Hi GZ, New and looking for ideas

Forums › Introductions › Hi GZ, New and looking for ideas

RD86

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#191591 9-Feb-2016 19:49

Hey guys,

My names Rob and have been wanting to join for some time.

I am looking for tips and advice on starting up my own website design company.

If there are any people already running this type of business I would love to talk to you.

I am not looking at taking on the big companies.

Just creating basic pages and am wondering if best to use wordpress and find a host or use a web builder page like weebly.com.

Looking forward to discussing this with people in the know.

Cheers guys,

Rob

PeterReader

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#1488305 9-Feb-2016 19:49

Welcome to Geekzone!

I am PeterReader, the Geekzone Robot. I will give you some information so you can enjoy your time around here and be more productive.

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freitasm

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#1488306 9-Feb-2016 19:49

Welcome to Geekzone!

PeerCover

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#1488426 9-Feb-2016 22:13

Hi Rob,

I use weebly. I've found it is simple to use and there are adequate templates to do what I want. The biggest issue is their server doesn't come with a database option which means heavy limitations e.g. your limited to Facebook html plugins so linking to facebook is simple at best, even applying filters to a table require a bunch of work around. I've also heard, it is not straight forward to migrate from weebly to another provider.

From what I've heard wordpress has a lot more templates and add-ins (both free & paid). As you can choose a server, you can get database functionality and probably have more coding options (sql etc). So more powerful but more complex.

I think you would probably want both these options in your pocket. If the client wants something very simple/the option to dabble then weebly. If they want/you more font/template/functionality options then wordpress.

Hope that helps,

sdavisnz

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#1488462 9-Feb-2016 23:08

Have you looked at squarespace.com

Very popular Gui builder with advanced code options in the menus.

Voice gives context

timmmay

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#1488523 10-Feb-2016 07:06

I do a bit of this as a side thing. Not so much design and hosting, more fixing problems and fixing messes made by people with no experience.

Do you want to design, or do you want to offer hosting? Hosting for people who only want a basic website probably means little IT experience from them, so it could be very time consuming. I wouldn't be offering hosting if I was you, but if you did I'd suggest you get a supported VPS in New Zealand, use EasyEngine to set up Nginx/Wordpress, and run sites on that.

Dynamic

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#1488536 10-Feb-2016 08:35

Backups backups backups. If you create something, back it up.

We've been asked to assist clients restore a web site that may need attention due to a hack, server failure, or company going out of business. The client typically had no idea there was the need to back up a web site. Small web design companies come and go (broke or the designer takes up other employment) so the original designer may not be contactable, and if they are there is often enough not a backup available.

Perhaps in your 'client engagement letter' (strongly recommended to 'set the tone' for the relationship and lay out things like payment terms including how much up front before you get started) you specify how long you will keep a backup of the web site or whether as a part of the production cycle you will create a backup and send it to the client on CD or similar.

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Referral links to services I use, really like, and may be rewarded if you sign up:
PocketSmith for budgeting and personal finance management. A great Kiwi company.

jevvv

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#1490688 11-Feb-2016 18:08

Hi Rob, and welcome.
I don't have any advice on site building, but hang around and keep reading. Also check out other threads :)

<- don't ask me where I am - I haven't a clue: its a tech thing ;)
Housewife computerer: not particularly great at either.
And don't take me too seriously.