I started a new web design business recently - based in Brasil, luccasi.com. I'm trying to figure out the best ways to get my name out there to find my first few customers and build a good portfolio. What are the best methods? Thanks.
I just had a look at your site. I think you will need to do two things before you start looking for customers: 1. You will need to change your current website. When I come to a web designing site, I expect it to be top notch. You can find hundreds of high quality templates that you can utilize to make your website look more impressive: http://www.freecsstemplates.org/css-templates/ and to get ideas on what quality templates should look like. 2. You will need to create your portfolio BEFORE you start looking for clients. Currently, you have no portfolio. So anyone you invite to check out your service will refuse to take you up on your offer as they won't see any examples of your work. I'd suggest have at least 20 nice, attractive templates in your portfolio. Once you have those two, you can try all kinds of methods from selling your services on fiverr to advertising them on AdWords. But do not launch any advertising campaigns before you do what I have suggested. I don't want you to end up feeling discouraged when you do not get the responses you expect from your potential customers.
I'd agree with quickad. I'd also say, when starting out identify a target industry, size, person you want to work with and ring up those people directly offering your services. Make sure you take a good look at their website before the call so you can tell them how you could improve it. It takes time to build up a good marketing presence!