You Have the Skills. It's Time to Build the Business That Pays You for Them.

Design Business Pro is a graphic design and web design business coaching program for freelance designers who are done undercharging, done overworking, and ready to finally build a profitable business with confidence.

You didn't get into design to struggle. But somewhere between your first client and right now, the business side of freelancing got complicated — and nobody taught you how to handle it.

That's exactly what we fix here.

You're Good at Design. So Why Does the Business Feel So Hard?

You have real skills. Clients have told you your work is excellent. You get referrals. You stay late to get projects right.

And yet.

You're still quoting rates you're embarrassed by. You're still saying yes to clients who drain you. You're still trading hours for dollars and wondering why the math never quite works out.

You've Googled "how to charge more for web design." You've watched the YouTube videos. You've read the blog posts.

But nothing has actually changed.

Here's what nobody tells you: the gap between where you are and where you want to be isn't a design skills problem. It's a confidence problem. A clarity problem. A positioning problem.

And those are exactly the problems a good graphic design and web design business coach actually solves.

The Designers Who Thrive Aren't More Talented Than You.

They Think Differently About Their Business.

The designers charging $5,000 for a website — while you charge $800 for the same scope — aren't better designers.

They've just figured out three things you haven't been taught yet.

They know exactly who they serve best and how to position themselves as the obvious choice for that client.

They know how to price based on the value they create — not the hours they log.

And they know how to build a client relationship that generates recurring revenue long after the first project ends.

None of this is complicated. None of it requires a marketing degree or a massive social media following.

It requires the right framework, a coach who has actually done it, and the confidence to start acting like the CEO of your own business.

That's what Design Business Pro is built to give you.

I'm Mat Casner:

Your Web Design Business Coach

I'm the Person I Wish I'd Had Knew When I Was Starting Out.

I didn't start as a coach. I started as a graphic designer, then grew into a web designer.

For years I freelanced on the side while working full-time jobs — including a stretch at a large advertising agency in Kansas City where I was managing web and marketing projects for Fortune 500 clients.

Here's the thing that changed everything for me.

The agency was billing my work at $150 an hour. I was charging my own freelance clients $20 to $25 an hour for the same quality of work.

The same skills. The same output. A fraction of the price.

When that finally landed — when I really internalized what that gap meant — I stopped seeing myself as a commodity and started seeing myself as an asset. I raised my rates. I changed how I talked about my work. I changed who I worked with.

And my business changed completely.

I left my corporate cubicle more than 15 years ago and have been running my own full-time design and web agency — Redlogic Communications — ever since. I still take client work today. I'm not a guru who stopped designing a decade ago and now sells courses about it. I'm a practitioner who coaches because I know what works in the real world right now.

For the past decade I've worked with freelance designers all over the world — graphic designers, web designers, brand designers, and other creative professionals — helping them build businesses that are profitable, sustainable, and genuinely enjoyable to run.

My mission is simple: I want to help you own your unique talents, charge what you're worth, and build a business that actually supports your life.

Think like a creative. Act like a CEO.

That's what we do here.

"Before the 8 Weeks Were Over, I Had Made More Money Than I Had in the Entire Previous Year."

I want to tell you about Isaac.

Isaac is a writer and marketing consultant. Smart, talented, genuinely good at what he does.

In the summer of 2022, he sat down with his wife and told her he was done. Done trying to grow his business. Done with the struggle. Done with the dream. He was ready to quit.

That same week, a friend referred him to one of my summits. He almost didn't come.

But something made him give it one last shot.

Here's what Isaac told me afterward:

"There's a lot of gurus out there who are gonna tell you that with their training or course they're gonna turn your business around. But as soon as I started receiving communication from Mat, there was just something different. I could tell he was there to serve."

Isaac came to the summit. Then he enrolled in my 8-week program.

Before the eight weeks were over — before the course even finished — Isaac had made more money in his business than he had in the entire previous year.

The entire previous year.

Not because I handed him a magic formula. Not because I promised him overnight results.

Because we worked through three very specific things together: his mindset about himself and about money, how to package his services around what he actually loves to do, and how to price those packages so he was finally making a real profit.

Three things. And his business transformed.

I'm sharing Isaac's story because I know some of you reading this right now are exactly where he was in the summer of 2022.

Talented. Working hard. Doing everything you know how to do.

But something isn't clicking.

It can work. I've seen it too many times to think otherwise.

What Design Business Pro Actually Teaches You

Most design education teaches you how to design. Design Business Pro teaches you how to run a design business.

There's a difference — and it's the difference between a talented designer who struggles and a confident creative professional who thrives.

Here's what we work on together:

Clarity — Know Exactly What You Offer and Who You Serve Best

Most designers try to serve everyone and end up attracting the wrong clients at the wrong rates. We use a structured framework to help you identify the clients you serve best, the services you love delivering, and the positioning that makes you the obvious choice — not just another option.

Confidence — Charge What You're Worth Without Apologizing for It

Undercharging isn't a pricing problem. It's a confidence and mindset problem. We work through the beliefs that are keeping your rates low and replace them with a value-based pricing approach that reflects what your work actually delivers to a client's business.

