Launched a web design business serving 30+ local businesses in Rockford

Overview

Nova Web Design is no longer active.

I started Nova Web Design because I saw a gap in Rockford. Small business owners — restaurants, shops, service providers — knew they needed a website and social media presence, but didn't have the time or expertise to figure it out. The options were either expensive agencies that over-complicated things or DIY builders that still required hours of work.

My pitch was simple: one package, one monthly price, everything handled. I'd design the site, host it, manage the domain, and keep their social media active. No contracts with multiple vendors, no learning curves, no surprises.

I built templated systems that could be customized quickly for each client, which kept costs low without sacrificing quality. A centralized hosting setup let me manage all client sites efficiently — updates, security, and backups were all handled as part of the service. For social media, I'd set up content calendars and handle posting so clients had a consistent presence on Facebook and Instagram without lifting a finger.

The business model worked. I served 30+ local businesses and validated that there's real demand for bundled, no-hassle digital services in smaller markets. But more importantly, Nova was where I learned the fundamentals of running a business — how to sell a service, how to set expectations, how to manage recurring client relationships, and how to price for sustainability rather than just growth.

Nova Web Design eventually wound down as I focused on larger ventures, but it was the foundation that made everything after it possible.

What I built