We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ram Dettmer a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ram, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later

I kicked off my web design business in 2016 and got it up and running by 2018. Looking back, I sometimes wish I’d started it earlier.

I held off initially because I wanted to know everything before diving in. But eventually you learn that you can’t know everything.

The real learning happened when I started taking on clients. With each project, I applied what I knew and picked up more along the way. So, even though I wish for an earlier start, the hands-on experience has been a game-changer.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Ram Dettmer, the founder of Hungry Ram. Hungry Ram is a web design company focused on custom-built sites and software. I ventured into the world of web design from my brother who asked me to help him with a website. With no knowledge of the field, I was tasked with choosing a design. I didn’t like any of them so I researched the idea of how to create my own.

That’s when I started taking coding classes and got hooked on wanting to learn more.

I starting getting jobs in the field as IT support and in web design. Learned as much as I could and learned that a lot of agencies were taking shortcuts and using the same platforms for clients. Platforms like WordPress and Squarespace made it easy to put together a website while charging a high ticket item.

What sets us apart is creating websites using modern web programming tools that provide a significant advantage over website builders. Custom-built sites with the right tools deliver better performance, scalability, and SEO.

I’m most proud of the type of support that I provide as a business owner, as it exemplifies our commitment to helping your business scale.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

I prioritize staying close to my clients and fostering brand loyalty through simple yet effective strategies. Regular communication, social media engagement, and exclusive offers are key. I make it personal by acknowledging milestones and sending personalized texts and calls. Sharing valuable content keeps clients informed, and I always strive to show appreciation. It’s about building connections and making sure clients feel valued in every interaction.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

My side hustle in web design transitioned into my full-time career. Starting in 2013 as a passion project, I gradually expanded as I secured projects from referrals. The turning point was working with SERHANT., a major real estate company that has a large following and TV show, which significantly boosted the business as they were looking for a custom-build for their software and websites. Today, my journey from a web design side hustle to a thriving career underscores the importance of continuous learning and client satisfaction.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hungryram.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ramdettmer/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HungryRam
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramdettmer/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/hungry-ram-web-design-yorba-linda