Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mark King. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Mark thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with what makes profitability in your industry a challenge – what would you say is the biggest challenge?

One of the biggest challenges to profitability in the web design and development industry, especially for a company like King Design Solutions, is balancing the delivery of high-quality, customized solutions with managing client expectations about budget, timeline, and scope. Many clients approach us for services such as website design, branding, or e-commerce development with incredible ideas—but they may not fully understand the resources required to bring those ideas to life.

For example, when we develop a website, it’s not just about making it look good. Clients often want seamless functionality across devices (responsive design), integration with third-party tools like payment processors or CRMs, optimized performance for speed, and adherence to accessibility standards. Each of these adds complexity, and when clients request additional features or significant changes mid-project—without accounting for the time and costs involved—it can strain profitability.

A specific instance involved a client who initially hired us for a simple, visually appealing portfolio site. Halfway through the project, they requested custom integrations for email marketing automation, advanced SEO analytics, and an e-commerce section for selling digital products. On top of that, they wanted a redesign to better align with a rebranding effort they initiated after the project started. While we were happy to support their evolving needs, accommodating such significant changes required additional resources, which affected the profitability of the project.

To address these challenges, King Design Solutions focuses on detailed pre-project discovery sessions. During these sessions, we gather as much information as possible about the client’s goals, provide clarity about the complexity of various features (like Tap NFC business cards or custom digital branding), and set realistic expectations. Clear contracts are also key—they outline the scope of work and include provisions for scope changes to ensure flexibility without impacting the project’s financial health.

Additionally, we’ve invested in process improvements for services like responsive design, e-commerce platforms, branding, and digital business cards to ensure efficiency and consistency. We use these measures to navigate the inevitable challenges that arise in our industry. While profitability can be impacted by these factors, they also provide opportunities to refine our approach, strengthen client relationships, and showcase the true value of what we bring to the table as a partner in their success.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

At King Design Solutions, we specialize in helping small to mid-sized businesses bring their visions to life with creative, impactful digital solutions. My name is Mark King, and I’m the CEO and owner of King Design Solutions. With a background in Information Technology and years of experience as a Graphic Design, Website Design/Development, Systems Operations, and Business Analyst, I’ve always been passionate about solving challenges and creating opportunities for businesses to thrive.

The journey to founding King Design Solutions was fueled by a desire to provide small and mid-sized businesses with the high-quality design and branding services often reserved for larger companies. We understand the unique challenges smaller businesses face in standing out and staying competitive, and we’re here to level the playing field.

At King Design Solutions, we offer four core services tailored to the needs of growing businesses:

– Strategic Branding: We help businesses define their identity and craft a cohesive strategy to build trust and recognition with their target audience.
– Logo and Graphic Design: From professional logos to marketing materials, we create visuals that make your business memorable and relatable.
– Website Design: Whether you need a new website or a redesign, we build responsive, user-friendly sites that are optimized for engagement and conversion.
– Video Production: In today’s digital-first world, video is essential. We create compelling video content that tells your story and connects with your audience.

What sets King Design Solutions apart is our dedication to personalizing every solution we deliver. We take the time to understand your business, your audience, and your goals. For small and mid-sized businesses, every decision matters, and we’re here to ensure you make the most of your marketing and design investments.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the trust and loyalty we’ve earned from our clients. For small and mid-sized businesses, partnerships matter, and we see ourselves as an extension of your team. Whether it’s designing a logo that captures your brand’s essence, developing a high-performing website, or producing a video that drives engagement, we’re here to help you succeed.

At King Design Solutions, we believe every business has the potential to stand out. We’re passionate about helping small and mid-sized businesses grow, thrive, and achieve their dreams. If you’re looking for a partner who will prioritize your success and deliver exceptional results, we’d love to work with you.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

Yes, my side hustle did evolve into a fully legally recognized business, but I still work in IT alongside running King Design Solutions. The journey to building King Design Solutions into what it is today is rooted in a lifelong passion for creativity and technology.

My interest in web design began early—I built my first website in the early 2000s while I was still in high school. Around the same time, I started exploring graphic design, creating flyers for after-school events. Those projects ignited a creative spark that only grew stronger during my college years as I took on more graphic design work and further developed my skills.

During that same period, I discovered video production through family events. I started filming weddings, editing the footage, and adding music overlays, which allowed me to experiment with storytelling and creative expression. These experiences laid the groundwork for the video production services that King Design Solutions offers today.

At first, these projects were a side hustle—something I did in addition to my full-time IT career. Over time, as my skills and reputation grew, I began taking on more freelance work, helping small and mid-sized businesses with their branding, design, and digital needs.

Some key milestones in transitioning King Design Solutions into a fully recognized business include:

1. Expanding My Services: What started with basic website design and graphic projects eventually grew into a comprehensive suite of services, including strategic branding, logo and graphic design, website design, and video production.
2. Building Relationships: Working with small and mid-sized businesses taught me the importance of personalized solutions and client trust. These relationships not only helped me refine my offerings but also fueled the growth of King Design Solutions.
3. Formalizing the Business: Making the decision to establish King Design Solutions as a fully legally recognized entity was a pivotal moment. It allowed me to present myself professionally and take on larger, more impactful projects.

While I still enjoy my work in IT, King Design Solutions provides me with a creative outlet and an opportunity to directly impact small and mid-sized businesses. I’m proud of how far this side hustle has come—from designing flyers in high school to helping businesses define their brands and tell their stories today.

What makes King Design Solutions special is the combination of technical expertise and creative vision I bring to every project. For small and mid-sized businesses, every detail matters, and I take pride in delivering custom solutions that help them grow and succeed.

Looking back, the journey has been both challenging and rewarding. Transitioning King Design Solutions into a recognized business is one of my proudest achievements, and I’m excited to continue helping clients turn their visions into reality.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

At King Design Solutions, the most effective strategy for growing our clientele has been through word of mouth and referrals. Small and mid-sized businesses thrive on relationships, and we’ve built King Design Solutions on the foundation of trust, quality, and personalized service.

When we work with a client, we don’t just aim to meet their expectations—we strive to exceed them. By delivering custom solutions tailored to each business’s unique needs, we’ve been able to create long-term partnerships. Satisfied clients naturally become advocates, sharing their experiences with others in their networks who are looking for similar services.

What makes this strategy so impactful is the quality of our work, which speaks for itself. Whether it’s crafting a memorable logo, developing a user-friendly website, or producing a compelling video, clients who see tangible results are eager to recommend us. The personal service we offer plays a huge role as well. We take the time to truly understand each client’s goals and challenges, which helps us deliver tailored solutions that build strong, lasting connections.

We also maintain open communication with our clients and provide ongoing support, ensuring that they not only come back for future projects but feel confident recommending King Design Solutions to others. This relationship-building naturally leads to referrals, which have been key to our growth.

Ultimately, we believe the best marketing is a happy client, and our growth is a testament to the power of delivering value and fostering genuine relationships. As we continue to expand, we remain committed to earning and sustaining the trust of every client we serve.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kingdesignsolutions.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kingdesignsolutions

Image Credits

Personal Photo: 1154 Studios