Web Design business noob questions

[kittykut]

Hello bhw,
i am wanting to start a business in web design and i have a few questions on how the proccess works.

1, How does your client recieve the website after it has been built? what if they aren't tech savy with web hosting? when i can afford it i will start hosting for clients myself.

2, what actual skills do i need? i know basic/intermediate html css, and javascript, but what about wordpress.

thank you for any help,
kittykut

 

[june007]

1. If they know nothing about hosting then you provide hosting for them and take more money and they need your service for ethernal.

2.You need html,css and javascript is okay but you need php for pretty sure . Wordpress is php anyway.

 

[Zwielicht]

1. You can offer them your own web hosting service if you have one or you can set them up on a more common web host and provide them with any and all login credentials. If you do the latter, charge them for the web hosting and domain fees so that they can pay them.

2. Believe it or not, you can get by with only knowing how to set up a basic WordPress website, although if you want to serve more clients, this won't be enough. There are people out there who will pay for this type of service. I personally don't do this, but if I remember correctly, BreaknBrix or another member (I can't find the exact post) also mentioned successfully doing this when they first started. http://www.blackhatworld.com/blackh...ything-fire-breathing-dragon.html#post7183366

The other option is to what I do and create child themes based on free and premium themes, although this will require you to know more about HTML, CSS, and PHP.

The more advanced option is to offer completely custom websites using a framework or just build it from the ground up.

 

[kittykut]

Thank you very much for the detailed explanation!
where is the best place to find clients for a beginner?
im worried about looking like a non-professional

 

[sleepingbear]

... well there are different ways to your goal.

cold call
google syntax for finding old sites
google local

just search a little around this forum, a lot of good people share alot of knowledge.

 

[june007]

You better find customer from your local man and explain to them that their website not attractive or old bra bra(Provide good reason why they need website or change). And sign the contract.

 

[Zwielicht]

You better find customer from your local man and explain to them that their website not attractive or old bra bra(Provide good reason why they need website or change). And sign the contract.

Yep, that's the easiest way. Go on Google Local and find people who have shoddy websites. Send them an email or call them and explain how their website reflects their brand and their business, set a contract up (I have some here: http://www.blackhatworld.com/blackh...tracts-right-now-free-contracts-included.html), and get started on their website.

You can also advertise your services on a classified site, although prepare for cheap and stubborn clients if you do this.

All of us start somewhere, but if you're really worried, offer charity websites (websites you give away to individuals and businesses for free) to start off with. Charity clients are less picky and you can build up a portfolio this way as well as gain some experience in the process.

 

[kittykut]

Thank you so much for the advice and free contracts are very helpful!
i guess ill try to start finding clients!