Re: FN-FORUM: New to Web Design

date posted 14th August 2005 18:54

Angie wrote:
> I set up as a self-employed web designer/developer few months ago after a
> HND in computing. Finding it hard to get work though. Have done about 6
> sites in total html css, php mysql completely dried up now. Is this norm=
al
> when you are first starting out - or should I think about getting a job.

Hi Angie

Six sites in your first few months is not bad going. You will find
that the work comes in fits and starts though. This is probably the
biggest issue for anyone going solo in this business - you can be
swamped with way too much work one month, and be scared stupid at the
apparent lack of any work the next three.

It's a massively competitive marketplace, though, and you will need
some kind of an edge over your competitors to make it. None of us can
compete cost-for-cost with the growing number of russian and third
world "web development" sweatshops that are springing up, so your
selling point needs to be something else. If you;ve only just come out
of an HND then experience isn't an option you can sell, which could be
a pretty big problem. Most local clients want to know that you
understand your business and theirs, and that comes down to more than
technical training.

Long and short, if you need/want a steady income at the moment, then
get a job and get some commercial experience under your belt. If you
have enough to live on, or don't need to earn an income, for a year or
so, then I'd suggest finding an area of business that you have a
connection with and target that. Don't bother with mailshots or
advertising, they generally don't work. Get out there and network!
Talk to people, help people out and offer good advice for free. Maybe
see if you can run free workshops at your local library, job centre,
or business link for people starting up in business. It takes time to
build a business, and this business is no quicker in that regard than
any other.

Good luck with it.

Adam