This will be a rare occurrence.
But, I'm going to try and ask a serious question.

So, here goes..

Those who know me, or know even a lil of me.

Know that I have several.. artsy admirations.

One. Poetry. I mean, come on, if you've even glanced at the Creative Arts thread.. my name is all over it.

Two. This is lesser known, maybe, but I love making websites.

I won't go into the rest, cause they are irrelevant to my question.

Now here's my question.

People love, or at best, prefer the hiring of people with 'proven' experience for almost any tedious task that they may not have the knowledge to complete or lack the time to complete said project.

For example: If you want an alarm system installed, would you call a random company listed in the phone book? No, more often than not we are pre-determined to pick someone that has a credible history of serving the community.

Now while the example is a bit extreme for what I'm going to ask, I hope you can work with me here.

See, I want, as a side-job, to develop and work on websites. I'd actually love to do it.

However, here in lies my problem.

Outside of making my own personal websites, I've never gotten the chance to make a website for another's business, company, or even a personal usage site. So, therefore, outside of my own website, I don't have a wide-array of examples to show off my 'talent' or maybe in some minds, 'lack there of'.

So, in a world where it seems 'nobody hires a nobody'; anyone know how I can change that? Help make myself more properly known?

I mean, I could probably find some friends or whatever who'd let me make a site for them; but ultimately, I'm not sure if they'd maintain it long enough for me to use it as a reference; nor would it actually hold much beneficial impact. However, I am still open to that idea.

Outside of that, though, anyone got some ideas?

I mean, I did graduate with a degree in Web Design; albeit, a minor, but still. I even made the website for the Website Design Club in college; but since then, it's been changed by the newer students and resembles nothing like what I once created from scratch.

So, anyone know what I could do or is anyone having or have had similar issues?

I would think that your own personal web site should be a great reference to show potential clients. But on the flip side I understand your point. You can not yet say, " I designed the web site for AT&T." ( just an example. ) My understanding is that finding clients is sort of like how you would approach an advertising agency client. Make up a rough design draft and present it to the client. Maybe you could aproach a local business ( like a flower shop ) and offer to do a web page mock up for them and if they like it set a lower price for the actual design for them being the first customer and spreading the word.

Unfortunately It's kind of hard to get your name out there, when you haven't done anything big. It took me years to get anyone to buy my clothes, because nobody knew who I was as a designer. The only real thing you can do is start out small. It's what I've done. Like Just said, use your own personal website as reference, also to start out it's usually best to charge a lesser amount than other people do, and you can work your way up from there. If you're willing to put in the time for less money in order to get more work.

I have a website hosting business that needs the website redesigned. Are you familiar with SEO and PHP?

I was just thinking, why not try to get in with a firm? Gain work exp. with a firm, then do your own thing.

I dabbled a bit with both.
But if given the chance, I'd easily read up more and study it further to fully hone my skills in either and/or both.

..but I doubt, like most businesses, you are seeking an apprentice who would learn as they go. Not getting any chances at all has truly limited my ability to develop some bad a** sites.

I mean, most awesome and professional sites these days pay for their own domain. Without extra income; I can't do that and can only show my abilities through free web hosts, like wix and webs.

I was trying to do something along that lines; seek a firm, or as Becca suggested a smaller business.

I had a Car Dealership reeled in, even starting drawing up a mock site..
..but when I went to show off my prideful work..
..he hired someone else with a barrage of previous work.

I was going to design DXP, my friend's bands website, but again, even he, a close friend, hired someone with great experience. I can't knock him for that, because the site came out decent.

I just can't seem to locate any viable businesses, upcoming or otherwise, that don't already have this aspect planned out. Wherein, lies my most major of issues.

I know what you could do specifically, but do not know if u are willing to do it. I do know that to consult in web site design it would be better to have actual industry experience (this is what my oldest son does for a living - that and net design)

so perhaps, not the fastest or easiest solution - but the most effective is to take the credentials you do have and use them to obtain industry employment (of any kind - anything at all related) that will thereby allow you to gain not only experience but develop contacts professionally that you pretty much have to have if you want to be a consultant

self employed consultants normally have years of industry experience.


it's possible you could just get lucky - but ^is the IRL way

..that's kinda the thing though.

I don't have any 'credential' per say.

My site, at the moment, whether it's awesome to look at or not; doesn't have that many views, nor does it 'roll' in any profits; being that it is just a non-profit site for poetry, writers, and artists.

So, my actual repertoire is the next thing to non-existent.

Maybe I need to configure a way to create a web-design resume?

Like, make a bunch of random sites that look nothing alike..
..and use them as examples of the things I can do?

You can get a free redirect such as .co.cc and get ad free hosting with 000webhost.com, no cost and you can show off your skills. As you gain clients, invest in a TLD, for less than $10 per year, stay on the free hosting plan.

000webhost.com?

Sweet. I'll have to check that out.

Thanks!

:)

Sounds like you need to gain confidence in your work. I've ruined many opportunities due to lack of confidence. If you truly have talent, don't worry about the lack of clients you have right now. We all have to start somewhere, and once you do enough work, people will start to hear about you and will be referred to you.

