This article is a part of a new series called Startup Spotlight, where we focus on successful entrepreneurs and emerging startups that are taking the web industry by storm.
Despite the vast developments we’ve witnessed in technology over the years, it’s somewhat surprising (but nonetheless disheartening) that the web design industry has been left behind.
From marketing and search engine optimization to mobile usability, clients are increasingly demanding more from web designers in a push for better return on investments (ROI) from customers. Yet, web designers simply cannot accommodate these requests because they often lack the fundamental training in these areas.
The result of this is not only a soured relationship between client and designer, but the creation of a product that fails to generate any justifiable ROI.
In other words, a whole lot of wasted time.
Noticing these ongoing struggles between both parties, serial entrepreneur Bianca Board created Foxley – a unique design platform that combines marketing and SEO smarts with an intuitive website building platform that guarantees results.
Board says the current state of the industry is “sad”, especially as web designers are only making on average 5.5% profit from the work they create.
“You have designers out there, who even in Australia, end up working for $5 an hour because of the amount of hours that have to go into making a website work properly.”“When you think about it, for all the work that goes into creating a website, that’s not a lot of money. You have designers out there, who even in Australia, end up working for $5 an hour because of the amount of hours that have to go into making a website work properly. I think technology has evolved tremendously but web design hasn’t,” she said.
After having successfully launched Web123, a business which has generated a whopping $9 million in revenue since its humble beginnings, Foxley further disrupted the industry for all the right reasons. It’s a platform that empowers designers through incredibly fast build times, built-in marketing strategy, technical support, sales guidance and much more.
“You can get all of these SEO and marketing services manually, but businesses don’t know how to do that and designers don’t know how to pull that all together. So my team and I thought, wouldn’t it be great if there was a platform that pulled all those pieces together, bypassed all of that learning and just skipped straight to the results?” she said.
The Foxley model is split into two main categories: Foxley Business and Foxley Site Builder, the latter due to be launched around June 2017. Foxley Business emphasizes a fast track to web design success through plug-and-play systems that are delivered via a platform and app that designers can work through in 30 or 60 second sprints.
Whereas Foxley Site Builder is the “hammer in the toolbox” – a website builder that enables designers to build effective websites that drive traffic through a drag-and-drop interface without the hassles of code. Its greatest asset, however, is its marketing SEO scorecard system: each page gets a score and it’s up to the designer and their client to increase that score to improve the effectiveness of that site. It’s fun, interactive and builds rapport in the design/client relationships – all of which have been lacking in the web design industry as it transitions more into the corporate sphere.
Board and her team spent three months working on Foxley’s five-year model. After partnering with Tauro Capital Partners to raise capital and appoint a leadership team, she was advised to take a step back to evaluate the project’s progress thus far. Though initially hesitant, in hindsight Board believes that period of reflection benefited the company overall.
“We were so hungry to get stuck into the ‘doing’ stages, but it was the best thing ever to stop and take stock of where we were.”
“It was like having a big retro on the whole entire business, and I think we made all the right decisions especially considering the roadblocks that were thrown in our way at different times.”
One of the roadblocks was pitching and constantly clarifying to investors that Foxley wasn’t another website platform attempting to take on the WordPress and Squarespace mammoths. Rather, when they did manage to get into the meetings, investors could see their passion for shaking up the design industry.
“[The pitching] never really happened like it does in American films. And it was just really explaining what we’re all about. We just had to keep doing that – you have to available at the drop of a hat. If someone wanted to meet with you, you have to move mountains to make it happen.”
It seems Board is on the right track with Foxley, with the business already having secured more than $700,000 in seed funding pre-launch and an $8 million valuation pre-revenue despite still being a relatively new venture.
A big factor to that success has been Board’s idea of building a loyal community before launching a product. Called “Foxley Rockstars”, their online community is a diverse range of designers and business owners wanting to learn more about the industry in order to feel empowered by their career. By developing this loyal following beforehand, audiences were ready to embrace Foxley the second it officially launched.
“Although we didn’t have anything ready, we were involving them in building the product all the way along so they feel like they have ownership. We’re creating something for them, and they have input into what we are creating so they feel a part of it,” she said.
