Does anyone own a successful web design / development business - im not talking super sucessful i mean making a living?
Only im having trouble finding a job and wondered how easy it would be to start offering my services to make money until i find a more stable job.
brady.k posted this at 04:42—22nd May 2007.
He has: 1,383 posts
Joined: Feb 2002
Well, it's a very competitive market. Everyone and their grandma (ok not really, but still...) does "webdesign" (even if it's using FrontPage), and tries to get paid for it.
I tried it for a bit, and it didn't work that well. It's tough to get clients, tougher to do exactly what they want when they want it, and even worse to build something that doesn't get used.
I would suggest finding a niche, and catering to it. Maybe some sort of startup that you have an idea for? Something like Digg is, in principle, very simple.
Kyle Brady, President, Intuitive Industries LLC.
http://www.int-ind.com
[EMAIL=brady.k@gmail.com]brady.k@gmail.com[/EMAIL] - [EMAIL=brady.kyle@int-ind.com]brady.kyle@int-ind.com[/EMAIL]
Megan posted this at 15:08—22nd May 2007.
She has: 10,066 posts
Joined: Jun 1999
You've sort of got two options here - do services for other businesses (usually local small business sites) or develop your own web properties in "Web 2.0" fashion. In the latter case you need ot have good ideas that can develop in to popular websites. In both cases you need to have good marketing skills.
In the first case (providing a service to small businesses) you don't even have to be a super-great web designer/developer IF you can market yourself well. It's all about networking.
About finding a job - don't overlook short-term or contract positions. Many people - myself included - found long-term work by starting out on a short-term contract. Jeevesbond found a decent, permanent job when he started as a temp doing tech support. He worked his way up from there. You could also try to contact some larger web design comapnies in your area and see if they do sub-contracting. I know some companies will sub-contract work to potential full time staff. If you do a really good job in a temporary or contract situation many companies will do what they can to keep you on full time.
Megan
My web design blog
benf posted this at 01:55—24th May 2007.
They have: 291 posts
Joined: Feb 2005
Ok thanks for the help. I do have some ideas, its just putting the effort in the right place that makes things happen and that is the problem.
timjpriebe posted this at 15:16—6th June 2007.
He has: 2,666 posts
Joined: Dec 2004
And don't forget you can combine the two options as well. I like to do the first, and squeeze in some of the second as well.
Tim
http://www.tandswebdesign.com
fastcart77 posted this at 02:02—11th June 2007.
They have: 1 posts
Joined: May 2007
The one weird thing about the design biz is the pricing. I've got a developer who does incredible work for $200/site. But, know people who charge $10K for less quality.
Never seen anything like it- pricing variation wise....
manlomaan posted this at 16:33—12th June 2007.
He has: 3 posts
Joined: Mar 2006
That's such a subjective opinion. I've handed in really awesome designs done by people who have worked with me and seen them shot down and changes by the customer; I've also seen really lousy design make clients go crazy.. "oh, that's just what I wanted!!":eek:
Manuel López A
WebMaster / IT Specialist
www.artepixel.cl
Michele78 posted this at 02:35—13th June 2007.
They have: 19 posts
Joined: May 2007
Its all in the eye of the beholder, what trips my fancy might not someone elses thats why I get annoyed when someone says thats ******. Who are you to say when your not the client type deal.
I think if a client has no issue paying the price its all fine and dandy.
Mainstream Design
WebHosting at its best
Designing is a vision from your soul.
bawebsites posted this at 23:11—2nd June 2007.
They have: 13 posts
Joined: Jun 2007
Yep, if you don't have crazy artistic skills or are some kind of master programmer, your best bet is to find a niche. Whatever the case realize your strengths and make the most of them.
-Dan
For Sale Websites | Online Affiliate Programs | Webmaster Tools
manlomaan posted this at 17:00—5th June 2007.
He has: 3 posts
Joined: Mar 2006
I've been in and out of the Web Design/Development world for the past 12 years. To be really honest, competition's always hard, but good, hard work and creating a client network is critical.
One of the things I've always missed is having a partner I can work with. Someone who shares my same passion for the internet and who is willing to assume the risks that are part of the business.
All in all, I think it's been a great experience working as a Webmaster / Web Developer / Web Designer, but being the boss, the accountant, the secretary, the janitor and the guy doin' the work is mostly overwhelming.
Manuel López A
WebMaster / IT Specialist
www.artepixel.cl