I decided to work as web designer and started my site about month ago, although only got few clients yet and site statistics shows that total visitors to it are less than 40 unique users. I advertise site by posting ad's on craigslist and other online clasifieds, in my local area, although i can take orders from all over US. Please advice on how do i attract more clients who need web design because my founds running really low now and i thinking of abandoning this job.
Not to sound like a stuck record here, but you are going to have to advertise. If you can't do that, don't give up just yet. Put this project on the backburner until you are more financially set. As a marketing and advertising consultant, I could go on and on and on about how to do the proper advertising, but let me just say, in a nutshell, that you should try to gather up more money (get a part-time job if you have to) and then create a line of GOOD ads (get them critiqued, along with your website), and then place them in sites that you may find potential customers. Like, this site, for example. You also have a slew of computer sites. Think of as many such sites as you can to advertise in. I would strongly suggest that you also go to the local computer stores to ask if they would carry one of your cards, counter-display ads in their place. Maybe give them some $. Also, contact business owners who have a site you think you can do better. Many are not happy with their now versions. I have a friend who lives in an apt. complex, and the owners are not happy with their site, so.... Try to think outside the box. There is much more I can suggest, but I do this for a living, so...in short, there's your answer. Do you aslo do programming? Because I need one.
Advertising is a good strategy, and you may have to increase your website's credibility. If your website does not look credible, people just move to another site. You can promote your website offline as well, make some Offline Marketing!
I think PhilipR has some good suggestions. Marketing your web design online will be the toughest thing you can do. There are enough sites doing that and having plenty of marketing budget. Also the SEO for web design is a bit too competitive. Try (Word of Mouth) WOM and try Local.
I would create some flyers about your services and target small businesses in your area that might not already have website. Give them an offer they can't refuse - show them why you are a better alternative than the other web designers out there who charge more.
I remember that Jason (the previous owner of theuniversitykid dot com) made around $10,000 designing webpages for local businesses. All you need are some tie ups with local stores.