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Web Design Business

Posted: Tue Feb 27, 2007 11:43 pm
by alex.barylski
Not sure if this is more appropriate for Enterprise or not, but I'll try and keep it general.

Like many of you, I wish to start a web company (design, development, hosting, etc).

My target markets are small business, so I don't plan on doing much on the development side of things, but basic design and XHTML should be quite common.

In crafting something of a presentation, what kind of handouts, etc should I look to make?

For instance I have the following breif pages:
1) What is a web site
2) What is web accessibility
3) What is the process: market research, design, development (xhtml/php, etc), hosting, advertising/promotion

What am I missing?

Can you think of anything else tech-laymen might or might *not* be interested in? What can I add to the bunch?

p.s-I'm not looking to buy SitePoint web design kit (well I am, but not looking for opinions on it right now)

Cheers :)

Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2007 2:13 am
by CoderGoblin
The things which immediately spring to mind...

1) Getting your web site found (search engines etc). Although this could be in advertising/promotion I would suggest having it separate as there are people who "specialize (and I use the word loosely :wink:) " in this and you would want to avoid having someone who wants to exploit your your client making this an issue.
2) Why you...

Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2007 2:42 am
by daedalus__
You have to convince them that they need a website. The bean-counter at my company likes numbers while the President likes pretty pictures and powerful words.

Re: Web Design Business

Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2007 3:52 am
by onion2k
Hockey wrote:p.s-I'm not looking to buy SitePoint web design kit (well I am, but not looking for opinions on it right now)
You posted this on SitePoint and just cut'n'pasted it over here, didn't you? :lol:

Anyway, you're missing:

Why do you need a website?
What can a website do?
Why do customers expect a company to have a website?
What do both existing and potential customers expect to see on a website?
What can you offer that the competition can't?

Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2007 8:48 am
by Kieran Huggins
Do yourself a favour and don't sell too hard to clients - those ones just aren't worth the time. Instead, maybe try connecting with local design firms - sell them on a "hassle-free experience".

Tell them anything is possible (it's only a matter of time and money) and you'll be happy to explain what their options are. Design firms and web shops are typically at odds, so you'll probably be able to make big inroads there.

Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2007 10:17 am
by Luke
I'm with Kieran (there seems to be a pattern here :twisted: ). The best way to drum up business is to network in your community and meet potential clients through social events such as your chamber of commerce or a similar organization.

Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2007 11:51 am
by daedalus__
Word of mouth is the only way to go when you are first starting. Also, I agree with Kieran. Do not hassle with tough-sells.

Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2007 7:55 am
by Kieran Huggins
Well aren't I Mr Popular! I should run for class president... :-)

@hockey: Is there a local BarCamp where you are? If not, start one (http://barcamp.org) - the quality of people you meet at BarCamp events is extremely high, and that's the best networking you could ever hope for.

The TorCamp (Toronto BarCamp) community is extremely active - if you need some pointers getting started get in touch.