When doing web design for a person/business do you just do design, or do you set it up for them?
July 20, 2010 by
Filed under web design
I am starting a web design business and I am not sure. I just want to design, I don’t want to do any webmastering for anyone. I just want to sell a design. Is this what most web designers do? Or do they also set it up and get it online and running for them?
You can do anything you would like. Most freelance designers work as gigs that last until the project is over. Some designers like to maintain their clients and provide hosting and web master. If I were you I would recommend becoming a freelance designer until you have a solid portfolio then go more to the business aspect of it. It’s all about what the client wants and you can say you will provide. I sell my designs and advertise with my clients then if they need updates I charge. I usually make sure my clients have their own hosting and make sure to have them sign a contract which lets everyone know the exact description of the project.
Honestly though web design is very over saturated. If I were you I would find more of a niche market or work with a team of designers for backend and front end.
http://offthegroundweb.com/
I agree with Jay above, there are far too many “just designers” already. Your best bet is to find a specialty and work for a company that uses you for just that. To be a generalist and make decent money now you need to know at least a dozen languages and be fluent with Flash and AS3 just to cover your bases.
http://www.imperfect-design.com
It depends who your target audience is. Companies that are established will only want designs, then they’ll have their team of developers build it. Companies or small stores that don’t have that will want you to do the whole thing.
So if you’re just getting going then you’ll most likely be able too get more clients who are small. So it would be beneficial to you to do the whole thing. Once you’re established and have a celebrated portfolio, then you can pick and choose.
Getting the site online and running for companies also has the advantage that you can charge a monthly fee to keep it online.