.

4. A Divi Toolbox

There are lots of tools available to reduce your development time and improve your quality. Collect lots of layouts, child themes, plugins, and code snippets that you can use as starting points. You can find them on many of the Divi blogs and shops including the Divi Cake shop. Select what you’re looking for in the menu at the top of the page to get started.

5. Know How to Use Code

Technically, you don’t have to know how to code to build amazing websites with Divi. It does help to know the basics of code. Even if you don’t have a deep knowledge of code, you need to know how to customize code that you find in Divi tutorials and know where to place it within Divi.

Code and scripting languages that are the most common include HTML, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery, and PHP. There are many tutorials online for these scripts and languages. There are even several courses online for coding with Divi.

6. An Eye for Design

You don’t have to be an amazing designer or developer, or even come up with all of the ideas yourself. It does help if you know good design when you see it. You need to know good design rules, what makes a design work, color psychology, where to find ideas, and how to use those ideas to create your own designs.

Divi layouts and child themes are a great way to get a head start on awesome designs. You can get great design ideas and inspiration by browsing Pinterest and theme shops for any type of web design, even if they don’t use WordPress. Don’t copy them, but you knew that.

7. Image Editing Skills

You don’t have to be a great graphics designer, but you do need to know the basic file types that you can use with your website designs and how to edit them. You’ll need a good image editing tool, such as Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro, Paint.NET, etc.

A knowledge of file conversion is a must. You need to know how to convert large files, such as a 184MB image that a client sends you to add to their homepage, to smaller files that you can use on their website.

8. A Portfolio

You’ll need a body of work to show as examples of your skills. Highlight the skills you want to use and the types of work you want the most. You might need to create a few example sites to get your portfolio started.

You’ll also need client testimonials so others will know your strengths and what it’s like to work with you. Ask for testimonials as soon as the job is complete.

Although it’s possible to just use LinkedIn and Facebook, I recommend creating a website to show your skills, services, testimonials, and call to action. The website itself will also serve as an example of your work.

9. A Smart Pricing Structure

Find a good balance for your prices makes you look professional. Services that are too low will be perceived as low quality or suspicious. Prices that are too high will get you ignored. The few that do contract you will expect higher quality and results that are possible.

Clearly define your services to show exactly what’s included. Price yourself competitively with room to improve and grow.

10. Business Management Skills

You don’t need an MBA, but basic management skills are a must. This includes knowing how to price your services, knowing how to choose clients, choose projects within your skill set, managing money, etc.

Do a SWOT analysis to determine your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Set business goals. Determine if you want to specialize in a certain genre or type of client. Decide on your ideal client. Use all of this to help you build a solid business plan and design a scalable business. Check with your local area and get a business license if it’s required.

Use clear contracts that provide the exact services that you’ll provide, what’s included, what the client is responsible for, the costs, when the project will be completed, and when the bill will be paid.

11. Marketing Skills

There are lots of ways to promote your services and you’ll want to learn as many of them as possible.

Build your network. This can be done through LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, WordPress-related blogs, meetups, WordCamps, etc.

Ask clients for referrals. The best time to ask is when the job is complete.

Be present on social media and be helpful. Post tips, answer questions, provide as much help as possible. When the time is right, pitch your services.

You can also upsell to your current clients by offering ongoing services such as maintenance or hosting.

12. Learn Communication Skills

This means having a clear understanding of what’s involved with the project, what the expectations are, what the price is, and what the deadlines are. Use communication apps, such as Asana or Slack, to have a record of the conversations in writing.

13. Project Management Skills

Every website is a project and you’ll need to know how to manage each one. This includes how to avoid scope creep, how to set milestones and keep track of each one, and how to keep the target on schedule and within budget.

Always meet or beat your deadline. If a problem does come up and it’s not possible to meet the deadline, inform the client immediately of why and negotiate a new deadline. Analyze the problem to learn what caused it so you can avoid it in the future.

Learn when and how to work with a team. You might not have the best graphic design skills, but if your project needs those skills you can contract that work to others.

14. When to Say Yes and How to Say No

Don’t take on every project that’s offered. If the project isn’t a good fit, or the money isn’t right, or the schedule isn’t right, say no. If you take on every job you’ll end up being overworked, underpaid, underappreciated, and you’ll end up hating the work and the business that you wanted to start in the first place.

It’s better to have a few clients that pay well than a lot of clients that pay poorly. Make sure a client is serious before spending a lot of time giving an estimate.

Avoid overworking. It’s good to have enough work, but too much work gets into your daily life and family time. Don’t take on more projects than you can handle comfortably.

Ending Thoughts

That’s our look at what you need to make money with Divi . This list isn’t exhaustive, but it will get you started in the right direction. All of the skills can be learned online through the many courses and blogs that are available. You can get many of the Divi child themes, layouts, and plugins you need in the Divi Cake shop.

You don’t have to be the best designer and programmer in the world to make money with Divi. There are lots of tools available. Your websites don’t have to be the best in the world. They just need to be what the client needs. Follow good design and business habits. Build with confidence. Over time you can improve your skills and learn to streamline your process.

We want to hear from you. Do you have any tips to add to this list of what you need to know to make money with Divi? Let us know in the comments.

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