Advice for starting a website building company

Hi All,

I'm a newbie here, but not to programming.
mostly perl,php,mysql,html,linux,shell.

Anyway I want to branch out on my own
or maybe partner w/someone.

Any ideas on the best software to use,
webhosts, where to find jobs?

btw,
cool site.

Which software are you referring to? Control panels?

Exactly what are you looking for? All you need is your computer to create websites for people. If you want to host websites for people, you'll need to find a host that is capable of handling whatever they're going to use the website for.

1. you need catchy domain name, something short and easy to remember/associate.
2. webhosts, pick one but after carefull review. If they require paying more but provide qulity go for it. You might be paying $5-$10 more than the others but in the long run, peace of mind is what matters. For example, my servers are up almost 200 days and I never had a problem with anything. I believe that's worth paying and extra 'large-pizza-price' a month.
3. Sales this boils down to advertising, you can either:
a) go very cheap and try competing online
b) put your own price for your own level of quality and try selling to local businesses / supporting them.

'b' pays more in my opinion

4. Software: Dreamweaver, Firefox, Photoshop, Flash, <any control panel>

5. be sure to provide quick support, this is VERY important.


Good luck!

For purchasing domains, I would recommend http://www.RegisterFly.com and http://www.GoDaddy.com . For hosting, I use PCE Productions (http://www.PCEProductions.com). You can speak to the staff live.

Don't forget SEO (Search Engine Optimization) as well, a website design will affect SEO as well. Ultimately, when a website is done, you need to SEO to make it popular.


_________________
James Tan
Malaysia Manufacturer and Supplier List

If you are from Europe you should also check http://www.a3web.sk (Slovakia). I know that company from my country maybe doesnt look trustworthy but I have very good experience with them. They servers are fast and support all scripting etc...
They have also great support (mail, icq, phone) with knowledge of english language

Now back to topic. If you are not a designer u better find one, maybe only for external working. Or you can find some at freelancers websites. I recommend to learn (if you dont know them already) today's opensource systems like oscommerce, mambo, phpBB...
Jobs - depends if you want to rely on local clients. Some stuff like flyers and small advertisements should bring some "I wanna website" like customers at the beginning...
Software - there is a lot of great freeware now. You dont need to stick with "professional" tools like Dreamweaver, wasted money...

.... and dont remember all is word of mouth ...

RUM

You need to know the marketing strategies. Im referring to SEO strategies to make your website popular , like link partners, articles, blogs etc...


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U Printing: A Los Angeles Printing Company-offers complete quality printing services

i think your query for finding work is not yet solved
well try searching for 'freelancing' on GOOGLE and u may find loads of work
to do if have the right skills.

best luck!

HOSTING
When you are going to offer hosting, see whether you can host multiple or maximum domains n the space provided.
most of the small websites developed require only from 25-50 MB of webspace with database support.
Do not purchase a huge pack like what godaddy offers for a single website. I am not against Godaddy. .
If possible get a reseller account.
Dont go in for cheap hosting.

Domain Names
For domains like .com - use Namecheap, Domainsite or Netfirms.
Netfirms provides cheapest domains. Domainsite offers 1.99 $ .info domains.

Softwares
Try using open source softwares when you dont have legal copies

You can use GIMP - alternative to photoshop, Blender3d- alternative to 3D MAX.
Also try Inkscape.


I am sorry i am not able to give you the correct urls. Try searching for the specific words and youll land on the correct page