Why my business model is gradually changing
As a self-employed web developer, I've seen some interesting trends in the past couple of years. One is that many, many more clients seem to be "shopping" for a web developer, requesting estimates from a number of us and then choosing the cheapest. This doesn't work well for me, since I find that an accurate estimate for a web site project - even a "small" one - takes me at least several hours to complete. My answer to this is to be a lot choosier as to who I'm willing to provide a free estimate for, these days.
Another trend is more interesting: I'm getting calls from programmers who have lots of back-end work for clients and consider themselves design-challenged. I love design, and I love designing with HTML and CSS, so these gigs may work out well.
As some of you know, I'm now also working as an off-site administrative assistant, doing a wide variety of work for my clients, all from my own location and on my own time. Maintaining web sites is still one of my main responsibilities, but I'm also handling some other promotion-related work, such as the production of podcasts and the maintenance of contact databases.
Another trend is more interesting: I'm getting calls from programmers who have lots of back-end work for clients and consider themselves design-challenged. I love design, and I love designing with HTML and CSS, so these gigs may work out well.
As some of you know, I'm now also working as an off-site administrative assistant, doing a wide variety of work for my clients, all from my own location and on my own time. Maintaining web sites is still one of my main responsibilities, but I'm also handling some other promotion-related work, such as the production of podcasts and the maintenance of contact databases.
posted by Patty Ayers at
9:14 AM
1 Comments:
Hi Friend,
I am just starting my web design business independently and I've just dealt with the shopper who asks for an estimate and then chose the cheapest. Since I'm brand new with only 2 sites under my belt, I'm still eating some dirt - but I did win the bid for the "cheapest" on their list and got the job (and they still are trying to get me to lower the price, believe it or not). I was aggravated because it was slightly insulting that someone would insist to pay so cheaply for such hard work (but most don't understand the energy that goes into it), but the blame is on me for accepting such a client. But I'm willing to do what I need to do to build my portfolio for now. Bigger things lie in the future as my skills, knowledge and experience grows. :)
Thanks for your site, your blog and your wisdom. I just purchased your forms and can't wait to put them to great use, as I know they are invaluable, as experience is priceless.
Be blessed!
Katie Azar
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