I could use a good talented hand with my website. I've also been thinking about finding a partner that does website design, to offer some sort of web design services or to do some kind of an exchange type deal where we referr each other clients.

yup, the best free host out there.

You can make templates and sell them, and give them away on sites like freelayouts.com, and even your own site, using PayPal as your payment processor.

Awesome!

I'd be interested.
Especially once I get the kinks worked out.
Get this webhost thing you were just talking about.
Forge up some templates and what not.

..but again, that'd be up to you.

I'm def. gonna look into this though.

So, seriously, thanks.

How to Start a Web Design Business Some good stuff in this article Sin....
Home >> Making Money >> Starting a Web Design Business


Starting a web design business is one of the most lucrative opportunities out there these days. There are so many people that want to create websites so the demands for your services are extremely high.
Before you get started with your own business, you'll need to create your own website first. Then you'll want to list your site with major directories like Yahoo and the Open Directory (www.dmoz.org). The Open Directory will get you an automatic Google listing.

Register Your Domain Name
Since you already know how to create and design sites you probably don't need a lecture in registering a domain name, etc. But read the next couple of paragraphs because it has some key tips on choosing the most appropriate domain name for your business.

I would suggest choosing a name with the keywords "web design" (or something related) in it. The reason being is that when other sites link to you, they'll likely use your domain name as the title of your site.

Popular search engines like Google look at the anchor text (the text inside the link) when ranking your site so if people are linking to you with your keyword-filled domain name, this may help boost your ranking.

Let's say you name your web design business "Top Notch Web Design", then you'd want to register the domain name "top-notch-web-design.com" or some name that includes your important keywords. So when people link to your site, "web design" will be in the link (anchor text).

Get Your Design Business Listed in Yahoo
If you own any type of business, you'll want to be listed in Yahoo. Not many people actually search the directory anymore, but it's important to get a link here because search engines like Google will rank you higher if they see you have a listing in this well-respected directory.

Since your site site is for business you'll have to pay the mandatory $299/yr fee to remain in the directory. I've personally found it worth it and I still receive a few hundred hits per month from this listing. But more importantly, it gives me a boost with Google.

Resell Domain Names and Web Hosting
Most web designers don't take advantage of this next opportunity. It can really be lucrative if you get a lot of business because the residual effects are tremendous.

Think about it...you will be designing websites for other people so you will probably be setting up their domain names and web hosting right? Well why not earn a commission for this?

You can join a reseller program where you can resell domain names for only a small price per year. Most reseller programs give you your own customizable website and you get to set the prices for domain names and web hosting. So you can control your profit margins.

You can choose which products you want to offer (domain names, hosting, traffic tools, etc.) and you can even customize the reseller site to mirror your main website.

I recommend The Ultimate Domain Reseller program. It's the one I use today and the profit potential is tremendous. Not to mention, it's super easy to setup.

They handle all the customer transactions, support, maintenance, etc. All you do is set your prices and make sure your customers order their domain names and web hosting through your personal reseller site.

So when people come to you to create and design their websites, you set them up through your site so you earn a commission on their domain names and web hosting.

The best part of it all is that since domain names and web hosting are both recurring fees, you'll keep getting paid month after month, year after year as long as your customers keep their sites.

As you can see, if you design a lot of websites for people, the money can really start adding up. So not only will you be earning money for your web design business, but you'll also earn recurring commissions for domain names and web hosting.

To join the reseller program, go to http://2createresell.hottestreseller.com.

I know of a place where there are groups of people, by field of interest,where to network: Linkedin.com

Contests, I think its an awesome way to get your name out there.
Don't know, currently, which ones are open. Do consider a Google to that.

Good luck to ya!

a resume of actual sites or contributions to actual sites is good but not as good as actual contacts & industry related employment.

it is not easy to take a hobby and turn it into a job

personally I think the development side is a little tedious (jmho)

but you do have some formal education credentials to use to your advantage. To take this from a hobby to a job that is your best ally. There are numerous people with degrees and experience - just keep doing what u are doing talking to people in or close to the industry. That is good. but ANY kind of related industry employment would be your best route.

web developers also do not start out doing the cool fancy stuff - trust m on this

that is actually a really good suggestion - I am on linked In too!

If you need help with anything, feel free to contact me. I've been messing with website since I was about 13. I did go through various computer classes in school ranging from typing to Cisco certification course, but what I know now is mainly self taught from experience. I do know of some very helpful places to go to for help though.

Yeah?

Well, web design was a minor course in my school.
Sucked, cause it really got me into it.

So, I definitely could use more insight and knowledge.
So, I'd love, and appreciate it, if you would send me some of that info.

Basically, I'm awesome when it comes to MS Expressions and program similar.

PHP and what not, we didn't do much with in school; so, the know-how I do have of that, is basically self taught and exploration in it.

I'd love to broaden my horizons as they say.

Definitely.

I totally forgot about checking out the linkedin crap.

Another great suggestion.

Thanks to everyone. :)