Online Business Web Design

Business Idea Center:
Web Design

Business Overview

If you're in business today, a website is as important as an ad in

the Yellow Pages. With a Web presence, you've got access to

millions of potential customers around the world--it's like rolling

out a major advertising supplement, marketing brochure and mail

order catalog in one easily updated package. And all without printing,

postage or phone costs! The problem is that for most people,

designing a website is on a par with building your own TV set--a

major mystery best left unexplored. But if you can unlock the secrets

of HTML and you've got a flair for graphics and copywriting, then

Website design could be the business for you. The advantages to

this business are that it's creative, you can start part-time on a minimal

budget, and even if you don't already know HTML, it's not difficult to

learn once you set your mind to it. And you can deal with clients in any

geographic region without leaving your computer. You should have a

good rapport with your computer and have mastered the basic skills to

get around in cyberspace. You'll also need a talent for graphics and

copywriting because your goal for each client will be not only to get the

website up and running but to design one that's easy to navigate through,

visually appealing, and clearly yet cleverly worded. Get started by

designing a few sample sites to showcase your talents,

and be sure to mix up your sample work to include e-commerce,

information portal, and so on.

The Market

Your clients will be businesses--you can target everything from SOHOs

to nonprofit organizations to professional associations to government

agencies. Choose a geographic or specialty area to start with--say,

small businesses in your community or real estate agencies--then

send direct-mail pieces explaining the values of a website and your

services. Put up your own website both to attract business and to

serve as a sample of your work, and establish links with other internet

sites so potential clients can find you through as many paths

as possible.

Needed Equipment

As a Website designer, your most important tool will be, of course,

your computer; make sure yours has a fast internet connection.

You'll also need a scanner (inexpensive is OK), Web page creation

software, and a graphic design package. If your Web page software

doesn't have the oomph to upload files to the internet service provider,

you'll want a program to carry out this task.

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