Recurring Revenue — Build a Business That Pays You Beyond the First Project

One-time projects keep you on a feast-or-famine treadmill. We help you build recurring revenue through maintenance plans, retainers, and strategic upsells that turn a single client relationship into years of consistent income.

Sales Without the Sleaze — Close Clients Confidently and Authentically

You don't need to be pushy or manipulative to close a sale. You need to know how to have a real conversation about value. We teach you a sales approach that feels natural, builds trust, and converts the right clients — without ever feeling like you're performing.

From "I Was Seriously Considering Quitting" to a Full-Time Design Business She Loves

Sarah was a college instructor teaching graphic design when COVID hit and changed everything.

Fewer teaching jobs. Less respect for her expertise. Almost no control over her time. She felt like "just the help" rather than a valued professional.

When the pandemic forced a reset, a friend asked her to design a book cover — and something clicked. She already had the skills. She built a website and launched a freelance design business.

Then reality hit.

How much do I charge? Hourly or packages? What do I do when a client keeps changing their mind? What if they ask for a refund on work they already approved? How do I break out of feast or famine?

The questions piled up fast. The stress was real. She was seriously considering quitting and going back to a traditional job.

That's when she found Design Business Pro.

"Right away I was like — this is the resource I need. A friendly, encouraging person with a lot of real-world experience. I needed mentorship and practical advice."

In the time she spent working through the program, Sarah describes getting the equivalent of a mini business degree — comparable in practical value to the graduate degree she already held.

She learned how to price her work, package her services, set client expectations, and build a referral-based business.

The results? Her hourly earnings nearly tripled. She stopped wanting to quit. She built a steady flow of referral work. And she's now able to split her week between her design business and her passion for fine art — the exact life she set out to create.

"I had all the skills. It was inside me all along. Mat's encouragement and advice helped bring it out and made it possible for me to build a business that actually supports my life."

She's been running her business full-time for over two years now. She's not looking back.

What You Get Inside Design Business Pro

Design Business Pro combines structured training, live coaching, and a community of working designers — so you get the knowledge, the accountability, and the support to actually implement what you learn.

The Design Business Academy

An 8-week course built specifically for freelance graphic designers and web designers. We cover positioning, pricing, packaging, client management, sales, and recurring revenue — everything design school skipped. You work through it at your pace with lifetime access.

Monthly Group Coaching Calls

Live calls with Mat where you can bring your real business questions, deals you're trying to close, clients you're navigating, and pricing decisions you're wrestling with. Real answers for real situations.

Private Community

A private community of designers who are building serious businesses. Ask questions, share wins, get feedback on proposals, and stay accountable to your goals. No trolls. No fluff. Just working designers helping each other grow.

Guest Expert Trainings

Regular sessions with outside experts covering topics like SEO, content marketing, legal basics for freelancers, and more — so you're getting a well-rounded business education, not just a design education.

Backstage Pass — A Look Inside Mat's Agency

See how a real working design and web agency operates. Real processes, real client communication, real pricing decisions. Not theory. Not what worked in 2010. What works right now.

Access to the Full Training Vault

Every past training, every resource, every template — available the moment you join.

Is Design Business Pro Right for You?

This is for you if...

You're a freelance graphic designer, web designer, or creative professional who already has marketable skills but struggles to price them confidently.

You've been freelancing for at least a year and you're ready to stop treating your business like a side hustle and start running it like a CEO.

You're tired of undercharging, attracting the wrong clients, and trading hours for dollars with nothing left over.

You want a coach who has actually built and run a real design business — not just someone who teaches business theory.

You're willing to do the work. You're not looking for a magic shortcut. You're looking for the right framework, the right support, and the clarity to finally move forward.

This is NOT for you if...

You're looking for a get-rich-quick formula or overnight results.

You're brand new to design with no client experience yet — this program is built for designers who already have skills and need to monetize them better.

You're not willing to examine how you think about your own value. Mindset work is part of this program. If that's not something you're open to, this isn't the right fit.

You want someone to do the work for you. This is a coaching and education program — the results come from your implementation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Design Business Pro open right now?

Not at the moment — but doors will open again soon. Join the waitlist below and you'll be the first to know when enrollment opens. Waitlist members also get access to exclusive early-bird pricing.

I'm a graphic designer, not a web designer. Is this still for me?

Absolutely. While many of our strongest students are web designers, the frameworks we teach apply to any creative service business — brand designers, illustrators, print designers, and other creative professionals have all built better businesses through this program. If you sell a creative service, this was built for you.

How much does it cost?

Pricing is shared when enrollment opens. Waitlist members are always offered the best available rate. What we can tell you is that the program is priced to be a genuine investment — not a $27 PDF — because real transformation requires real commitment from both of us.

How much time does it take each week?

The 8-week Academy is designed to be completed in 2 to 3 hours per week. Coaching calls and community engagement are additional but optional. Most students find that the time they invest quickly pays for itself through better pricing and more efficient client management.

I've tried other courses and they didn't work. Why is this different?

