Andy’s Blog

Outsourcing work for websites had never been something I had done, until recently.

Why? because I like to do everything myself, and to be honest I like to be in control.

In reality doing everything yourself may not always be practical or possible.

Say you had an excellent idea for a site but the main part involved a Flash application. Thats fine if you are familiar with Flash and can achieve what you need.

But if you’re not then you’ve got a lot of learning to do, theres the Graphics side of things, the action-scripting, sounds, security, testing. Thats a lot of learning and a lot of time.

Even if you have a little bit of knowledge chances are it will take quite a while to acheive the results you need.

Why bother? if its a one off project using a particular technology then Outsource it. You’ll save a lot of hair, time, and ultimately money.

While the works been done you could be setting up PPC campaigns ready, doing another site, creating content or relaxing down the pub.

Obviously outsourcing has its downfalls, your relying on someone else to get the job done, it might not be right etc.

You need to ensure that you explain fully what you need(after a non disclosure of course), the time-frame, and the budget, you then need to agree costs for extra works and possibly penalties or bonuses based on the deadlines, and if possible have any programing commented for when/if you do want to learn.

There are several sites available for hiring people for this sort of project, they all have some sort of buyer and seller protection, but the best thing in my opinion is to get recommendations from reliable sources. You all use forums, ask there, I did and found a diamond of a coder(I would mention names but i’d rather not as I don’t want him to be to busy for any future projects ).

So I am now happy to outsource some work it’s saving me time, stress and gives me time to concentrate on other projects.

As part of my webdesign services for small businesses I undertake the promotion of sites, SEO, Link building, banner advertising and PPC. 

At times you can put all your efforts into promoting a site and start traffic coming in, then the client will phone you and say “Client X didn’t even know we had a website”, and thats obviously my fault.

 So I’ve included here some of the things I recommend my clients, and all small businesses should:

• Ensure that all marketing materials have a website and email address as well as phone etc. give people the opportunity to contact you they way they want (within limits of course).
• If a potential customer requires further information, ask if they would like to receive it via email as well or instead of snail mail.
• Where possible have a “Quote this number for a…….” advert on PPC landing pages, particularly if sales aren’t completed online.
• Tell people that all up to date pricing/information is available on the website, and of course make sure that indeed up to date pricing and information are available on the website.
• Put a note or compliments slip in with orders or information packs etc. informing people of your sparkly website.
• When you email make sure the website details and emai details are present in the signature or similar.
• Make sure that the email you use is @yourcompanyname.co.uk using free email providers looks cheap and unprofessional.

and possibly one of the most important things, not just for your website but for any form of advertising.

• Where did you hear about our company?

Its suprising how many clients say “the website isn’t generating business” when there not even tracking where the business is coming from. I know we have stats etc. but if a products isn’t sold online and needs real world contact to complete sales, it can be hard to track.

If a company has invested time and/or money in  a website make sure you promote it to your current customers and contacts, if not having or them not knowing about your website makes them look at other companies then your loosing money, make sure you know where new customers are coming from, and as a result which advertising is working and make sure your site is up to date and working.

Long term profits or short term gain?

Just recently this has been a the forefront of my mind, i’ve had several groups contact me to work with them on some very interesting projects(those I took on I will report on when the time is right), some are offering a percentage in exchange for the developement, some are offering a fee plus a percentage, another is offering a fee or a percentage.

At first glance offering a percentage of profits instead of a fee for a build seems a bit of a raw deal, or shows a lack in faith in the product.

 This was my belief until I was approached by my new client. They are intelligent people, with a good plan, an excellent site idea, a realistic time scale, and an understanding of what they want me too do.

 They Offered both a fee for building the site and a percentage of profits. The Budget they had in mind was close to what I would have quoted so I took the project. As soon as there is something to see I will add a link here.

 But what if a client is offering a percentage only? this can be a raw deal, you need to ensure you trust the people your dealing with. Dont be afraid of getting a solicitor to look at the contracts(a good pratice to do anyway). Also you need to define what you will do for the percentage and in what time frames. Then also agree an increase based on any works outside of the origional contract you end up doing.

 Andy