We recently caught up with Brandon LaVere, owner of LaVere Web Design, a web design agency based in the metro area of Phoenix. You can find LaVere Web Design on Facebook, Calendly and Google Maps.
The who:
Looks like you’re launching a new website for your business. Congrats! Is that a symptom of leveling up your operation, or more of an overdue task?
I’m always pushing myself to stay on top of the web development world by producing the latest and greatest website, to showcase to my customers what LaVere Web Design is capable of delivering. In 2021, customers will be able to experience a website where animation and design explore new levels of creativity and practicality.
You’re based in the Phoenix area, which has changed enormously over the last decade or so. Has that affected your business in any way?
Living in Phoenix has actually caused my business to grow a lot. I’m formerly from southern California, but decided to move out to Arizona back in 2013. There has been a boom in business growth ever since I relocated!
You’ve worked for quite a few independent businesses in the wellness sphere. How has that shaped your professional experience and background?
The experience I gained from working for companies over the years has been monumental in what I can offer customers today. Each company presented a unique set of challenges that broadened my ability to solve issues and become more and more versed in both design and development of websites.
You mention having a team that works with you. Could you describe the scope of your operation?
Our current operation consists of myself and my lead developer. His speciality is fixing errors on WordPress websites, as well as designing beautiful websites. I bring to the table years of experience in web development, customer service, marketing, and customer support. Together we are a very dynamic team.
The what:
You specialize in WordPress. Could you describe some of your typical jobs and challenges?
To best describe what our company does is to look at the past three clients we have had. Our team was asked to develop a crowdfunding website, a WooCommerce Multi-Vendor Marketplace, and a nationwide directory for the trucking industry. Other such customers have asked for general website design where we build a five to 10 page website showcasing the client’s services. There have been countless times where a customer comes to us asking for additions to the website GoDaddy built for them.
You’ve worked at an inbound call center, providing hosting support (a tough gig). How has that shaped your customer service game?
To be honest, I used to work for GoDaddy, both in their Hosting Support and Security Team. The knowledge I gained from working at GoDaddy has been overwhelmingly helpful in how I provide services to our customers. I came into GoDaddy an experienced web developer, and left having outstanding knowledge and training of hosting and security operations. I wouldn’t be where I am at today if it wasn’t for my time working with GoDaddy.
Could you describe your typical client (if you have a typical client)?
Our typical client has an idea of what they want their website to look like, but more importantly, they know exactly what they want it to do. The functionality and purpose of a website is far more important than the design. When they approach our team, they are given multiple options on how to obtain a website that meets their business goals.
You’re a fan of meeting with clients and really digging to uncover their needs. How have you been able to maintain that, given these tough times?
In the past year all of our business consultations have been virtual. Customers schedule a time to speak with me using my booking calendar (https://calendly.com/laverewebdesign), where they are able to answer basic questions about their project goals. During the consultation, I break down what we can do to help them and what their request will cost. This has been very successful for our team as it allows business owners a chance to pick my brain and get an unbiased opinion.
The how:
An obvious metric for measuring our own success is how much you got paid versus how much time it took. In your experience, what are the advantages and drawbacks here?
When I started LaVere Web Design, my priority was the customer experience and transparency. This is what we stand behind and promote at all times. We give competitive deadlines on all requests and always deliver ontime. we never drag out a project or say it will take weeks when in actuality it will take days. I am always upfront with customers in how I explain our services, it seems to be appreciated and valued. The only drawbacks are when a customer doesn’t fully explain what they want and request a major change during a project, for which (again) I’m upfront with them and let them know if the request can be completed and what it will cost to add it to the contract between us.
You’ve worked as an unpaid volunteer for nearly a decade, providing your services free of charge to Hayko Swing for Cancer. Could you tell us a little more about that? How does giving back help you grow as a professional?
Sometimes opportunities arise where I am able to donate my time and help a cause in need, whether it’s a full website build or just fixes to an existing website. I LOVE what I do for a living! I personally live by the saying “Love what you do and do what you love.”
Ratings and reviews for your work are pretty darn solid. Could you describe how you build and maintain that kind of reputation?
Just recently the GoDaddy Pro Directory was closed where I was able to help so many business owners in need of an expert. I worked my butt off helping customers. Just before the directory was closed, I had 92 (5 Star) reviews. I was number 2 on the list of 1,500+ developers and it was my goal to surpass the guy in the #1 spot. Positive reviews are a result of setting clear expectations and delivering on them 100% of the time.
Some entrepreneurs describe an aha! moment, the instant they decided it was time to take things into their own hands. Could you describe any of those moments you’ve had?
Over the years I had worked for company after company, doing what was requested of me. I constantly wondered if I was capable of running my own business, and if I would survive doing so without a regular paycheck. It took me many years to save up where I could afford to take the big leap of leaving corporate America and run my own business. I took that leap back in 2017 and have been utterly blessed to have been able to help regular customers month after month on both big and small website projects. The trick to staying in business long term is how you treat your customers. I’ve had so many wonderful opportunities to work with some amazing people. The business relationships I have built are strong and lasting. While I work hard to obtain new customers, I constantly get additional project requests from past customers who benefited from working with my team. It’s an ongoing cycle that has allowed me to stay in business and prosper, evening during this horrible pandemic.
Get yourself featured
Do you want to be featured on GoDaddy.com, show off your expertise to potential clients, connect with other web professionals, or get exclusive access to special GoDaddy projects and programs?
We'd love to have you as a GoDaddy Pro Community contributor! Get started here.
Love wasted time? (Neither do we.)
Fumbling for login credentials, running endless updates, explaining product purchases... No thanks. We built The Hub from GoDaddy Pro to save you an average three hours per month for every client site you maintain.
