How to Start a Web Design Company

Ever dream of working from home on your own time and by your own terms? Doing Web design work is a profitable career that's in high demand. As an even better incentive, there's little overhead with not many start up costs. Here's how to start your own Web design company.

Things You'll Need

• Internet connection
• Computer

Instructions

1. Set up your business. Before you can start designing websites, you need to get the right equipment for your company. Things you'll need include a computer, Internet connection, and some Web design software like PageMaker.

2. Market your company. You can't do business unless people know you're doing business. Get your company's name out there by using such cheap marketing techniques as self-made business cards, fliers in coffee shops, sending fliers to potential customers and making direct phone calls.

3. Create a portfolio. When you first start, your clients will be small and often low-paying. Use these jobs as a means of building your portfolio. Create your own website and put your design examples online. When you have a good portfolio, you can start pursuing bigger and higher paying clients.

4. Find work. Another way to start getting work is to find freelance contracted work. Sites like iFreelance and Craigslist are excellent sources to find and bid on website design projects. Make sure when you make a bid on a project that you're not selling yourself short and that you'll be able to turn a profit.

Tips & Warnings

• Talk to your attorney about whether you should incorporate your Web design business.

• Talk to your accountant about tax consequences, especially if you plan on hiring employees.

• Never start a project until all the terms of the project, including payment, are put into writing.

• Never quote a project until you have had an opportunity to sit down with the client and discuss their needs and ideas.