Indeed, throughout these experiences of becoming a successful entrepreneur, Bianca’s biggest advice to entrepreneurs is to trust your intuition, listen to your gut and “learn by doing”.
“Confidence is key. Be confident in your products, be confident in your users, and be confident that your product will attract the right kind of users.”
Bianca’s Top Tip for Emerging Entrepreneurs
“Confidence with investors goes a long way. Be confident when you’re pitching, when you’re working as a team, when you hit roadblocks and when you’re stuck and can’t figure things out. You just have to keep moving through and be confident for everyone around you.” Learn more about Foxley here.
Frequently Asked Questions about Foxley and Web Design Industry
What makes Foxley unique in the web design industry?
Foxley is unique in the web design industry due to its innovative approach to web design. Unlike traditional web design companies, Foxley focuses on creating designs that not only look good but also drive results. They use a data-driven approach to design, using analytics and user feedback to continuously improve and optimize their designs. This ensures that their designs are not only aesthetically pleasing but also effective in achieving the client’s goals.
Who is the founder of Foxley and what is her background?
Foxley was founded by Bianca Board, a seasoned professional in the web design industry. Bianca has a wealth of experience in web design, having worked in the industry for over a decade before starting Foxley. She is passionate about creating designs that not only look good but also drive results, and this passion is reflected in the work that Foxley does.
How has Foxley disrupted the web design industry?
Foxley has disrupted the web design industry by challenging the traditional approach to web design. Instead of focusing solely on aesthetics, Foxley prioritizes functionality and results. They use a data-driven approach to design, using analytics and user feedback to continuously improve and optimize their designs. This innovative approach has set a new standard in the industry, pushing other companies to rethink their approach to web design.
What services does Foxley offer?
Foxley offers a range of services in the web design industry. These include web design, web development, and digital marketing services. They also offer a unique service called ‘Design Audit’, where they analyze a client’s existing website and provide recommendations for improvement.
How does Foxley’s ‘Design Audit’ service work?
Foxley’s ‘Design Audit’ service involves a thorough analysis of a client’s existing website. They look at various aspects of the site, including its design, functionality, and performance. Based on this analysis, they provide a detailed report with recommendations for improvement. This service is particularly useful for businesses that already have a website but are not seeing the results they want.
What is Foxley’s approach to web design?
Foxley’s approach to web design is centered around results. They believe that a good design is not just about aesthetics, but also about functionality and performance. They use a data-driven approach to design, using analytics and user feedback to continuously improve and optimize their designs. This ensures that their designs are not only visually appealing but also effective in achieving the client’s goals.
How does Foxley use data in their design process?
Foxley uses data in their design process to make informed decisions about design elements. They use analytics to understand how users interact with a website, and use this information to optimize the design. They also use user feedback to continuously improve their designs. This data-driven approach ensures that their designs are not only visually appealing but also effective in achieving the client’s goals.
What is the benefit of using Foxley’s services?
The main benefit of using Foxley’s services is their focus on results. Unlike traditional web design companies, Foxley prioritizes functionality and performance over aesthetics. They use a data-driven approach to design, ensuring that their designs are not only visually appealing but also effective in achieving the client’s goals. This can lead to improved user engagement, increased conversions, and ultimately, a higher return on investment.
How can I get in touch with Foxley?
You can get in touch with Foxley through their website. They have a contact form on their website where you can leave your details and a message. They also have a presence on LinkedIn, where you can connect with them and learn more about their services.
What is the future of Foxley?
As a forward-thinking company, Foxley is always looking for ways to innovate and improve. They are continuously refining their approach to design, using data and user feedback to optimize their designs. They are also expanding their range of services to meet the evolving needs of their clients. With their focus on results and innovation, the future of Foxley looks bright.
Aleczander GamboaAleczander Gamboa is a freelance writer, editor and media all-rounder. Along with working in the lifestyle and arts sectors, he's now immersing himself in the exciting world of web development and technology. He also tweets too much for his liking about reality shows he's too emotionally invested in. You can view his full portfolio of work here.
