Oh no not another web techie!

[Vertigo_Web_Design]

I started my own web design and development company about a year ago. It's been an interesting experience with plenty of ups and downs. Were based in Manchester, generally nothing can really prepare you for being self-employed as I'm sure many will testify too. My market is very saturated so it's been hard to get clients to invest in a new company like mine but I'm very happy with what we've managed to do so far.

Regards

Tim

[NicolaSmout]

Hi Tim

Nice to hear your background. A bit worrying to hear you say that the market is saturated what type of company do you target? do you specialise in any one area?

Nicola

[Vertigo_Web_Design]

By saturated I mean you have your designers your programmers your marketers all offering a different kind of website. I find most potential clients are lost and the first thing i need to do is sit them down and explain it all. It's hard for a newbie like me. People who want websites generally haven't a clue about either what they want or web design and quite often I hear that they prefer a more established company before they even see my work.

My background is basically php / mysql, with an added emphais on marketing particularly SEO. I'm naturally suited to larger businesses who want more of the marketing and consultancy side of things and actually want their website to do something rather than those who just want the cheapest job, because of the stage I'm not in a position to turn down small six page cheap jobs even though I would like to.

[Will]

Hi Tim and welcome to the forum!

I'd certainly agree that there isn't a shortage of web designers/developers in the north west although having that all important unique selling point is always going to help you stand out from the crowd.

Having good contacts can also help to be a fantastic catalyst.

By the way, folks, a small business meet-up is being set up for November (http://www.businessmix.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=758) and you're more than welcome to come along. It costs nothing and you get to meet other small businesses.