I'm a 20-year-old based in South Asia and recently rebranded my freelance work into an agency called **ALTO**. I'm targeting high-value niches in the US, like pool construction and car detailing. I've built five concept websites using **Lovable** and **Draaft (3D)**, but they're all in free demo mode and I can't share live URLs, which is limiting my outreach.
My current strategy is to find businesses with poor online presences, create a custom 3D concept site for them, and then I reach out via DMs or emails. However, I'm hitting a wall because I'm not getting any replies, which is really disheartening.
I'm questioning if spec work—working for free or low-cost upfront—is worth it, especially since I charge $600 for a project. I'm also unsure how to present these demo sites to US business owners without looking unprofessional.
Additionally, after rebranding, I need some ideas for content that will make my agency appear more established on Instagram, even though I'm just a one-person operation. Lastly, many of the contacts I find for outreach only have phone numbers and aren't on Instagram, making it hard to share my web concepts with them.
1 Answer
Honestly, spec work can feel like a trap, especially in a market filled with cheap alternatives like Squarespace or Wix. A lot of potential clients might find it hard to value your work when they can find low-budget solutions easily. Revisiting your strategy is a good idea—try reaching out to businesses that really need a web presence and show how your service translates into value for them.
Exactly! If businesses are already doing well without a website, convincing them to pay for one will be tough. Maybe start by understanding their needs first?