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wazaweb
Forums Member
Joined: 9 Jan 2008
Posts: 7
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#1 · Posted on 10 Jan 2008 23:54
Hi all,
this is my first post so its also an introduction as well.
My name is Warren, Im from Queensland Australia and I have been working from home part time as a web/graphics designer and I also have a few sites of my own that I promote affiliate programs and Adsense.
Ok. I was thinking about consentrating a lot more on web design and start my own business from home instead of charging peanuts for doing the odd site for friends and family . I was also thinking of selling hosting and domain names as well to combine the 2 making it easier for clients, I have been looking into reseller accounts for that, but I think I might be taking on a little to much to start off with.
I am interested in hearing anyones opinion that has had their own business either web design or hosting what ever really. And If anyone has some useful resources that may help me to start off.
Maybe some good and bad experiences that you guys have had so I know what I might be getting myself into..
thanks in advance, and have a good day/night.
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happywife
Joined: 14 Aug 2007
Posts: 1576
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#2 · Posted on 14 Jan 2008 19:04 · Edited by: happywife
Wazaweb,
Hello and welcome to the forum. I live in Queensland, too, up near Cairns. 
Wow, you are anxious to bite off a lot at one time. That is great if you know what you are doing. I am not that far advanced myself. Oh how I wish I was even a little bit knowledgeable about web design.
I love SBI because I don't have to know that stuff. It is possible to build a successful and profitable site without that knowledge.
But I can honestly admit that it is a bit of a hindrance for me, too. I've built my sites using their tools and templates, but I don't even know how to make an adjustment to the template. 
I'd love to be able to change the look of my chocolate site (get rid off the cake  ). I know it is "do-able" I've just been too timid and confused to tackle it. 
I'm also starting a third site this month, and I don't really want any of the prepared template options. So, you see, there is definitely a market for your web design idea. Of course, I'm probably not a good client (I'm a tad cheap). But I know plenty of people who will pay good money to have a quality design.
The question is, I suppose, do you really want to do this? If you do, then go for it. You said you know how to build sites (not just design them). Are your current sites successful? I mean do you generate targeted traffic? If not, you may want to learn a little bit more about getting targeted traffic to your site (SBI has that down to a science).
You mentioned hosting, etc. I certainly have no idea what is involved in that side of things. SBI does the hosting for my sites, too. Actually, they may be a good model for you to study and copy (in the best sense of the word, of course). They are based out of Canada, so you could become the Australian version, and corner the market over here.
It's a bit of a grandiose dream, I suspect, but Ken Evoy was able to tackle it. He is only human after all. Obviously, he has a humongous team working for him to keep it all going at this stage of the game, but he had to start somewhere.
Well, I do wish you the best of success. I'll pop over to your site to see what you have accomplished so far.
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getagrip
Joined: 20 Feb 2006
Posts: 2087
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#3 · Posted on 14 Jan 2008 20:09
Why not sell your websites templates on eBay and promote web hosting affiliate programs to those who purchase the templates?
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A8ch
Joined: 24 Jun 2005
Posts: 947
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#4 · Posted on 14 Jan 2008 21:22
Warren,
Here's a book that might be useful. It's titled How to Start a Home-Based Web Design Business, by Jim Smith (ISBN 0-7627-2789-6 published by The Globe Pequot Press). Jim is a successful home-based web designer and trainer who shares his experiences and advice on every aspect of running a web design business from home.
He covers subjects such as: finding customers, soliciting referrals, setting rates and services, marketing the business, hiring employees or subcontractors, writing contracts and getting paid. It retails in the US for under $20 and is a very informative and easy read.
You'll get a clear overview of what's involved in settiing up and managing this type of business.
I design my own sites as well, and occasionally for friends (for a discounted fee of course), but I don't advertise my services since web design is not my main interest. You can check out my handiwork via the links in my sig fle.
Hermas
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sky2k8
Forums Member
Joined: 15 Jan 2008
Posts: 3
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#5 · Posted on 15 Jan 2008 09:46
Hello guys and gals. If your serious about getting into the market of selling website designs.
you need to know the following.
1. you must find cheap ways of advertising.
2. you must have quality work and know what your doing when making websites.
3. not be afraid to be in contact with customers.
4. its a daily thing to answer your customers concerns.
5. it start off slow, But with proper techniques you can prevail.
6. find a Good merchant account get one from your bank! not paypal nor clicknbuy type websites.
7.self promote in your arrea.
8. offer better rates and goodies for your customers.
Since I cannot self promote. you can pm me, im new here as i was searching for something else.
The fastest way to get alot of customers is If you know people that need websites then, buy a reseller account, then you can create thier account for your customers and get a return on your investment. the average webhosting company charges $4.65 a monthly which most customers for the whole year. if you purchase a reseller account $12.49a month/ or 149.95 yearly and only sell 3 accounts you get free webhosting and have recieved your initial investment back.
Well I could go -on and I probably should make a video,but you can profit from getting a hosting reseller account rather than just buying a regular domain and selling your work.
Again if your interested pm' me and i can give you information if you want it.
Mods we have tried to help and are legit and if you have any questions please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
we are checking the box also to get updates by email.
Thank you.
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A8ch
Joined: 24 Jun 2005
Posts: 947
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#6 · Posted on 15 Jan 2008 14:48
Warren,
You can also go here http://eBizInfoCenter.com/ebooks/webmaster_business.pdf and download a free ebook (61 pages) about how to set up a Web Design Home Business.
Cheers!
Hermas
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xeonkar007
Forums Member
Joined: 24 Dec 2007
Posts: 67
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#7 · Posted on 22 Jan 2008 21:49
you need to have a web design Business , and set up your own store .... you may use freelancer to set up your site if you don't have the technical knowledge.
NOW is the Important part, try having Joint Venture (JV ) with Web Hosting and Web Services Companies, and offer them a 50-75% commission,
this will help you get a foot hold in the market,
there are many Internet Marketing training Sites, with which you can have a JV with.
Another BIG Secret is try giving away some Free Web design templates, to different Web hosting and Blog Hosting and also distribute it freely on the internet, if people liek your desing they will buy from you more and more...
Submit some of your COOL templates to Wordpress and any other bloggin and website hosting company like freewebs.com , let your design spread , remember to have a footer which shows your site on it...
thats it for now,... apply it and your business will boom
take care
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