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Posted: Sat Jan 07, 2006 1:16 pm Post subject: Starting a Web-Based Business
I think i have a pretty good internet-based business idea, problem is, I don't have any web design knowledge or experience at all.
I know how to start and run a traditional business but i have no idea where to start with web design. I realize it's a huge dilemma for the type of business I'd like to start but I'd like to give it a shot.
If anyone has any insight or guidance I'd appreciate the feedback. Should I hire a web-hosting company, ask a friend with a computer science degree for some help, or throw the idea out the window like so many others...?
Joined: Nov 01, 2005 Posts: 16 Location: Indianapolis
Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2006 3:37 pm Post subject:
Definately don't throw it out.
Research, Research, Research...Your local library usually carries great resources on web businesses.
Otherwise, consider outsourcing your web site development. Site are even available online already put together, you just purchase the template and update the content. Be sure to find a website that will meet your needs. If you idea is serviced based, make it easily navigable and provide opportunities for customer feedback. If it is product based, make sure that you have troubleshooting available to your customers.
Also, consider the how you are going to market or sell your product. Will the customer be purchasing online, or will they need to order via phone/email/or mail to purchase. Each of these variables require separate web needs.
But most of all...research,
Sincerely,
Matthew Quasebarth, Quasebarth Advantage Consulting _________________ Take the first step to maximizing your business potential. Our services provide a complete comprehensive analysis of your organization and your industry. We will focus your organization towards your number one goal...Success
Hire somebody to make the website for you. Depending on what your needs are, you can get some great websites for cheap with little to no work. But yes, research is definitely key. If you have any more specific questions, that would help.
Starting a web based business is so much easier in many ways. Go for it.
Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 9:00 am Post subject: Starting a web based biz
You could also try finding something that is "turn-key" meaning the initial lay-out, website etc is already done for you. Many turn-key businesses have excellent products and promotional tools available. The one I found is completed automated - the marketing, sales, website - everything - is done for you. THAT is a completely turn-key business! The nicest part about it is you're saving step after step and getting right to the money making part! _________________ Tammy
The first question you need to answer for yourself is "Exactly what do I need my website to do for me?".
Its easy enough to put up a website these days with the WYSIWYG editors most ISP's provide when you sign up, but those sites won't draw traffic or sales by themselves.
If you want a site that gets traffic, and has the chance of producing income you have - in my opinion - two choices. One is hire a professional. A profesionally designed e-commerce site will run you at least $700 on the low side. Like building a house, or buying a car, the price goes up from there depending on the trim, bells and whistles you add.
There are turn key sites, with proven track records and reasonably low price points available. I use one of the best. I chose this route because I didn't want to turn control of my business over to a web designer - but then - I'm the kind of guy who likes to know whats going on and why. If you choose to do it this way, you'll work long, learn a lot, save money and maintain control - BUT - it takes longer and requires some serious commitment on your part to learn Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Keyword Analysis, etc..
There is no way around spending either time, or money, or some combination of the two. Keep in mind its a business decision like any other. If the potential returns exceed the cost - go for it!
Good Luck!
Jess Huffman _________________ "It is our duty, as men and women, to behave as though limits to our ability do not exist." (Teilard de Chardin)
Don't throw out the idea of having a website. In today's electronic age, it's really almost a necessity. When I first decided to start a small business, I tried a couple of those web design templates. What a mistake. They say they're easy to use, but they're not. And even if you do go that route, you still have to write the copy for your site. Anyway, what happened was I decided to learn HTML and CSS (webpage computer languages) and built my own. Now I design sites for other small businesses.
Posted: Mon May 29, 2006 6:30 am Post subject: Re: Starting a Web-Based Business
DP4:
Often entrepreneurs are not familiar with how to exactly get started, the overall picture of how everything fits on the web.
You mentioned:
" Should I hire a web-hosting company, ask a friend with a computer science degree for some help, or throw the idea out the window like so many others...? "
Hire a web-hosting company?
You need a web-hosting company to host a website. There's no way around it. They'll probably charge you a monthly fee depending on what webprogramming languages you'll use, and if you plan to use a database(Access / MYSQL / Microsoft SQL).
What kind of web hosting company? Well that depends on what kind of website you need and what it is going to be programmed in.
Should you ask you're friend with CIS degree?
That depends is he/she is familiar with webprogramming languages - (ColdFusion, .NET, or PHP). If you plan on having an a Business then more then likely you'll require a database that can store user information such as their email address and name. So find out if you're friend is familiar with database design and development(RDBMS), SQL Query Language, which is often used to manage data stored in the database.
When interviewing potential webmasters ask them questions such:
Will the website be cross browser compatible?
How fast will the website load in a 56k modem?
Will it be SEO Optimized - Search Engine Optimized?(optional)
Posted: Wed May 31, 2006 9:59 pm Post subject: Re: Starting a Web-Based Business
Do not throw away any idea before being sure it is worthless.
The web is a bit particular and you should gather some expertise before diving in. If you are not a professional developer, you'll need to hire someone for sure.
Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 1:01 pm Post subject: Re: Starting a Web-Based Business
I suggest you do some research before you begin just to get a better idea of what you are venturing into. You can easily get someone to create a site for you or purchase a template which requires little work on your path.
Do you mind sharing what kind service or products you plan on selling?
Wishing you success!
Bisi _________________ The SoHo Cheerleader
Doses of motivation and support for new solopreneurs
Joined: Jun 01, 2006 Posts: 6 Location: Jacksonville, FL
Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 11:10 am Post subject: Re: Starting a Web-Based Business
I design websites myself, and I will back up what the others have said about doing your research! Decide what you need, and then you can figure out if you need a professional web designer, or if you need to go with one of the templates or online page generators.
Any reputable web designer should be more than willing to give you a consultation to determine what you need or don't need. _________________ Aaron M. Potts
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You could also try finding something that is "turn-key" meaning the initial lay-out, website etc is already done for you. Many turn-key businesses have excellent products and promotional tools available. The one I found is completed automated - the marketing, sales, website - everything - is done for you. THAT is a completely turn-key business! The nicest part about it is you're saving step after step and getting right to the money making part!
