if you’re better than the designer next door, why is it that they land more clients than you do?
The answer lies in awareness. Maybe their clients aren’t aware of any other options.
Also because setting up shop but not letting anyone walk through the doors does not help. This means creating your website but also sharing it to let people know you’re here.
If you want to be considered as a choice, you’ve got let other people know you’re available where they are.