I have the same experience with small businesses, especially since I've given up on fighting bad design decisions by the client. I will tell them why I wouldn't

I have the same experience with small businesses, especially since I've given up on fighting bad design decisions by the client. I will tell them why I wouldn't do it this way, but the choice is ultimately theirs. A whole bunch of 'real' designers work for their portfolio, not the client. I just work hard to make and keep them happy and solve their problems with the least amount of friction. Happy clients have resulted in more referrals.