SiteSwan Reseller Interview with Rickey Rom

Rickey Reveals How He Sold 13 Websites in 2 Months as a New Web Designer

Published on October 8, 2024

SiteSwan's Co-Founder, Justin Gerena, recently sat down with Rickey Rom, an inspiring SiteSwan reseller who has achieved the remarkable milestone of selling 13 websites in just two months. Rickey’s journey embodies determination and transformation, showcasing the practical strategies that have propelled his web design business to new heights. Transitioning from his early days as a carpet cleaner to a successful entrepreneur, Rickey has effectively leveraged SiteSwan’s platform, combining it with his unique style and approach to sales to foster meaningful, long-lasting relationships.

In this insightful discussion, Rickey shares actionable tips and proven strategies for SiteSwan resellers and aspiring web designers. His story underscores the power of persistence and creativity, illustrating how to use the right tools to unlock your business’s full potential. Whether you’re just starting or looking to expand your client base, Rickey’s experience offers invaluable guidance on maximizing the SiteSwan platform to scale your business.

Prepare to be inspired by Rickey's unwavering drive and personable approach as he passionately supports small business owners, works hard to provide for his family, and builds meaningful connections to grow his web design business.

“SiteSwan has changed my life. It’s definitely helped me and my family. I am happy to see it’s also helping businesses, mom-and-pop shops all around. It’s blessing their lives and putting food on their table as well.”

- Rickey Rom (RomSite Marketing Agency)
Overview

Rickey's journey is a remarkable story of transformation and determination, going from a carpet cleaner to a successful SiteSwan reseller in just two months, securing 13 clients along the way. Driven by a desire to create a better life for his family and pursue his entrepreneurial dreams, Rickey leveraged the SiteSwan platform to turn his vision into reality.

After moving across the country so his wife could pursue her nursing career, Rickey faced the challenges of finding suitable employment that aligned with his family responsibilities. With a newborn at home and a four-year-old daughter, the job market proved to be less than accommodating. However, rather than settling for dissatisfaction, Rickey embraced the opportunity to build his own business—a dream he had nurtured for years.

Rickey discovered SiteSwan while searching for franchise opportunities and was instantly drawn to its user-friendly platform. He recognized the potential to create stunning website demos that could captivate potential clients, a game-changer in his sales approach. His natural charisma and commitment to honesty have helped him build genuine relationships with clients, treating them not just as customers, but as friends.

Rickey’s success is attributed to his dedication to delivering value and establishing a strong rapport with his clients. He prioritizes understanding their unique needs and provides tailored website solutions that drive their success. Bringing his brother on as a business partner, Rickey has plans to expand his service offerings, paving the way for sustained growth.

Through his infectious energy and unwavering commitment to helping small businesses thrive, Rickey exemplifies the power of strategic partnerships and a customer-first mentality. His journey serves as an inspiring example for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to carve their path and start their own business venture.



The Challenge

Although he had done a bit of coding in college, he found it frustrating and lacked a solid background in web design or digital marketing sales. He recognized the need for a turnkey solution that would seamlessly fit into his life while providing a suitable income to support his family.

With minimal experience in web design or digital marketing, he sought a straightforward approach that would enable him to effectively serve small businesses and create opportunities for substantial income.



The Solution

After extensive research, Rickey found SiteSwan, a white-label website solution that perfectly fit his needs. Rickey quickly recognized the potential of the SiteSwan platform and understood how special this software was for simplifying the process and empowering him to offer valuable digital services. His initial experience using the SiteSwan platform was transformative; he created an impressive website mockup on the fly that left potential clients eager to collaborate.

"The ability to show clients a demo of what their website could look like before they commit is a huge advantage," Rickey shared.

With SiteSwan’s intuitive tools, he can confidently present tailored website solutions that exceed client expectations. Rickey’s partnership with SiteSwan has given him the assurance he needed to approach potential clients effectively. His belief in the platform’s capabilities allows him to offer digital solutions that not only meet clients’ needs but also build trust and foster long-lasting relationships.

"I really appreciate your [SiteSwan's] example of transparency. Everything that is said about SiteSwan is exactly what it says it is. There’s no gimmicks behind it. It is what it is," Rickey shared. 


Results

Since launching his business with SiteSwan, Rickey has rapidly established himself as a rising star in the web design industry. In just two months, he secured 13 clients, leveraging referrals and word-of-mouth to fuel his growth.

Rickey’s journey reflects the potential of combining passion with a strong support system. By actively engaging with clients and prioritizing their needs, he has set the foundation for sustainable growth. His success story underscores the importance of leveraging tools like SiteSwan while building authentic connections to achieve long-term success.



Rickey's and Justin's Collaborative Tips for Success

During the interview, Rickey and Justin collectively share some insightful tips about techniques that can help any entrepreneur trying to grow their web design agency. Here are the highlights:

1. Just start calling and talking to people

The key to building a client base is simple: start conversations. Rickey emphasizes the importance of engaging with people casually about their work and side hustles. By fostering a friendly atmosphere, you can naturally introduce your services without feeling salesy.

Actionable TipPractice casual introductions: Use friendly conversation starters like, “Hey, what do you do for work?” to ease into discussions about your services.

2.
Use the right language

Rickey highlights the power of language in sales. He shares how the term "manageable" shifted conversations from uncomfortable sales pitches to collaborative discussions about pricing. By asking clients what they can manage, you empower them to engage without feeling pressured.

Actionable Tip:
 Incorporate the word “manageable”: Use phrases like “What’s manageable for you?” and “Is this number manageable?” when discussing pricing with clients.

3. Don’t be greedy

In the early stages of building a business, Rickey advises against being overly focused on high fees from individual clients. He encourages a more empathetic approach—understanding that some clients may need lower fees or even waived setup costs to get started. By providing value to clients who need help, you can build long-term relationships and a steady referral base.

Actionable Tip: Consider flexible pricing: Offer lower fees or waive setup costs for clients who may struggle financially. This approach can help you establish goodwill and community ties.


4. Set goals for success

Rickey emphasizes the significance of setting specific goals for client acquisition and viewing his work as a long-term endeavor. His immediate objective is to secure 100 clients, which he considers a crucial stepping stone for expanding his services in the future. By maintaining focus and cultivating a positive mindset, he believes that success is not only possible but also within reach.

Actionable Tip: Define clear goals: Set a specific target for the number of clients you want to acquire in the next few months. Break this goal into smaller, manageable steps to track your progress.

Reflecting on Rickey's journey, it's clear that giving your all and embracing authenticity are key to success. When you approach your business with genuine passion and a desire to help others, you naturally create opportunities for growth. By being yourself and showing a sincere interest in your clients, you build strong, trust-based relationships that lead to lasting success. Let Rickey's story motivate you to put your heart into your work, seek out opportunities, and build genuine connections that will elevate your business and those around you.


"I have two kids; I am 34 years old. I am trying to provide for my family. To be able to stand here and say this is something I am using full-time to provide for my family—it's a big deal. But to do it in a way that I want to is a blessing. It really is." - Rickey Rom

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