Dealing with Imposter Syndrome as a Website Designer
Imposter syndrome truly strikes all business owners at all levels, but how can we deal with it in our web design businesses?
If you’ve ever stared at your pricing page and thought, “Who the heck do I think I am to charge this much?”, or spent a little too long doom-scrolling through other designers’ Instagram feeds, convinced that everyone else has their life (and business) together, you’ve probably experienced imposter syndrome.
It’s that nagging voice that tells you you’re not good enough, or that everyone’s going to think you’re a fraud. But spoiler alert: you’re not alone…
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What Is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is the persistent feeling that you’re not as skilled, talented, or deserving as people think you are. It’s that little voice whispering: “You’re not a real designer. Any minute now, someone’s going to figure out you’ve been winging it this whole time.”
It’s particularly common among designers because:
You’re running a creative business (hello, subjective feedback).
You’re often working solo, so there’s no one to validate your decisions.
You’re often stepping outside your comfort zone, whether that’s raising your prices or learning new skills - basically anything to do with running a business can be scary!
But one thing I’ve learned over 10 years as a designer and meeting online business owners from all around the world, is that even the most successful biz owners experience imposter syndrome. Yes, even the six or seven figure business owners experience these same feelings, so sadly I can’t say that this feeling will disappear.
BUT there are things we can do to help how you deal with it…
What Can Trigger Imposter Syndrome?
There are lots of things that can set off your imposter syndrome mind trolls, but below are some of the CLASSICS that I’ve certainly found for myself…
When you’re pushing your comfort zone
Starting something new (like launching a YouTube channel, or raising your pricese) is the perfect breeding ground for self-doubt because you’re going into the unknown and there can be a lot of fear of judgement or rejection.When you’re comparing yourself to others
Whether it’s scrolling through Instagram, or spying on other designers’ websites (in the name of “market research”), comparison is a fast track to feeling inadequate, because it can feel like everyone else is ‘doing better’ than you.When you’re not aligned with your own goals
Sometimes imposter syndrome sneaks in when you accidentally find yourself chasing someone else’s dream. Maybe you saw a designer hit six figures and thought, “I need to do that too,” without really asking yourself why. If you’re pursuing goals that don’t align with your values or business vision, it’s no wonder you’re feeling off balance.
How To Deal With Imposter Syndrome
1. Get Clear on Your Own Goals and Values
Ask yourself:
Why did I start this business in the first place?
What kind of clients and projects actually light me up?
What version of success feels authentic to me?
Stop trying to mimic other designers or chase their goals. When you build your business around your values and your identity, you’ll naturally feel more confident—and magnetic to dream clients.
We deep dive into this inside my program - In Demand Designer® - as I truly believe your identity and personal brand is the important first step before building an audience with content marketing!
2. Reframe Negative Thoughts
Your brain is a bit of a drama queen, but we can fight back with positivity when it’s getting us down. When it tells you, “No one will pay me at this new rate,” reframe that thought:
“The right clients will see my value and happily invest in my expertise.”
“I’ve raised my prices before, and it worked out fine.”
Try journaling to catch and reframe those sneaky doubts. I’ve been doing this recently in my morning journalling habit; writing down my negative thoughts and worries worries, then flipping them into positive thoughts.
3. Keep a ‘Kind Words’ Collection
Create a folder or Trello board where you save every glowing testimonial, Instagram comment, or DM you’ve ever received. Whenever imposter syndrome strikes, revisit it to remind yourself of all the people who think you’re amazing.
Bonus tip: Add those kind words to a vision board or desktop wallpaper to keep the good vibes front and centre!
I share all my Trello board templates and how I’ve build my business, project and client management system all in Trello inside The Organised Designer’s Hub course.
4. Curate Your Social Media Feeds
If someone’s Instagram posts make you feel like sh*t (even unintentionally), it’s time to unfollow, mute, or block. Do it liberally! You can always unmute or refollow when you’re in a better headspace. Remember, you control your scrolling experience—make it a positive one.
5. Step Away and Gain Perspective
When imposter syndrome feels overwhelming, take a break. Go for a walk, hang out with friends, or dive into a creative hobby that has nothing to do with work. Remember, your business is just one part of your rich, multifaceted life, and sometimes getting that perspective again is all you need to knock self-doubt away.
If you’re lucky enough to live by the sea (shoutout to my fellow Cornwall peeps), a dip in the water can work wonders.
6. Embrace the Awkward First Steps
Everyone starts somewhere. Tom Holland didn’t land Spider-Man without a few awkward auditions. Beyoncé wasn’t built in a day. Cringe-worthy beginnings are part of the process! I personally love Erica Mallet’s ‘Cringe Mountain’ newsletter as a healthy reminder of this - stop beating yourself up for being a beginner, because everyone has to be a beginner.
Final Thoughts on Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome doesn’t discriminate. It’ll show up whether you’re just starting out or running a seven-figure business. But that is something to take comfort in as well… if everyone’s brain is telling them they’re not good enough, then ‘good enough’ must just be a made up state!
Let me know if you’ve ever experienced these feelings before and what’s helped you!
