Marta: How are you both doing? How has your week been so far?
Dominique: We're doing well, thank you! It's been a busy week, but that's how we like it.
Gideon: Yes, busy but productive. Thanks for having us.
Marta: Thank you for accepting the invite! I appreciate you being a part of our SEA community. I thought it was time for you to share a bit about yourselves! I remember when we met in 2020, you were doing websites and proofreading/copywriting if I recall correctly.
Gideon: That’s right. Our work has evolved since then, but those were our main services at the time.
Marta: Who are The Werks, and what’s your story?
Dominique: The Werks started about 15 years ago when Gideon and I met at an international youth event in Germany. We worked together on several projects and eventually got married. I moved to the Netherlands to join Gideon, where we lived for eight years and had two of our three children. In 2020, we relocated to Austria, and that's when we decided to start The Werks.
Gideon: Our idea was to combine our skills—web design and content/ copywriting—to help small businesses and non-profits. We offer comprehensive services including website building, content writing, SEO, social media support, and newsletters. We get to know our clients well and align our services to their needs.
Marta: What motivated you to form the company and transition from traditional employment to self-employment?
Gideon: It was about flexibility and the desire to do something new. In the Netherlands, I had been working full-time in youth work for 15 years. When we moved to Austria, we saw an opportunity to start our own business. The flexibility of self-employment also allowed us to balance our work and family life better.
Marta: What’s the mission behind The Werks?
Dominique: Our mission is to help people succeed by enabling them to focus on what they do best. We want to empower our clients, help them show up online with confidence, and ensure they are seen and heard.
Gideon: We are passionate about helping people and supporting them in doing what they love. It’s motivating to see others succeed and know we played a part in that. We aim to make sure our clients' voices are heard through their websites and content.
Marta: What strategies do you use to ensure your clients' websites effectively represent their brand and goals?
Gideon: We start by thoroughly understanding our client's needs and goals. We use storytelling techniques to create content that resonates with their target audience. Our goal is to align the website design and content with the client's brand identity.
Marta: What challenges did you face when starting your business, particularly in a new country like Austria?
Dominique: The language barrier was a significant challenge. Understanding and navigating the legal and tax systems was also tough. Joining networks like Self-Employed Austria was very helpful. We found support through various community groups and online forums, which provided valuable information and connections.
Marta: How do you balance the roles of being business partners and spouses?
Gideon: It’s about clear communication and setting boundaries. We respect each other’s strengths and roles within the business. Having separate workspaces and taking time for ourselves also helps maintain a healthy balance.
Marta: What advice would you give to someone considering self-employment for the first time, especially in the digital marketing industry?
Dominique: Join communities, both online and offline. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and seek advice. Be prepared to invest in your business, whether it's in tools, courses, or professional services. And most importantly, remember that it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
Marta: Can you share some tips for small businesses or freelancers just starting to establish their online presence?
Gideon: Focus on creating a strong, clear brand identity. Whether you choose to do it yourself or work with a professional - take the time to invest in your website and content that looks and sounds like you. Make use of social media to connect with your audience and join relevant communities to expand your network and get to know others.
Marta: How do you stay updated on the latest trends and technologies in website development and content marketing?
Dominique: We read industry blogs, attend webinars, and participate in online courses. We also follow thought leaders and join professional communities where we can share knowledge and learn from others.
Marta: What role does self-care play in your life as a self-employed person, and how do you prioritize it?
Gideon: Self-care is crucial but can be really hard to prioritise when you are self-employed. For us, spending quality time with our children, taking breaks, and trying not to overwork are all important for our well-being.
Marta: Thank you so much for sharing your story and insights. It’s been inspiring to learn about your journey and how you’ve built The Werks. I’m sure our readers will find it valuable as well.
Dominique: Thank you, Marta. We enjoyed chatting with you today and hope our story might inspire others on their own self-employed journey!
Gideon: Yes, thank you. We’re glad to be part of this community and look forward to future collaborations.
For more information, visit The Werks on Instagram @WeAreTheWerks check out their website at thewerks.nl, or connect with Dominique or Gideon on LinkedIn!
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