Most design business courses are built by people who stopped doing the work years ago. Mat still runs an active design and web agency. The frameworks inside Design Business Pro are tested in the real market — not just in a classroom. And unlike self-paced courses you abandon by week two, the community and coaching structure keeps you accountable.

What if I join and it's not for me?

We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. Use the training, show up for the calls, engage with the community, and implement what you learn. If you genuinely don't believe it's worth your investment at the end of 30 days, forward your receipt with the subject line "Not For Me" and we'll give you a full refund — no questions asked.

What if I join I'm not sure I'm ready. What's a good first step?and it's not for me?

Download the free 6-Figure D.E.S.I.G.N. Business Blueprint. It's a no-cost resource that walks you through the foundation of building a profitable design business. If it resonates, you'll know you're in the right place.

You Already Have What It Takes.
Let's Build the Business Around It.

Isaac was ready to quit. Sarah was ready to go back to a traditional job.

Neither of them had a skills problem.

They had a business problem — and they needed someone who had already solved it to show them how.

If you're reading this and something in you is saying yes, this is exactly where I am — trust that.

You don't need another year of undercharging. You don't need to figure this out alone. You need a proven framework, a coach who has been in the trenches, and a community of designers who are serious about building something real.

That's Design Business Pro.

Doors aren't open right now — but they will be. Join the waitlist below and be first in line when enrollment opens. Waitlist members get notified first and always receive the best available pricing.

Think like a creative. Act like a CEO.

— Mat Casner, Design Business Pro

Written by Mat Casner

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5 List Building Strategies to Supercharge your Email List

Branding & Marketing, Customer Relationship, Design Business 101, Finding Clients | 0 comments

If you're a freelancer or you're thinking about becoming one, one thing is for certain  - clients are essential! Don’t have clients yet? It's time to start marketing!

In my article last week I covered the five stages of marketing, the first being "awareness", where a potential client finds out who you are, what you do and who you serve.

To spread awareness, you may have one or more of the following: social media accounts, blogs, podcasts, webinars, workshops, etc. These are all terrific, but how do you capitalize on your potential client's awareness and move them to the next stage - consideration? This is where your future clients have the opportunity to learn more about you so that you can eventually earn their trust and their business.

Email Is Still King When It Comes to Marketing

The most effective way to build trust with future customers is through email. To do that, we need to get those potential clients onto our list!

In 15 years of freelancing full time. One thing I've learned is certain...the most successful business owners spend time growing and nurturing their lists.

Here are five strategies you can use today to start capturing emails and moving potential customers from the awareness stage to the consideration stage. Watch the video here or scroll down to read more!

1. Offer Something of Value

You've probably gone to a million websites and notice they are giving away some sort of a freebie: a PDF, video, a tip sheet - something that has some sort of inherent value. Offering something that will help potential clients save time or money is a great way to give value in exchange for an email address.

2. Answer Common Questions/Provide a Solution for Common Problems 

Clients who come to you want to know that you have the answer to the problems they have. Chances are very likely that the customers that you serve all have a common set of problems and questions. Choose one of their common questions, and answer it for your audience.

This strategy provides an answer but ALSO goes a long way in establishing you as an expert in your field. When people realize you have the answers to the questions that they have, then they're going to trust you to help them with these (and more) in the future.

Pro-Tip

Don’t give away the farm! You should give the “what” but not necessarily the “how” of the solution to the problem. The “how” will be what they trust and hire you to do!

3. Give a Short Quiz  

Not only can quizzes help you find out which Harry Potter house you’d be in, or what kind of dessert you are, but they can also be a very effective tool for getting people onto your email list. Use one to inject a bit of fun into your marketing!

We all have a curious nature, wanting to see how we stack up or rank against others. Use that curiosity to your advantage and present potential clients with a quiz. At the end, point them to a  a resource or additional information that will help you build trust in the customer journey. 

4. Send a Newsletter  

If you're a blogger or a podcaster, a newsletter ought to be a no-brainer for you. A newsletter is a great way to share your content with your audience, as well as what’s going on in your business. Use it to brag on your current customers, show them what problems you're solving and create this FOMO with new people. 

5. Offer a Contest or Giveaway

Offering a contest or giveaway is a very effective - and fun! - way to get new people on your list. Instead of wrapping up hundreds of dollars in advertising on social media to get clients (that are often not a great fit for you), create a giveaway or contest for something that resonates with your perfect client. Give them bonus chances to win if they share the contest on social media, or for tagging a friend, or both!

People love to get something for nothing and will be happy to give you their email in exchange for the chance to win a valuable tool from you.

Where to Implement Your List Building Strategies

So, where exactly do you put the opt-ins to build your list? Add them to your website as popups or banners, and share them to all your social media channels. You can put your offer in your social media bios to encourage your audience to “Sign up for a free thing!”

A less obvious strategy is to add an opt-in to your email signature. How many emails do you send out a day? How many auto responders do you have set up for email? Add your opt-ins to your email signature and every time you send out an email, let it work for you to add people to your list!

For more on how to build a profitable freelance business be sure to check out out my Freelance Blueprint here: www.freelanceceo.com/blueprint. It's a free resource that shows you step-by-step how to build a profitable freelance business!

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